Mechanisms underlying the wound healing potential of propolis based on its in vitro antioxidant activity

Abstract

Background: Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honeybees, Apis mellifera, from various plant sources. Having various pharmacological and biological activities, it has been used in folk medicine and complementary therapies since ancient times.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects and underlying mechanism of the protective effects of the ethanol extract of Chinese propolis (EECP) on L929 cells injured by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).

Study design: The wound healing activities of EECP in L929 cells with H₂O₂-induced damage were investigated.

Methods: The main components of EECP were analyzed by RP-HPLC, and the free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power were also measured. The effects of EECP on the expression of antioxidant-related genes in fibroblast L929 cells were determined using qRT-PCR and western blotting.

Results: EECP had significant protective effects against cell death induced by H₂O₂ and significantly inhibited the decline of collagen mRNA expression caused by H₂O₂ in L929 cells.

Conclusion: EECP induced the expression of antioxidant-related genes, such as HO-1, GCLM, and GCLC, which has great implications for the potential of propolis to alleviate oxidative stress in wound tissues. The protective effects of propolis have great implications for using propolis as a wound healing regent.

Keywords: Antioxidant activity; Fibroblast; Propolis; Wound healing.