The inhibition of inflammasome by Brazilian propolis (EPP-AF®)

• Grant number: 13/03446-0
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: April 01, 2013
• End date: September 30, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology - Applied Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Grantee: Gustavo Henrique Goldman
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Propolis extracts have gained attention of consumers and researchers due to their unique chemical compositions and functional properties such as its anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, it was described a complex that is also important in inflammatory processes, named inflammasome. The inflammasomes are a large molecular platform formed in the cell cytosol in response to stress signals, toxins and microbial infections. Once activated, the inflammasome induces caspase-1, which in turn induces the processing of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1² and IL-18. So, to understand about inflammasomes regulation becomes crucial to treat several disorders including auto-inflammatory diseases. Since green propolis extracts is able to regulate inflammatory pathways, this work purpose was investigating if this extract could also act on inflammasomes regulation. First, the extract was characterized and it demonstrated the presence of important compounds, especially Artepillin C. This extract was effective in reducing the IL-1² secretion in mouse macrophages and this reduction was correlated with a decrease in activation of the protease caspase-1. Furthermore, we found that the extract at concentration of 30 ¼g/mL was not toxic to the cells even after 18 hours treatment. Altogether, these data indicate that Brazilian green propolis (EPP-AF®) extract has a role in regulating the inflammasomes. (AU)