A possible synergystic action of propolis associated to chemotherapeutic agents against canine osteosarcoma cells in vitro

• Grant number: 12/21158-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2013
• End date: February 28, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Ethnopharmacology
• Principal Investigator: José Maurício Sforcin
• Grantee: Pedro Negri Bernardino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IBB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is a mesenchymal neoplasm very common in dogs, with high rates of clinically diagnosed cases. Nevertheless, the prognosis is still classified from bad to reserved, whose treatment does not intend to cure, but to increase life expectancy through surgery (amputation or "limb-sparing"), with subsequent chemotherapy. Propolis is a bee product used not only by bees in the hive but also for its numerous properties and applications in Human and Veterinary Medicine. This product consists of several substances originating from plants, such as oils, balsams, pollen, as well as wax and secretions from bee glands. Propolis displays antibacterial, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antiviral, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities, among others. The literature has indicated its antitumor action in vitro and in vivo. Data from our laboratory revealed its efficient action in vitro against canine transmissible venereal tumor and carcinoma of the human larynx. In vivo, propolis increased the activity of natural killer cells and the activation state of macrophages, confirming its immunomodulatory and antitumor actions. Considering the positive history of propolis and the non-existence of a totally effective treatment against osteosarcoma, we decided to investigate a possible synergism between propolis and chemotherapeutic drugs clinically used to improve the treatment of this illness. In vitro assays will be carried out to assess the isolated action of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and carboplatin or propolis against canine osteosarcoma. The effect of the association between chemotherapeutic agents and propolis will also be analyzed, to compare these results with those obtained alone, assuming that propolis could potentiate the action of chemotherapeutic drugs and that this association would use lower concentrations of the drugs, lowering side effects.(AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BERNARDINO, PEDRO NEGRI; OLIVEIRA BERSANO, PAULO RICARDO; LIMA NETO, JOAO FERREIRA; SFORCIN, JOSE MAURICIO. Positive effects of antitumor drugs in combination with propolis on canine osteosarcoma cells (spOS-2) and mesenchymal stem cells. BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY, v. 104, p. 268-274, AUG 2018. (09/53493-9, 12/21158-9)