Effect of a brazilian green propolis extract on DNA damage induced by amphotericin b and miltefosine in vitro.

• Grant number: 25/01404-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Parasitology - Protozoology of Parasites
• Principal Investigator: Lizandra Guidi Magalhães
• Grantee: Mariana Zaramello da Paixão
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Adjunta de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN). Franca , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is caused by various species of protozoa from the Leishmania genus, order Kinetoplastida, and family Trypanosomatidae. It can be classified as a complex of infectious diseases, predominantly found in tropical regions. Furthermore, leishmaniasis is an integral part of the group of 20 neglected tropical diseases, whose main characteristics are associated with poverty and primarily affect developing countries. The main medications used in the treatment of leishmaniasis include pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B (ANFB) and its liposomal formulation, as well as miltefosine (MIL). Although effective, these drugs can cause adverse effects. Moreover, studies suggest that these drugs may induce oxidative stress in DNA molecules, presenting mutagenic and genotoxic potential. In this context, Brazilian green propolis (PVdB), a resinous bee product composed of a mixture of plant exudates, wax, pollen, saliva, and bee enzymes, stands out for its broad range of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimutagenic effects. Given the scarcity of studies on DNA damage in vitro caused by ANFB and MIL, whose side effects include oxidative stress with potential genotoxic and mutagenic impacts on cells and organisms affected by leishmaniasis, this study aims to investigate in vitro the genomic instability caused by these drugs and evaluate the potential protective effect of a standardized extract of Brazilian green propolis, rich in phenolic substances (EPPVdB). This extract, recognized for its antioxidant properties, may play a significant role in protecting genomic stability and help mitigate the side effects associated with leishmaniasis treatment. (AU)