Cinnamic Acid Is Partially Involved in Propolis Immunomodulatory Action on Human Monocytes

Author(s)

Conti, Bruno Jose ; Bufalo, Michelle Cristiane ; Golim, Marjorie de Assis ; Bankova, Vassya ; Sforcin, Jose Mauricio

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine; v. 2013, p. 7-pg., 2013-01-01.

Abstract

Propolis is a beehive product used in traditional medicine due to its biological properties. It shows a complex chemical composition including phenolics, such as cinnamic acid (Ci). The mechanisms of action of propolis have been the subject of research recently; however, the involvement of Ci on propolis activity was not investigated on immune cells. Ci effects were evaluated on human monocytes, assessing the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), HLA-DR, and CD80. Cytokine production (TNF-alpha and IL-10) and the fungicidal activity of monocytes were evaluated as well. Data showed that Ci downregulated TLR-2, HLA-DR, and CD80 and upregulated TLR-4 expression by human monocytes. High concentrations of Ci inhibited both TNF-alpha and IL-10 production, whereas the same concentrations induced a higher fungicidal activity against Candida albicans. TNF-alpha and IL-10 production was decreased by blocking TLR-4, while the fungicidal activity of monocytes was not affected by blocking TLRs. These results suggest that Ci modulated antigen receptors, cytokine production, and the fungicidal activity of human monocytes depending on concentration, and TLR-4 may be involved in its mechanism of action. Ci seemed to be partially involved in propolis activities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/13279-5 - The action of cinnamic acid isolated from propolis on receptors expression, cytokines production and fungicidal activity of human monocytes
• Grantee: Bruno Jose Conti
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 10/00997-7 - THE ACTION OF PROPOLIS AND ITS ISOLATED COMPOUNDS ON RECEPTORS EXPRESSION, CYTOKINES PRODUCTION AND FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY OF HUMAN MONOCYTES
• Grantee: José Maurício Sforcin
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants