The effect of Propolis on Inflammatory Cytokines

Objectives: To effectively prevent failure of endodontically treated teeth and inhibit resorption, an ideal intracanal medicament would decrease inflammation along with osteoclast-mediated, bone resorption. We tested whether Propolis, an extract from bee's wax, would have anti-inflammatory properties in four endodontically-relevant cell lines: mouse odontoblast-like cells (MDPC-23), macrophages, osteoclasts and undifferentiated pulp cells (OD-21). Specifically, cytokine profiles in the presence and absence of Propolis was determined. Methods: The cells were plated at 20,000 cells/cm2 and cultured for two to six days in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) containing 10% fetal bovine serum, penicillin/streptomycin. The osteoclast line was treated with 100 ng/ml GST-RANKL, replacing the medium every 2–3 days. Propolis was extracted with 80% ethanol and clarified by centrifugation. All cells were treated with Propolis or with vehicle controls. After culture, the resulting supernatant were obtained and used to perform Luminex® assays to simultaneously detect and quantitate 22 cyto/chemokines.

Results: Propolis had no effect on the expression of most inflammatory cytokines measured. Although, Propolis did specifically inhibit the expression of RANTES by osteoclasts, interleukin 2 (IL-2) by pulp cells, and interferon gamma (IFN) by macrophages and odontoblast like cells.

Conclusion: We conclude that Propolis has an effect on the expression of some cytokines which seem to be cell type specific.

This Research was supported by the Foundation of the AAE and RO1AR 47959 to LSH.