Enhancing the healing process is a natural aspect of propolis which protects the body as it does the beehive. This has been verified in other studies, yet this study focused on more delicate wound healing conditions, such as those of diabetic mice. Thank goodness for the additional antimicrobial properties of propolis to speed along the healing process. Fortunately, there are preparations of propolis available on the market that address wound healing.
Topical Application of Propolis Enhances Cutaneous Wound
Healing by Promoting TGF-Beta/Smad-Mediated Collagen Production in a
Streptozotocin-Induced Type I Diabetic Mouse Model
BACKGROUND/AIMS:
Impaired wound healing is considered to be one of the most
serious complications associated with diabetes as it significantly increases
the susceptibility of patients to infection. Propolis is a natural bee product
used extensively in foods and beverages that has significant benefits to human
health. In particular, propolis has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and
analgesic effects that could be useful for improving wound healing. In this
study, we investigated the effects of topical application of propolis on the
healing and closure of diabetic wounds in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I
diabetic mouse model.
METHODS:
Sixty male mice were distributed equally into 3 experimental
groups: group 1, non-diabetic control mice; group 2, diabetic mice; and group
3, diabetic mice treated daily with a topical application of propolis.
RESULTS:
We found that diabetic mice exhibited delayed wound closure
characterized by a significant decrease in the levels of TGF-β1 and a prolonged
elevation of the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and
MMP9 in wound tissues compared with control non-diabetic mice. Moreover, the
wound tissues of diabetic mice showed a marked reduction in the phosphorylation
of Smad2 and Smad3 as well as a marked reduction in collagen production.
Interestingly, compared with untreated diabetic mice, topical application of
propolis significantly enhanced the closure of diabetic wounds and decreased
the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MMP9 to near normal levels. Most
importantly, compared with untreated diabetic mice, the treatment of diabetic
mice with propolis significantly enhanced the production of collagen via the
TGF-β1/Smad2,3 signaling axis in wounded tissues.
CONCLUSION:
Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the
improved healing and closure of diabetic wounds following topical propolis
application.