Propolis induced apoptosis in mc coy-plovdiv cells

Abstract

Propolis is a natural product with different biological activities. Current research is focused on its ability to suppress tumor growth by induction of apoptosis. However, its selective influence on normal and transformed cells is not fully studied yet. Our previous investigations determined the McCoy-Plovdiv cell line as a model system for in vitro examination of propolis. In the present study we analysed ethanol extracts of propolis from the region of East Rodopi mountains in final concentrations 0,001; 0,1; 1,0; 10 μg/ml. The proliferative activity was examined with MTT and NR cell vitality tests. The type of cell dead was proven via TUNEL test and by fluorescent detection of phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization. Cytotoxicity tests showed decreased cell vitality from 100 to 0% increasing with propolis concentration. The TUNEL test proved the presence of apoptotic cells. Propolis in concentrations 0,001-1,0 μg/ml induced apoptosis in a large number of cells. The results from PS externalization confirmed the same observation. Increasing propolis concentrations augment the intensity of the fluorescence signal and the number of apoptotic cells. Our results evidence that Bulgarian propolis induces apoptosis in McCoy-Plovdiv cells. © 2009 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.