Indonesian Propolis Extract Acts as Antioxidant in Angiogenesis Based on Microvascular Density and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Assay: An Experimental Study in Skin Graft Murine Model
Published: 2021-04-14
Page: 72-80
Issue: 2021 - Volume 4 [Issue 1]
Bobby Nindra *
Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Amru Sungkar
Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Reconstruction Division, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Kristanto Yuli Yarsa
Department of Surgery, Oncology Division, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
Brian Wasita
Department of Pathology Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: Skin plays an important part as the foremost protector of human body and is prone to injuries. Wound healing process involves pro-inflammatory cytokines which trigger angiogenesis. Propolis is a byproduct that has been proven to play a role in angiogenesis through its antioxidant effect and modulating angiogenesis and inflammatory substances.
Study design: Experimental trial with post-test-only control.
Place and Duration of Study: This experiment is conducted from September to October 2020 in Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta.
Methodology: This study used white male rat (Rattus Norvegicus) aged 8-10 weeks and weighing 150–200 grams with skin graft model and divided into four groups. Skin grafting was done four days after wound incision. Propolis was administered right afterwards for a week. Blood sample was taken at the last day of propolis intervention while the VEGF and MVD assessment were done the next day.
Results: We found differences in VEGF expression between four groups. Slowest angiogenesis was observed in control group (25.13 ± 1.36 pg/ml; P < .001). Group 1 had the lowest microvascular density (MVD) (84,48 ± 20,53; P > .05). We found very weak and insignificant correlation between VEGF and MVD (r = .002; P = .993).
Conclusion: Propolis as antioxidant affects MVD and VEGF expression. Propolis enhances angiogenesis, marked by elevation of VEGF but not MVD.
Keywords: Propolis, wound healing, microvascular density, vascular endhothelial growth factor