Antiapoptotic effects of propolis extract and propel on human macrophages exposed to minimally modified low density lipoprotein

An aqueous extract of propolis and the phenolic component of propolis, prop el, were assayed for antioxidative and antiapoptotic properties. Both addit ions inhibited Cu2+-initiated low density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation as ch aracterized by a reduction of the lag time, reduced the increase of relativ e electrophoretic mobility during oxidation and markedly diminished apoptos is of human macrophages exposed to minimally modified (mmLDL). Moreover, aq ueous propolis extract and propel blocked the mmLDL-induced decrease of glu tathione (GSH) and the activation of the transcription factor NF-kappa B in these cells. The potent phenolic antioxidant propel thus expands the capab ility of cells to neutralize oxidative stress and to prevent apoptosis and is therefore suggested to significantly contribute to the antiinflammatory and antioxidative effects of propolis.