Pathog Dis. 2016 Aug 26. pii: ftw081. [Epub ahead of print]

Immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory effects of a propolis-containing mouthwash on human monocytes.

Santiago KB1, Conti BJ1, Cardoso EO1, Golim MA2, Sforcin JM3.

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Abstract

Propolis is a bee product used in folk medicine to improve health and prevent inflammatory diseases. It has attracted the attention of researchers from the odontological field lately, reducing inflammation resulting from surgical procedures and as an antimicrobial agent in the control of bacterial plaque. Thus far, no side-effects that might compromise oral health have been observed. Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent widely used as an antiseptic, but side-effects restrict its use. This work investigated the effects of an odontological product containing propolis in combination with chlorhexidine in lower concentrations on human monocytes. Cell markers expression, the NF-kB signaling pathway, the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the bactericidal activity of these cells against Streptococcus mutans were evaluated. Data showed that the combination of propolis and chlorhexidine may favor the recognition of antigens by monocytes, activates slightly the NF-kB signaling pathway and increases the bactericidal activity of human monocytes against S. mutans Also, the combination played a role in anti-inflammatory cytokine production, which can be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal diseases. These results may have implications for the development of odontological products with immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory action, and may have further reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

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PMID: 27566297 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftw081

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* THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.