Propolis’ Anti-Inflammatory Effect Examined

Inhibitory Effect of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) on LPS-Induced Inflammation of Human Middle Ear Epithelial Cells
Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 08 May 2008

Objectives: CAPE is a biologically active component of propolis, a resinous material obtained from bee hives, which originates from conifer bark. The effect of CAPE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory reactions is not known.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of CAPE on cultured human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs). ..

Results: CAPE significantly inhibited LPS-induced up-regulation of TNF- in a dose-dependent manner. IL-8 production by LPS was significantly suppressed by the CAPE pretreatment. Furthermore, LPS-induced IκB- degradation was suppressed by the CAPE pretreatment.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is due to its inhibition of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- expression and interleukin (IL)-8 production.