Difference of Propolis Administration as an Antioxidant against Oxidative Stress (Malondialdehyde Level (MDA)) and Apoptosis (Caspase-3 Expression) in Skin Graft Model White Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Background: The wound healing process is influenced by various substances with ROS having a fundamental role in destroying microorganisms and degrading damaged tissue structures. However, excessive production of ROS can lead to oxidative stress which is the basis of the pathogenesis of chronic, non-healing wounds. Therefore, an antioxidant that can fight oxidative stress is needed by administering propolis extract as an antioxidant to the granulation tissue of male white rats with skin graft model.

Aims: This aims study is to determine the effect of propolis extract as an antioxidant and to correlate it by assessing the quality of angiogenesis (MDA and Caspase-3) in granulation tissue in male white rats with skin graft model.

Study Design: Experimental post-test only control.

Methodology: This study was an experimental post-test only control group design using 24 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) as experimental animals which were divided into 4 groups consisting of 6 rats in each group. Wounds of granulation tissue were made on the sample by excising the skin on the back with a size of 1x1 cm which was treated for 7 days then and was given skin graft of 2x2 cm from the back of the rat's fat layer. Propolis extract was given at a dose of 200, 400 and 800 mg/kgBW for 7 days after giving the skin graft. MDA serum and caspase-3 expression were examined after giving the propolis extract. The values of malondialdehyde (MDA) and Caspase-3 expression were analyzed by comparative test using 95% confidence interval and p <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The comparative test of the mean MDA level was p <0.05 with the post-hoc test showed p <0.05 between the control group and the 3 doses group of propolis extract. Meanwhile, the comparative test mean of Caspase-3 histoscore showed p> 0.05, indicating that there was no significant difference between the control group and the 3 doses group of propolis extract.

Conclusion: There was a significant difference in the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) although there was no significant difference in the expression of Caspase-3 by giving three different doses of propolis extract to the granulation tissue of male rats (Rattus norvegicus) with skin graft model.