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

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.