Effectiveness of propolis on experimental colitis model in rats

Aim: In this research, it was aimed to investigate if propolis was effective in treating experimental colitis induced by acetic acid. Materials and Method: 30 female Wistar albino rats with an average weight of 200-260 g were used in this study. Rats were divided into 5 groups (n:6). Their weights were measured and documented. The first group was the control group. In the second, third and fifth groups, 1 ml of 4% acetic acid was administered rectally to induce colitis. One ml of propolis solution (50 mg/ml) was rectally administered to the third group. The fourth group was given only rectal propolis solution. The fifth group was given 1 ml of olive oil rectally after the onset of colitis. The weights of all groups were measured again at the 120th hour. Stool consistency was evaluated. The rats' intracardiac blood samples were collected, and then a laparotomy was done to acquire a sample of colon tissue. Assessments included stool consistency, weight loss, microscopic and macroscopic scores. MDA, MPO, caspase-3 levels in tissue and TNF-α and IL-10 levels in blood samples were examined. Results: When the acetic acid group was compared with the acetic acid+propolis group, it was found that propolis statistically significantly reduced the stool score, MDA, MPO, and TNF-α levels. (p<0.05) When compared to the acetic acid group, propolis and olive oil had no significant statistical impact on weight loss. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the histological assessment scores between the acetic acid and acetic acid+propolis groups, it was remarkable that the mean values were lower in the treatment group. Conclusion: Rectal treatment of propolis reduced MDA, TNF-α, and MPO levels significantly when compared to the colitis group in our study's acetic acid-induced colitis model. Rectal administration of propolis might be beneficial in the experimental colitis model, although more study is undoubtedly necessary. Keywords: Acetic acid, Colitis, Propolis, Olive oil.