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Effect of propolis extract on malignant cell transformation by moloney murine sarcoma virus
1The Institute for Applied Biosciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. mahmoudh@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Abstract:
An aqueous extract of propolis was found to significantly inhibit NIH/3T3 cell malignant transformation by Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MuSV-124). The inhibitory effect of propolis extract was most effective when it was added 2 h before infection or at the time of infection. The continuous presence of propolis extract in the culture medium was essential for full prevention of malignant cell transformation. When treatment with propolis extract was terminated, five to ten days post-infection, there was a significant recovery in cell transformation. These results suggest that propolis extract inhibits a late step after provirus integration into the host genome. Addition of propolis extract after infection with MuSV significantly inhibited cell transformation. The inhibitory effect of propolis appeared to be the result of the inhibition of primary--not secondary--infections, since MuSV-124 yields a virus-nonproducing infection.
Insights
Propolis extract significantly inhibits NIH/3T3 cell malignant transformation induced by Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MuSV-124). This bee product interferes with a late stage of viral infection, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Malignant cell transformation is a key hallmark of cancer development.
- Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MuSV-124) is a retrovirus known to induce malignant transformation in NIH/3T3 cells.
- Natural compounds are being investigated for their potential anti-cancer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of an aqueous propolis extract on MuSV-124 induced malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells.
- To determine the optimal timing and duration of propolis extract treatment for inhibition of cell transformation.
- To elucidate the stage of viral infection targeted by propolis extract.
Main Methods:
- NIH/3T3 cells were infected with MuSV-124 in the presence or absence of aqueous propolis extract.
- Propolis extract was administered at different time points relative to viral infection (before, during, and after).
- Continuous vs. intermittent treatment protocols were evaluated, along with post-treatment recovery.
- Cell transformation was assessed, and the stage of viral replication affected by propolis was inferred.
Main Results:
- Aqueous propolis extract significantly inhibited MuSV-124 induced malignant transformation of NIH/3T3 cells.
- The inhibitory effect was most pronounced when propolis extract was added 2 hours before or at the time of infection.
- Continuous presence of propolis extract was crucial for complete prevention of transformation; removal led to recovery.
- Propolis extract appeared to inhibit a late step in the viral life cycle, post-provirus integration.
Conclusions:
- Aqueous propolis extract demonstrates significant anti-transformation activity against MuSV-124.
- Propolis extract interferes with a late stage of viral infection, potentially after provirus integration.
- These findings suggest propolis extract as a potential agent for managing retroviral-induced cell transformation.