Propolis prevents inhibition of apoptosis by potassium bromate in CCD 841 human colon cell

Previously, we demonstrated that biotransformation of propolis by some special strains of Lactobacillus plantarum might decrease the allergenic molecules in propolis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of biotransformation of propolis on its antioxidant effect and its protective effect against potassium bromate-induced cancer in human colon cell line. Propolis samples were treated with different solutions (ethanol, polyethylene glycol, and water), and ultrasonication was applied at 40 Hz (5, 10, and 15 minutes) in order to facilitate solvation of solid samples. Fermentations were performed by L. plantarum strains (ISLG-2, ATCC-8014, and Visbyvac). The phenolic content of propolis was determined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The antioxidant activity (antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation) and apoptosis markers (caspase 3,8,9, cytochrome-c, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-R1 and R2 [TRAIL], and apoptosis protease activating factor-1 [APAF-1] levels) were determined in CCD 841-human colon cell line after induction of oxidative stress by potassium bromate. All propolis samples in different solvents induced apoptosis and 4 biotransformed (by L. plantarum ISL-2 strain and L. plantarum ATCC 8014 strain) propolis samples with low allergenic molecules demonstrated similar inductions of apoptosis in CCD841 cell line. In conclusion, reduction of allergenic molecules in propolis via biotransformation did not change the antioxidant and protective effects of propolis, and it is suggested as a potential therapeutic molecule in prevention of colon cancer caused by oxidative stress for all patients. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY: This study is the first investigation that shows protective effect of propolis against potassium bromate toxicity by means of decreasing lipid peroxidation and reversing the main molecule levels in intrinsic and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Biotransformed propolis samples by L. plantarum ISL-2 and ATCC 8014 strain with low allergen molecule content has also the same effect in potassium bromate toxicity in CCD841 colon cell. Our data contributed that propolis as a natural compound might be a good candidate due to its minimal toxicity and lack of any adverse effects to prevent carcinogenic effect of potassium bromate.