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Updated: Oct 25, 2025
Brain Ventricular Microinjections of Lipopolysaccharide into Larval Zebrafish to Assess Neuroinflammation and Neurotoxicity
Published on: August 23, 2022
Down-regulation of complement genes in lipopolysaccharide-challenged zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae exposed to
I Wibowo1, N Marlinda1, F R Nasution1
1Institut Teknologi Bandung, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Bandung, Indonesia.
Abstract:
Although propolis has been reported for having anti-inflammatory activities, its effects on complement system has not been much studied. This research was conducted to find out the effects of Indonesian propolis on the expression levels of C3, C1r/s, Bf, MBL, and C6 in zebrafish larvae which were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Counting of macrophages migrating to yolk sac and liver histology were carried out. Larvae were divided into four groups: CON (cultured in E3 medium only), LPS (cultured in a medium containing 0.5 μg/L LPS), LPSIBU (cultured in a medium containing LPS, and then treated with 100 μg/L ibuprofen for 24 hours), and LPSPRO (cultured in a medium containing LPS, and then immersed in 14,000 μg/L propolis for 24 hours) groups. The results showed that complement gene expression in larvae from the LPSIBU and LPSPRO groups were generally lower than in larvae from the LPS group. The number of macrophage migrations to the yolk in the LPSPRO group was also lower than in the LPS group. Histological structure of liver in all groups were considered normal. This study shows that Indonesian propolis has the potential to be used as an alternative to the substitution of NSAIDs.
Insights
Indonesian propolis reduced complement gene expression and macrophage migration in zebrafish larvae, suggesting its potential as an anti-inflammatory alternative to NSAIDs.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Propolis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, but its impact on the complement system is understudied.
- The complement system plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Indonesian propolis on complement system gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced zebrafish larvae.
- To evaluate propolis's anti-inflammatory potential as an alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Main Methods:
- Zebrafish larvae were exposed to LPS and treated with ibuprofen or Indonesian propolis.
- Complement gene expression (C3, C1r/s, Bf, MBL, C6) was analyzed.
- Macrophage migration and liver histology were assessed.
Main Results:
- Propolis treatment significantly lowered complement gene expression compared to LPS-induced controls.
- Macrophage migration to the yolk sac was reduced in propolis-treated larvae.
- Liver histology remained normal across all experimental groups.
Conclusions:
- Indonesian propolis demonstrates potential in modulating the complement system and inflammatory responses.
- Propolis may serve as a viable alternative to NSAIDs for managing inflammation.
