Propolis Prevents the Effects of Chronic Alcohol Intake on Ocular Tissues

Abstract

Aim: This study is designed to investigate the protective effects of propolis in ocular tissues against chronic alcohol exposure. Material and Method: Wistar albino rats were used in this study. Rats were divided into 4 groups, and each group was fed a special liquid diet which contained an equal amount of calories. The control group was fed the liquid special diet without alcohol and propolis. We added propolis (150 mg/kg) to the diet of the second group. The diet of the third group contained alcohol, the concentration of which was increased progressively. The fourth group was fed a diet including propolis and alcohol. To counterbalance caloric intake, we decreased the amount of glucose in the special liquid diet for groups 3 and 4. At the end of 30 days, the animals were sacrificed and samples were kept at –80°C until evaluation. Specimens were investigated by light microscopy for morphology and morphometry. Results: In the histological investigation of ocular tissues, alcohol caused an increase in thickness of the cornea and corneal epithelium compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This incremental tendency was significantly reduced by propolis, and values were very close to those of the control group (p > 0.05). Alcohol did not cause any significant alteration of rat retinal thickness. Conclusion: This study showed that propolis is highly effective against corneal edema secondary to chronic alcohol intake.

Assessment of the cellular integrity and expression of melatonin receptor (MTNR1A) in the retina assaulted by ethanol and acetaminophen

“…Increment in oxidative stress is as a result of ethanol and its oxidation product which react with antioxidants to cause a depletion of antioxidant substances. 24 The thickness or proliferation detected in the alcohol-treated group can contribute to the morphological damage detected in the retina and this could be linked to oxidative stress toxicity and the cell bodies of the photoreceptor cells.…”

Ultrastructural changes of cornea after ethanol ingestion in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats

“…So we hypothesized ultrastructural damages (decreased HD/BM) in cornea develop in the prediabetic stage because of chronic hyperglycemia. Alcohol causes an increase in thickness of the cornea [18,28]. Alcohol toxicity in cornea is derived directly from ethanol and its metabolite acetaldehyde or indirectly from the metabolic sequelae of ethanol oxidation such as the decreased ratio of cytoplasmic NAD + /NADH and involvement of reactive species [29].…”

Ophthalmic In Situ Gels with Balsam Poplar Buds Extract: Formulation, Rheological Characterization, and Quality Evaluation

“…Eye drop compositions usually contain plant and propolis extracts [16,17]. The use of plant extracts and propolis in eye drops is associated with their antibacterial [18], anti-inflammatory [19], and antioxidative activity [20][21][22].…”