This study investigates the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of ethanolic extracts of Anatolian propolis on the epithelial ovarian cancer cell line A2780, with a particular focus on its interplay with chemotherapy (Cisplatin) and the modulation of the AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. The researchers determined an IC₅₀ of approximately 0.342 ± 0.180 mg/mL for the propolis extract in A2780 cells and 1.11 ± 0.31 mg/mL in the non-malignant MCF-10A mammary epithelial cell line, indicating a degree of selectivity. The combination of propolis (at its IC₅₀) with cisplatin (at its IC₂₅) yielded the highest apoptotic activity as measured by annexin V/PI staining and caspase-3 expression. Mechanistic assays showed up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, along with reduced levels of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR (p-AKT / p-mTOR), suggesting that propolis enhances cisplatin’s effect through inhibition of the AKT/mTOR survival pathway. In parallel, antibacterial and antibiofilm assays revealed that the propolis extracts exhibited potent activity against clinically relevant pathogens including MRSA and multidrug-resistant E. coli, supporting a dual anticancer and antimicrobial utility. The authors propose that Anatolian propolis may serve as a complementary adjuvant in ovarian cancer therapy by both sensitizing tumour cells to cisplatin and addressing infection risk in immunocompromised patients.
Erdoğan, E., Özdem, B., Çimentepe, Ö. Ö., & Tekedereli, İ. (2025). Anatolian propolis extracts enhance cisplatin efficacy in ovarian cancer through AKT/mTOR pathway modulation and demonstrate antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. Medical Oncology, 42(8), 323.
