Natural honey: A new and potent anti-angiogenic agent in the air-pouch model of inflammation

Abstract

Despite reports indicating anti-inflammatory effects of honey, the anti-angiogenic effect of honey and its impact on inflammatory mediators in the air pouch model of inflammation have not yet been studied. The aims of present study were to investigate the effects of honey on angiogenesis, inflammatory cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level as an important marker of angiogenesis and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the rat air pouch model of inflammation. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized, and then 20 ml and 10 ml of sterile air were injected subcutaneously in the back on days 0 and 3, respectively. On day 6, inflammation was induced by injection of 1 ml of carrageenan 1% into pouches. After 72 h, the rats were sacrificed; pouch fluid was collected in order to determine PGE2 concentration and VEGF level. The Pouches were dissected out and weighed. Angiogenesis of granulomatous tissue was assayed using a hemoglobin kit. Honey was able to reduce granulation tissue weight and angiogenesis as well as showing potent inhibitory activities against PGE2 and VEGF in air pouch model of inflammation. The decrease in angiogenesis correlates with the inhibition of PGE2 and VEGF. Honey is potentially useful in the treatment of granulomatous inflammatory conditions. It seems that the anti-angiogenic activities of honey are mediated through modulation of PGE2 and VEGF production. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG.