Therapeutic effect of propolis on Staphylococcus aureus induced oxidative stress in spleen of Balb/c mice: A biochemical and histopathological study

The aim of present study was to evaluate antioxidant effect of propolis alone as well as in combination with antibiotics; ampicillin and amoxicillin against Staphylococcus aureus induced oxidative damage in spleen, by using biochemical and histopathological methods. Infection was induced in mice with S. aureus (5x10(6)CFU/mL i.p) and protective potential of propolis against infection was evaluated by administrating 250 mg/kg body weight of propolis every day for 15 days. Mice were killed after experimental period and spleen was excised, homogenized and then used for different biochemical and histopathological estimations. Results obtained showed that lipid peroxidation level increased significantly (P < 0.05), while level of reduced glutathione and activity of antioxidant enzymes (GP, GR, GST, CAT, and SOD) were decreased in spleen of S. aureus infected mice, which were increased to normal level (P < 0.05) in propolis and antibiotics combination treatment. Present study also revealed that S. aureus infection caused significant change in cellular architecture of spleen as revealed by histopathological changes which were also restored to near normal after treatment with propolis and antibiotics when used in combination. These findings suggest therapeutic potential of propolis against S. aureus induced oxidative stress and histopathological damage in spleen.