Fuente: PubMed "propolis" J Mol Histol. 2026 Jun 1;57(3):182. doi: 10.1007/s10735-026-10845-9.ABSTRACTGestational diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder of pregnancy associated with maternal metabolic disturbances, placental dysfunction, and adverse fetal outcomes. However, data on placental histopathological and apoptotic alterations in experimental models remain limited. This study evaluated the protective effects of an ethanolic extract of propolis on metabolic, hematological, oxidative, and placental structural changes in a rat model of diabetes induced during gestation using streptozotocin. Pregnant rats were assigned to four groups: a control group, a control group treated with an ethanolic extract of propolis, a diabetic group, and a diabetic group treated with the ethanolic extract of propolis. Diabetes during pregnancy was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Metabolic parameters, hematological indices, oxidative stress markers, and placental histology were assessed. Diabetic rats showed pronounced hyperglycemia, reduced maternal weight gain, dyslipidemia, renal dysfunction, and hematological alterations consistent with anemia and inflammation. Placental examination revealed structural disorganization, trophoblastic degeneration, fibrosis with focal blood accumulation, and increased oxidative stress, evidenced by enhanced lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant defenses. Increased expression of caspase-3 indicated enhanced apoptotic activity. Treatment with the ethanolic extract of propolis significantly improved metabolic and hematological parameters, restored antioxidant status, and attenuated placental damage. It also reduced caspase-3 expression, suggesting decreased apoptosis. In conclusion, propolis exerts protective effects against placental injury associated with diabetes induced during gestation and may represent a promising natural therapeutic approach.PMID:42223797 | DOI:10.1007/s10735-026-10845-9