In vitro activity of Manuka and Trigona honey on fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures

Abstract

Background: Benefits of honey on wound healing is widely reported, but information about its
effect on the re-epithelialization of the tympanic membrane (TM) is limited. Purpose: To evaluate the
effect of Manuka honey (MHn) and Trigona honey (THn) from Indonesia, on TM re-epithelialization
through their potential action on proliferation of fibroblasts, keratinocytes, secretion of KFG and basic-
FGF. Method: This study was conducted at the YARSI University Laboratory. Fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures isolated from chronic suppurative otitis media patients were exposed to MHn and THn with three dilutions: 0.04%, 0.1%, and 0.25%. The cells were then subjected to proliferation assays, KGF and bFGF were also assessed and compared to the control. Result: MHn and THn did not increase the number of fibroblasts but shortened the doubling time duration. A significantly higher number of keratinocytes than control was observed in all MH groups and the 0.04% THn group. KGF secretion increased as the number of cells increased. On the 6th and 8th day, KGF secretion was observed to be higher in some intervention groups compared to the control group. Conversely, the level of bFGF secreted by fibroblasts and keratinocytes decreased as the number of cells increased. There was a positive correlation between the duration of both honey exposure and fibroblast proliferation. The duration of 0.04%, 0.1% MHn, and 0.04% THn exposure positively correlated with the number of keratinocytes. Conclusion: This research illustrated the positive effects of MHn and THn on fibroblasts and keratinocytes; thus, potential therapeutic properties could be further explored.