4. Discussion
vascular disorders
OBESE, OXIDATIVE STRESS, DISORDERS, VASCULAR DISORDERS, INSULIN RESISTANCE, POSTMENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS, TYPE 2 DIABETES, DISEASES
Our prospective interventional study showed that propolis had a positive effect on absolute and relative fat mass, relative lean body mass, and levels of adiponectin and ROS among community-dwelling elderly females. Therefore, propolis supplementation may be an effective strategy for preventing disorders caused by body fat accumulation among elderly females. In previous studies, the anti-obesity and antioxidant properties of propolis have been found to be effective against diseases such as type 2 diabetes [Propolis supplementation caused the absolute and relative fat mass to decrease among elderly females. The DXA method, which is the gold standard for body composition measurements, was used to assess fat mass, and the results of this study were highly reliable. Propolis has been shown to reduce fat mass in obese animal models [Propolis supplementation increased the levels of adiponectin among elderly females. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that propolis increases the level of adiponectin in humans. Brazilian propolis-derived components have molecular mechanisms that act on adiponectin expression. Previous research has shown that Brazilian propolis is associated with adiponectin expression via the activation of PPARγ in adipocytes [Oxidative stress, as assessed using blood levels of d-ROMs, decreased with propolis supplementation among elderly females. Brazilian propolis contains different bioactive components, such as artepillin C and baccharin, and has antioxidant effects [However, propolis did not affect BMD. Nevertheless, it is premature to conclude that it did not have a protective effect on human bones based on this 12-week intervention study. The estrogenic effects of propolis, which can reduce the development of postmenopausal symptoms, were observed in an ovariectomized animal model [As medical care costs continually rise with the increase in the elderly population, elderly individuals must manage their own health. Fat accumulation can be prevented or decreased to a certain degree via self-management. To reduce body fat mass, regular exercise and dietary restriction are required. However, the lifestyle habits of elderly individuals are difficult to modify. In association with this, the intake of functional foods, including propolis, can be considered without making any major alterations to lifestyle habits and can be a practical and sustainable method.This study had several limitations. First, we failed to report the food consumption and the levels of physical activity of participants during the study period. We confirmed through interviews that there were no changes in the eating or exercise habits of the participants. However, because the specific quantification of these factors was not performed, their effects cannot be taken into account in this study. Second, we only included elderly females. Therefore, the effects of propolis supplementation on reducing body fat and blood levels of ROS cannot be generalized to males and younger individuals. Third, although body fat was evaluated accurately using the DXA method, the distribution of adipose tissues was not assessed. In particular, visceral and ectopic fats are involved in the development of insulin resistance and vascular disorders [