The Effect of Trigona Honey on Reducing Cerebral Oedema through the Expression of Aquaporin-4 mRNA and TNF-α in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major global health concern, frequently leading to cerebral edema, a critical factor in secondary brain injury and poor outcomes.Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), an astrocytic water channel protein, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), a proinflammatory cytokine, are well-established mediators in the pathophysiology of cerebral edema and neuroinflammation following TBI.Given the limitations of current treatments, exploring novel adjunctive therapies is crucial.Objectives: This literature review aims to comprehensively investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Trigona honey in ameliorating cerebral edema after TBI, specifically focusing on its influence on AQP-4 mRNA and TNF-α expression.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of existing in vitro and in vivo literature concerning Trigona honey's neuroprotective effects in TBI, with particular attention to its proposed mechanisms involving AQP-4 and TNF-α modulation.Results: Evidence suggests that Trigona honey, rich in bioactive compounds like phenolic compounds and flavonoids, may reduce cerebral edema in TBI.This effect is hypothesized to be mediated through the downregulation of AQP-4 expression and the attenuation of the inflammatory cascade via TNF-α suppression.While collective findings support its potential, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these modulations require further elucidation.Conclusion: This review highlights Trigona honey as a promising natural agent for reducing cerebral edema in TBI, likely by regulating AQP-4 mRNA expression and TNF-α levels.Future research, including randomized clinical trials, is warranted to fully validate its therapeutic efficacy and establish its role as an adjunctive treatment in TBI management.

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