In vivo evaluation of alveolar ridge bone formation resulting from the administration of a natural propolis extract combined with a bovine xenograft.

Abstract

Background: Natural propolis is widely known to be an antibacterial agent with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with a bovine xenograft, it is expected to promote bone formation in the alveolar ridge, following tooth extraction.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of administering a propolis extract combined with a bovine xenograft on alveolar bone formation.

Material and methods: The lower incisor teeth of Cavia cobaya were extracted and the resulting alveolar sockets were filled with different materials based on the group assignment: polyethylene glycol (PEG); a propolis extract (PE); a bovine xenograft (BX); and the propolis extract-bovine xenograft composite (PE-BX). The alveolar sockets were examined after 7 and 30 days by means of immunohistochemical staining for the expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB), tolllike receptor 2 (TLR2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and type 1 collagen. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey's test were used to compare the groups.

Results: The PE-BX group demonstrated promising results, with increased type I collagen levels and reduced expression of inflammatory markers (NF-κB, TLR2 and TNF-α) on days 7 and 30 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in comparison with the BX group, this material demonstrated significantly higher type I collagen expression on days 7 and 30 (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: The composite of a natural propolis extract and a bovine xenograft enhances type I collagen expression and reduces the expression of inflammatory markers. Further research is warranted to explore its potential for alveolar bone preservation.