Effects of Propolis Dentifrice on Rat Periodontitis Model

Objectives: Propolis is a resinous material produced by bees that shows biological activities, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Propolis dentifrice has plaque-inhibiting and anti-inflammatory effects in a clinical study. The aim of this study was to investigate anti-inflammatory effects and anti-oxidant activities of propolis containing dentifrice on the periodontal tissues in a rat periodontitis model. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli and proteases from Streptomyces griseus were applied once a day into the gingival sulcus of upper first molars of Wistar rats to induce periodontitis for 7 weeks. After 4 weeks, the gingiva of the first molars was received daily application of toothpaste with or without propolis for 3 weeks. The rats were killed under general anesthesia, and maxillary molar regions were resected, decalcified and embedded in paraffin after the treatment. The samples were prepared for morphometric analysis with hematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemical analysis using anti-8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha antibodies. The collagen destruction was evaluated in Mallory's aniline blue-stained sections using computer image analyzing software. Results: Periodontal tissues that received propolis dentifrice showed decreased numbers of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine positive fibroblasts and infiltrated PMNs, and reduced area of collagen destruction. Bone loss and number of TNF alpha positive cells were not influenced by propolis containing dentifrice. Conclusion: The results suggest that the propolis has anti-inflammatory effects and anti-oxidant activities, which may lead to reduction of collagen degeneration. However, propolis may have no effect on alveolar bone loss that is mediated via TNF alpha.