Effect of propolis extract on clinical parameters and salivary level of matrix metalloproteinase 8 in periodontitis patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Periodontitis is the bacterial-induced inflammation of tooth-supporting structures. Local antibacterial agents are used as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of periodontitis. This study aimed to compare the effect of subgingivally delivered propolis extract (a resin produced by honey bees) with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on clinical parameters and salivary levels of matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) in periodontitis patients. Methods: Twenty-eight periodontitis patients in stage II or III and grade B, who had deep periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) around at least three non-adjacent teeth, were divided into two groups. In the control group, patients were prescribed 0.2% CHX mouthwash twice a day for two weeks. In the 20% propolis hydroalcoholic group, subgingival irrigation was performed twice a week for two weeks. Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and after two months. Salivary samples were collected from the propolis and control groups at baseline and two months later to assess MMP-8 levels using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, salivary samples from 12 periodontally healthy subjects were used to determine the normal levels of MMP-8. The data were analyzed using SPSS. P<0.05 was considered the level of significance. Results: In the healthy group, the mean salivary levels of MMP-8 were significantly lower than that in the control and propolis groups at baseline (P<0.001). The results indicated a significant improvement in clinical parameters (P<0.001) in the propolis group compared to the control group, while MMP-8 levels decreased significantly in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: Propolis is recommended as adjunctive therapy for periodontitis patients. Clinical trials registration code: IRCT2016122030475N3.

Comparison of two desensitizing agents for decreasing dentin hypersensitivity following periodontal surgeries: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem with multifactorial etiology. It is characterized by a short, sharp pain due to exposed dentin usually at the cervical margin. This randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two desensitizing agents for reduction of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) following periodontal surgeries. METHOD AND MATERIALS: This study evaluated 96 patients who had one or two teeth with DH (120 teeth). The teeth were randomly allocated into four groups for treatment with 10% ethanolic extract of propolis (group 1), 30% ethanolic extract of propolis (group 2), Single Bond Universal dentin bonding agent (group 3), and distilled water as placebo (group 4). The degree of DH was determined according to the patients' response to tactile and air blast stimuli using a visual analog scale (VAS). The level of pain was also recorded before treatment and at 1, 7, 14, 21, 60 and 90 days after the treatment. RESULTS: All interventions (groups 1 to 3) were significantly effective in decreasing DH, and 10% and 30% ethanolic extracts of propolis were equally effective. The dentin bonding agent was completely effective at all time points. All three interventions (groups 1 to 3) effectively decreased DH at 60 and 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: This clinical trial showed all interventions were more effective than the placebo in decreasing DH. The tested propolis extracts were equally effective irrespective of their concentration. Application of Single Bond Universal had a fast relieving effect on DH. Propolis extracts and dentin bonding agent were equally effective in relieving DH in the long term. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: DH following periodontal surgery causes patient discomfort and hinders everyday activities. Propolis is a natural desensitizing agent with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, healing effects, and cariostatic activity. It also stimulates reparative dentin formation. Flavonoids and cinnamic acid derivatives are the main biologically active components in the composition of propolis. According to the results of this study, application of propolis is recommended for patients with mild or moderate pain. Dentin bonding agent could be a better choice when immediate effect is needed.

Effect of Propolis Extract in Combination with Eugenol-Free Dressing (Coe-PakTM) on Pain and Wound Healing after Crown-Lengthening: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: Researchers have long been in search of products to enhance healing and patient comfort postoperatively. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of propolis extract in combination with Coe-PakTM dressing for pain relief and wound healing after crown lengthening surgery. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This randomized clinical trial was performed on 36 patients who were randomly divided into two groups of Coe-PakTM dressing with (trial group) and without (control group) propolis extract. Pain and burning sensation by use of visual analog scale (VAS) and number of analgesics taken were asked from patients. Gingival color and consistency, bleeding on probing (BOP) and presence of infection were studied 7 days after dressing removal. RESULTS: Although a large number of patients in the trial group did not have burning sensation, this difference was not significant between the two groups (p> 0.05). In both groups, the majority of patients experienced moderate and mild pain and there was no pain in the trial group after three days. No significant difference was noted between the two groups in pain score and number of analgesics taken (p> 0.05). The two groups were not significantly different in terms of inflammation and healing process (BOP, gingival consistency and color), after 7 days (p> 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study results showed no difference in use of Coe-PakTM dressing with and without propolis extract in terms of postoperative pain and healing process following the crown lengthening surgery. More studies are required to confirm these results.

Immunohistochemichal Assessment of the CrkII Proto-oncogene Expression in Common Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors and Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Background and aims. Various morphologies are seen in different salivary gland tumorsor within an individual tumor, and the lesions show divers biological behaviors. Experimental results support the hypothesis that increased CrkII proto-oncogene is associated with cytokine-induced tumor initiation and progression by altering cell motility signaling pathway. The aim of this study was to assess the CrkII expression in common malignant salivary gland tumors and pleomorphic ade-noma. Materials and methods. Immunohistochemical analysis of CrkII expression was performed on paraffin blocks of 64 car-cinomas of salivary glands, 10 pleomorphic adenomas, and 10 normal salivary glands. Biopsies were subjected to immu-nostaining with EnVision detection system using monoclonal anti-CrkII. Evaluation of immunoreactivity of CrkII was based on the immunoreaction intensity and percentage of stained tumor cells which were scored semi-quantitatively on a scale with four grades 0 to 3. Kruskal-wallis test and additional Mann-Whitney statistical test were used for analysis of CrkII expression levels. Results. Increased expression of CrkII was seen (P=0.005) in malignant tumors including: mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma, but CrkII expression in acinic cell carcinoma was weak. CrkII expression in pleomorphic adenoma was weak or negative. A weak staining was sparsely seen in normal acinar serous cell. Conclusion. Increased expression of CrkII and its higher intensity of staining in tumors with more aggressive biologic behavior in carcinomas of salivary gland is consistent with a role for this proto-oncogene in salivary gland tumorigenesis and cancer progression.