Socket preservation using a combination of propolis extract and bovine bone graft towards the expression of receptor activator of nuclear κB ligand and osteoprogerin

Abstract

Aim: This study was undertaken to comprehend the effect of a combination of bovine bone graft (BBG) and propolis extract on the receptor activator of nuclear κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expressions in post-extraction tooth sockets. Materials and methods: Fifty-six male Cavia Cobayas were divided into eight groups each containing seven subjects. The lower left incisor of each subject was removed prior to four different materials - polyethylene glycol (PEG), propolis extract+PEG, BBG+PEG, and propolis extract+BBG+PEG (combination) being applied to the post-extraction sockets. The laboratory animals were sacrificed at three and seven days. An immunohistochemical examination was subsequently performed to observe the expression of RANKL and OPG using a light microscope at 1000× magnification. Results: The mean expression of RANKL on the third and seventh days was the lowest in the combination group, while the mean OPG expression on those days was the highest in the combination group. The one-way ANOVA tests conducted on each group produced a p value <0.05 indicating that significant differences existed between certain groups. A Pearson’s correlation test conducted on both observation day groups highlighted the opposite correlation of RANKL and OPG. Conclusions: A combination of propolis extract and BBG effectively upregulates OPG expression and downregulates RANKL expression in the preserved post-extraction socket.