Systemic propolis stimulates new bone formation at the expanded suture: a histomorphometric study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of systemically given propolis on the expanded premaxillary suture in a rat study model.


METHODS
The 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups-only expansion (OE), expansion plus propolis (PRO), and nonexpansion (control) groups. After the 5-day expansion period was completed, the OE and PRO groups underwent 12 days of mechanical retention. At the end of this period, the animals were euthanatized and their pre-maxillae were dissected and fixed. Histomorphometric examination was performed to determine the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries as well as the intensity of inflammatory cells and amount of new bone formation.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed that the intensities of inflammatory cells, number of osteoblasts, and amount of new bone formation were greater in the PRO group than in the other groups. The PRO group also had more osteoclasts and new capillaries.


CONCLUSIONS
Systemic use of propolis may hasten new bone formation at the expanded suture in rats.
Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey. burcuk12@yahoo.com
Burcu A
BA
Altan
Isa M
IM
Kara
Ruhi
R
Nalcaci
Fatih
F
Ozan
Serif M
SM
Erdogan
Mahmut M
MM
Ozkut
Sevinc
S
Inan
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001861:Bone Regeneration / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000098:blood supply; D011429:Propolis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000975:Antioxidants; D011429:Propolis