Abstract
AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze the induction effect of a combination of N. sativa and bovine bone graft on the expression and ratio of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand expression (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) on alveolar bone socket preservation on days 7 and 14. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The research incorporated a posttest-only control group design. A total of 56 Cavia cobaya were divided into four groups: a control group, an N. sativa group, a bovine bone graft group, and a combined N. sativa and bovine bone graft group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lower incisors of the C. cobaya were extracted with material subsequently being applied to the resulting socket. After the 7(th) and 14(th) days, the experimental animals were terminated to enable observation of the socket. Following processing, the tissue was subjected to immunohistochemistry staining consisting of RANKL and OPG antibodies before being observed under a light microscope at × 400. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was carried out using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference tests. RESULTS: A combination of N. sativa and bovine bone graft reduced both RANKL expression and the RANKL/OPG ratio while increasing OPG expression in comparison to the other groups. In all the results obtained, the N. sativa and bovine bone graft combination was significant (P < 0.05) when compared to the control group on both the 7(th) and 14(th) days. CONCLUSION: A combination of N. sativa and bovine bone graft reduced both RANKL expression and the RANKL/OPG ratio while increasing OPG expression.