Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and collagen type 1 on dental pulp after a treated combination of calcium hydroxide and propolis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The first maxillary molars of 30 rats were mechanically perforated. Teeth were divided into three groups of 10 for two separate extraction time frames, giving a total of 60 rats. The control groups were treated with Cention, the second treatment groups were treated with calcium hydroxide, and the third treatment groups were treated with a combination of calcium hydroxide and propolis. Final restoration was done with Cention. The teeth were extracted on days 7 and 14, and the expression of NF-kB and collagen type I was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: There is lowest NF-kB expression and highest collagen type 1 expression on dental pulp after treated with a combination of calcium hydroxide and propolis on days 7 and 14 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of calcium hydroxide and propolis inhibits pulp inflammation and stimulates regeneration through decreasing the NF-kB expression and increasing collagen type 1.