Application of Combination Propolis Extract and Calcium Hydroxide as a Direct Pulp Capping Agent on MMP-1 Expression and Collagen Type 1 Density in Rat's Pulp Tissue

Introduction: Ca (OH)2 has long been regarded as the “gold standard” of direct pulp-capping materials, Ca(OH)2 is very saoluable in oral fluid, that make tunnel defect and unable to withstand bacterial recolonization. Propolis is a material created from resin gathered by bees (Apis mellifera) from a range of plants and combined with saliva and enzymes to form a nest. Propolis possesses anti-inflammatory properties that are superior to Ca (OH)2. Objective: The purpose of the research was carried out to integrate calcium hydroxide and propolis as pulp capping ingredients. Methods: This study used 30 samples maxillary first molars of Rattus norvegicus divided into 3 groups which were all preparated until perforation; The combination Ca (OH)2 and propolis extract group, calcium hydroxide group, and control group. The cavity was closed with Cention. Teeth section samples were taken from rats after 3 and 7 days then underwent decalcification and histological evaluation under light microscope to identify the presence of odontoblast-like cells, inflammatory cells, and dentinal bridges. Expression of MMP-1 and Collagen type 1 density evaluated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. Results: According to the observations, the majority of cells in the Calcium Hydroxide and Propolis extract group showed Collagen type 1 density, whereas the least number of cells showed MMP-1. Conclusion: Compared to calcium hydroxide to a combination of Ca (OH)2 and Propolis extract, MMP1 expression was lower and collagen type 1 density was higher in the rat's pulp.