East Java propolis effect on toll-like receptor 2 and nuclear factor-kappa B expression in chronic apical periodontitis

Abstract

A persistent infection after cleaning and shaping a root canal is the main etiology of root canal treatment (RCT) failure. Enterococcus faecalis has been considered as one of the most resistant species post-RCT. E. faecalis can stimulate toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2) which can increase nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in chronic apical periodontitis. East Java propolis has in vitro antibacterial and biocompatible effects. Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of East Java propolis extract as a potential intracanal medicament in chronic apical periodontitis caused by E. faecalis bacterial infection by the decrease of TLR-2 and NF-κB. Materials and Methods: Maceration method was conducted for propolis extract. This study used thirty Wistar rats which were divided into three groups, a negative control (Group I); a positive control that the first upper right molar root canal induced with E. faecalis ATCC29212 and filled using glass ionomer cement (GIC) (Group II) and treatment group that the first upper right molar root canal induced with E. faecalis ATCC29212 and 10 μl propolis was applicated and filled using GIC (Group III). After 21 days, those rats were sacrificed, and then immunohistochemical examination was conducted to investigate the expressions of TLR-2 and NF-κB. Results: The mean of TLR-2 and NF-κB expressions on Group III was significantly lower than that of the positive control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: It can be concluded that East Java propolis extract is a potential intracanal medicament in chronic apical periodontitis caused by E. faecalis infection by decreasing the expression of TLR2 and NF-κB.