(PR64) Effect of Propolis on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Viability and Migration

Abstract: Propolis is a natural substance produced by honeybees, that exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anesthetic and cytotoxic properties. Although numerous studies have evaluated the antimicrobial effects of propolis, its effects on dental pulp stem cell viability and migration are yet to be elucidated. The objectives of this study meant to investigate the effects of propolis on dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) viability/proliferation and migration. This study would further help understand that propolis may be used as an alternative intra-canal medicament for regenerative endodontic procedures. Commercially available DPSCs (Lonza) were treated with aqueous extract of propolis (AEP) and ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) at different concentrations, and viability/proliferation was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Migration was assessed using crystal violet staining in cells grown in Boyden chamber Transwell inserts. The number of migrated cells was quantified after picture collection with light microscope. EEP and AEP at 0.03 and 0.1mg/ml did not significantly affect DPSC viability/proliferation up to 7-days treatment; but higher doses (0.33-33mg/ml) induced a dose dependent decrease in DPSC viability/proliferation with more prominent effects with EEP at 7 days (AEP: p<0.05; EEP p<0.01). The migration assay showed that both AEP and EEP (0.03 and 0.1mg/ml) induced a dose dependent increase in DPSC migration (p < 0.05). This study provides new information about the biologic properties of propolis and shows that propolis induces DPSC migration but decreases viability/proliferation, possibly maintaining stemness. This highlights the potential use of propolis for regenerative endodontics procedures.