The efficacy of okra fruit extract on the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in the tooth socket of diabetic Wistar rats.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with diabetes mellitus suffer from an additional macrophage dysfunction in the secretion of growth factor, which later decreases transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1). This condition disrupts proliferation and angiogenesis. Extract of okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus) contains flavonoid, an active substance which acts as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antidiabetes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference in TGF-ß1 expression in wound-healing process after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a laboratory experimental study using pretest and posttest on 24 Wistar rats which are divided into two groups control group (treated with streptozotocin induction but without administration of okra fruit extract) and treatment group (treated with streptozotocin induction and oral administration of 250 mg/kg okra fruit extract once a day). Extractions of the rats' mandibular left incisors were performed using a pair of modified forceps and an elevator. The tooth sockets were then irrigated using saline solution. Four rats in each group were sacrificed on day 3 (KO1, PO1), 5 (KO2, PO2), and 7 (KO3, PO3). The socket tissues from the rats were then immunohistochemically analyzed. Data were analyzed at level significance of 0.05. RESULTS: The average level of TGF-ß1 expression in the treatment groups was higher compared to the control group PO1 (11.59 ± 0.58), PO2 (15.15 ± 1.07), and PO3 (18.75 ± 2.73) as compared to KO1 (5.32 ± 1.69), KO2 (8.47 ± 0.60), and KO3 (9.28 ± 1.16) with P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: The administration of okra fruit extract can increase the level of TGF-ß1 in wounds after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats.