Zirconia/hydroxyapatite (80/20) scaffold repair in critical size calvarial defect increased FGF-2, osteocalcin and OPG immunostaining and IL-10 levels.

The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate zirconia/hydroxyapatite in a critical size calvarial defect model in rats. Zirconia/hydroxyapatite (80/20) scaffold was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Critical size (8 mm) calvarial defects were created in wistar rats (n=48) and divided into four groups (90 days): G0 Group: positive control; G1 Group: hydroxyapatite; G2 Group: Zirconia; G3 Group: Zirconia/hydroxyapatite (80/20). Calvaria were subjected to Micro CT, histological and immunohistochemical analyses (RANK, RANKL, OPG, osteocalcin and FGF-2). IL-1 beta, IL-10 and TNF-alpha levels were analyzed by Elisa Immunoassay. The XRD analysis confirmed the formation of a crystalline structure and SEM showed the presence of regions corresponding to Zirconia and Hydroxyapatite. The Micro CT showed increased bone volume (BV/TV) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the G3 group (P<0.05). In addition, discrete periosteal bone formation was found at the interface of the defect edge and the external surface of the scaffold in the G3 group, showing osteocytes inside and osteoblasts (P<0.05) with scarce mononuclear inflammatory cells (P<0.01) in the central region of the defect. The immunostaining was moderate for RANKL, Osteocalcin and FGF-2 in the G3 group (P<0.5), while it was intense for OPG (P<0.001). IL-1 beta levels were decreased and IL-10 levels increased (P<0.05). Zirconia/hydroxyapatite (80/20) scaffold repair in critical size calvarial defects increased bone density, osteoblast and osteoclast cell numbers, FGF-2, osteocalcin and OPG immunostaining and IL-10 levels.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of hydroethanolic extract of Spondias mombin leaf in an oral mucositis experimental model.

BACKGROUND: Spondias mombin has been used in folk medicine to treat inflammation in the oral cavity. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of S. mombin extract in an oral mucositis experimental model. METHODS: Male hamsters were orally pre-treated with hydroethanolic extract of S. mombin leaves (HESM) (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) for ten days. Cheek pouch samples were subjected to macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis (Cox-2, iNOS, NF-kB p50 NLS and MMP-2). IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were analyzed by ELISA immunoassay, and Superoxide dismutase estimative (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were submitted to spectroscopy analysis. RESULTS: The group treated with HESM at a dose of 200 mg/kg showed the best healing effect, showing no evidence of ulceration in the macroscopic analysis (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis showed re-epithelialization, discrete mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate and absence of hemorrhage and edema score of 1 (1-1) (p < 0.05), as well as a large amount of collagen fibers and a lower immunoexpression of Cox-2, iNOS, NF-kB p50 NLS and MMP-2. Decrease in SOD (p < 0.05), MDA (p<0.001), IL-1ß (p < 0.05), and TNF-α levels (p < 0.001), with an increase in GSH (p < 0.01) levels. CONCLUSION: HESM (200 mg/kg) reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in the 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis in hamsters.