Effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on wound healing in calvarial defects

Effects of vitamin K2 administration on guided bone regeneration in diabetic rats

AIM

The present study aimed to investigate the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical impacts of vitamin K2 on guided bone regeneration (GBR) in calvarial critical-size defects (CSDs) in diabetic rats.

METHODS

A total of 30 rats were used in this study, comprising 12 non-diabetic (control) rats and 18 with streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced experimental Diabetes mellitus (DM). In all rats, two calvarial CSDs were created: one defect was left empty (E), the other was treated with bovine-derived bone graft and collagen-based resorbable membrane (GM). Study groups were as follows: control rats administered saline (n = 6, C-E and C-GM groups) or vitamin K2 (n = 6, CK-E and CK-GM groups) and diabetic rats administered saline (n = 6, DM-E and DM-GM groups) or vitamin K2 (n = 6, DMK-E and DMK-GM groups). After 4 weeks of saline or vitamin K2 administration, the rats were euthanized. Bone defect healing and new bone formation were assessed histomorphometrically, and osteocalcin and osteopontin levels were examined immunohistochemically.

RESULTS

Percentage of new bone formation was greater in CK-GM vs. CK-E and in DMK-GM vs. DMK-E [d = 3.86 (95% CI = 16.38-28.61), d = 1.86, (95% CI = 10.74-38.58), respectively, p < .05]. Bone defect healing scores were higher in CK-GM vs. CK-E and in DMK-GM vs. DMK-E [d = 2.69 (95% CI = -2.12 to -0.87), d = 3.28 (95% CI = 0.98-1.91), respectively, p < .05]. Osteocalcin expression levels were elevated in CK-GM vs. CK-E, in DMK-GM vs. DMK-E [d = 1.19 (95% CI = 0.08-1.41), d = 1.10 (95% CI = 0.02-1.22), respectively p < .05]. Vitamin K2 enhanced osteocalcin expression levels in DMK-E vs. DM-E [d = 2.78, (95% CI = 0.56-1.53), p < .05] and in DMK-GM vs. DM-GM [d = 2.43, (95% CI = 0.65-2.10), p < .05]. Osteopontin expression was enhanced in defects treated with GM vs. E defects [C-GM vs. C-E, d = 1.56 (95% CI = 0.38-2.01); CK-GM vs. CK-E, d = 1.91 (95% CI = 0.49-1.72); DM-GM vs. DM-E, d = 2.34 (95% CI = -1.12 to -0.50); DMK-GM vs. DMK-E, d = 2.00 (95% CI = 0.58-1.91), p < .05].

CONCLUSION

The research findings suggest that administering vitamin K2 in GBR for rats with DM favorably impacts bone healing in CSDs, presenting an adjunctive strategy for bone regeneration.

Applications of honeybee-derived products in bone tissue engineering

Nowadays, there is an increasing prevalence of bone diseases and defects caused by trauma, cancers, infections, and degenerative and inflammatory conditions. The restoration of bone tissue lost due to trauma, fractures, or surgical removal resulting from locally invasive pathologies requires bone regeneration. As an alternative to conventional treatments, sustainable materials based on natural products, such as honeybee-derived products (honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, beeswax, and bee venom), could be considered. Honeybee-derived products, particularly honey, have long been recognized for their healing properties. There are a mixture of phytochemicals that offer bone protection through their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the effects of honeybee-derived products on bone regeneration. In conclusion, honey, propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, and bee venom can potentially serve as natural products for promoting bone health.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester ameliorates titanium particle-induced bone loss and inflammatory reaction in a mouse acute model

With the increasing clinical application of dental and orthopedic implants, the problem of peri-implant osteolysis has attracted attention. The inflammatory response and osteoclast differentiation induced by wear particles play an important role in peri-implant bone loss. However, the treatment of peri-implant osteolysis is still lacking. In the present study, we investigated the effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on titanium particles induced bone loss in a mouse model. We found that CAPE significantly suppressed titanium particle-induced bone loss in vivo. CAPE treatment decreased ratio of nuclear factor kappa B receptor activator ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) and subsequently reduced osteoclastogenesis in the mouse model. In addition, CAPE downregulated the expression and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated by titanium particles in vivo. In summary, we conclude that CAPE prevent the titanium particles-induced bone loss.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE): Biosynthesis, Derivatives and Formulations with Neuroprotective Activities

Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by a progressive process of degeneration and neuronal death, where oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are key factors that contribute to the progression of these diseases. Therefore, two major pathways involved in these pathologies have been proposed as relevant therapeutic targets: The nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2), which responds to oxidative stress with cytoprotecting activity; and the nuclear factor NF-κB pathway, which is highly related to the neuroinflammatory process by promoting cytokine expression. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a phenylpropanoid naturally found in propolis that shows important biological activities, including neuroprotective activity by modulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways, promoting antioxidant enzyme expression and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression. Its simple chemical structure has inspired the synthesis of many derivatives, with aliphatic and/or aromatic moieties, some of which have improved the biological properties. Moreover, new drug delivery systems increase the bioavailability of these compounds in vivo, allowing its transcytosis through the blood-brain barrier, thus protecting brain cells from the increased inflammatory status associated to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. This review summarizes the biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of CAPE derivatives, their miscellaneous activities, and relevant studies (from 2010 to 2023), addressing their neuroprotective activity in vitro and in vivo.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Loaded PEG-PLGA Nanoparticles Enhance Wound Healing in Diabetic Rats

Delayed wound healing is a serious complication of diabetes and a main reason for foot amputation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a main active constituent of honeybee propolis with reported appealing pharmacological activities. In the current study, CAPE was loaded onto PEG-PLGA nanoparticles and showed a particle size of 198 ± 7.3 nm and polydispersity index of 0.43 ± 0.04. An in vivo study was performed to appraise the wound-healing activity of CAPE-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (CAPE-NPs) in diabetic rats. Wound closure was significantly accelerated in rats treated with CAPE-NPs. This was confirmed via histological examinations of skin tissues that indicated expedited healing and enhanced collagen deposition. This was accompanied by observed antioxidant activity as evidenced by the prevention of lipid peroxidation and the exhaustion of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. In addition, CAPE-NPs showed superior anti-inflammatory activity as compared with the regular formula of CAPE, as they prevented the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-α). The pro-collagen actions of CAPE-NPs were highlighted by the enhanced hyroxyproline content and up-regulation of Col 1A1 mRNA expression. Furthermore, the immunohistochemial assessment of skin tissues indicated that CAPE-NPs enhance proliferation and angiogenesis, as shown by the increased expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF-B). In conclusion, CAPE-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles possess potent healing effects in diabetic wounds. This is mediated, at least partially, by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-collagen as well as angiogenic activities.

Protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and thymoquinone against cigarette smoke in experimental bone fracture healing

This study investigated the protective characteristics of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) and thymoquinone (TMQ) against the effects of cigarette smoke in recovery from bone fractures. Sixty Wistar albino rats were divided into six groups (n = 10). The rats' femur bones were fractured and then fixed with microplates and microscrews. In the CAPE group, CAPE was given by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days at a dose of 10 μmol/kg once a day. In the TMQ group, TMQ was given orogastrically for 30 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg once a day. In the cigarette groups, CAPE was given by intraperitoneal injection for 30 days at a dose of 10 μmol/kg once a day (CAPE-CG), TMQ was given orogastrically for 30 days at a dose of 10 mg/kg once a day (TMQ-CG), and controls were exposed to cigarette smoke three times a day for 8 min each time for 30 days. The controls received no postoperative treatment. The rats were sacrificed on the 30th day following surgery. According to the histopathological and immunohistochemical results, cigarette smoke had a negative impact on bone healing. TMQ and CAPE increased bone formation and reduced bone destruction. Therefore, TMQ and CAPE were found to be partially protective against the adverse effects of smoking on bone tissue.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Loaded Electrospun Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Application

Electrospinning is an advantageous method with a wide usage area, which enables the production of materials consisting of nano-thickness fibers. In this study, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) molecule was loaded onto the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers and obtained nanofibers were physicochemically and biologically investigated for the first time in the literature. The existence of CAPE molecules, loaded on PLGA membranes by dropping and spraying methods, was evaluated by a comparative investigation of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. Fiber morphology of the membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). CAPE release and swelling behaviors of the membranes were studied in vitro. The radical scavenging activity of CAPE-loaded wound dressing materials was determined by using an antioxidant assay. The antimicrobial properties of PLGA and CAPE-loaded PLGA membranes were evaluated against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and C. albicans strains by the time-kill method. The biocompatibility study of the obtained CAPE-loaded fibers conducted on human fibroblast cell line and wound healing promoting effect of the fibers was investigated in vitro scratch assay. The results show that CAPE-loaded PLGA membranes are highly antimicrobial against all strains used in the experiment. Additionally, the results show that they are biocompatible and have wound healing properties on human fibroblasts.

Low concentrations of caffeic acid phenethyl ester stimulate osteogenesis in vitro

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on osteoblast-like cell cultures (SAOS-2).

METHODS

SAOS-2 were exposed to CAPE at 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, 1 μM, and 10 μM. Non-exposed cultures were used as control. The following parameters were assayed: 1) cell viability at 1, 3, and 7 days; 2) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity at 5 and 10 days; 3) matrix mineralization at 14 days; and 4) Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), ALP, osteopontin (SPP1), and osteocalcin (BGLAP) gene expression at 5 and 10 days. The data were analyzed by ANOVA two-way or Kruskal-Wallis (α = 5%).

RESULTS

At day 1, cell viability was similar among all groups (p > 0.05). At days 3 and 7, cultures exposed to CAPE at 10 μM exhibited a significant reduction in cell viability compared with the others groups (p < 0.05). At day 5, ALP activity was similar among all experimental groups; at day 10, however, the stain intensity was higher in cultures exposed to CAPE at 100 nM and 10 nM in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.05). At days 5 and 10, RUNX2, ALP, SPP1, and BGLAP gene expression was greater in cultures exposed to CAPE in comparison with the control (p < 0.05). At day 14, matrix mineralization was similar in cultures exposed to CAPE at 1 nM and 10 nM (p > 0.05), but superior to those ones observed in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

CAPE at low concentrations can positively module the osteogenesis in vitro.

Anti-Inflammatory and Healing Activity of the Hydroalcoholic Fruit Extract of Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs

Background

Solanum diploconos (Mart.) Bohs is a native Brazilian plant belonging to the Solanaceae family, popularly known as “tomatinho do mato” and poorly investigated. Herein, we presented for the first time evidence for the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities of S. diploconos fruit hydroalcoholic extract. Material and Methods. In vitro fMLP-induced chemotaxis, LPS-induced inflammatory mediator levels (cytokines by ELISA and NO release by Griess reaction), and adhesion molecule expression (CD62L, CD49d, and CD18, by flow-cytometry) were assessed in neutrophils treated with different concentrations of the extract. Inflammation resolution was measured by the efferocytosis assay and the healing activity by in vivo and in vitro assays. The air pouch model of carrageenan-induced inflammation in Swiss mice was used to investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Leukocyte influx (by optical microscopy) and cytokine release were quantified in the pouch exudates. Additionally, the acute and subacute toxic and genotoxic effects of the extract were evaluated.

Results

In vitro, the extract impaired neutrophil chemotaxis and its ability to produce and/or release cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6) and NO upon LPS stimuli (p < 0.01). LPS-treated neutrophils incubated with the extract presented increased CD62L expression (p < 0.01), indicating a reduced activation. An enhanced efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils by macrophages was observed and accompanied by higher IL-10 and decreased TNFα secretion (p < 0.01). In vivo, similar results were noted, including reduction of neutrophil migration, protein exudation, and cytokine release (p < 0.01). Also, the extract increased fibroblast proliferation and promoted skin wound healing (p < 0.01). No signs of toxicity or genotoxicity were observed for the extract.

Conclusion

S. diploconos fruit extract is anti-inflammatory by modulating neutrophil migration/activation as well macrophage-dependent efferocytosis and inflammatory mediator release. It also indicates its potential use as a healing agent. Finally, the absence of acute toxic and genotoxic effects reinforces its possible use as medicinal product.

Recent progresses in the pharmacological activities of caffeic acid phenethyl ester

The past decades have seen a growing interest in natural products. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a flavonoid isolated from honeybee propolis, has shown multiple pharmacological potentials, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and protective effects on nervous systems and multiple organs, since it was found as a potent nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) inhibitor. This review summarizes the advances in these beneficial effects of CAPE, as well as the underlying mechanisms, and proposes that CAPE offers an opportunity for developing therapeutics in multiple diseases. However, clinical trials on CAPE are necessary and encouraged to obtain certain clinically relevant conclusions.

The Pluripotent Activities of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a strong antioxidant extracted from honey bee-hive propolis. The mentioned compound, a well-known NF-κB inhibitor, has been used in traditional medicine as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. CAPE has a broad spectrum of biological properties including anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and wound-healing activities. This review characterizes published data about CAPE biological properties and potential therapeutic applications, that can be used in various diseases.

Effects of Caffeic Acid and Its Derivatives on Bone: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Caffeic acid is a metabolite of hydroxycinnamate and phenylpropanoid, which are commonly synthesized by all plant species. It is present in various food sources that are known for their antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, caffeic acid ameliorates reactive oxygen species, which have been reported to cause bone loss. Some studies have highlighted the effects of caffeic acid against bone resorption.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the effects of caffeic acid on bone. A comprehensive search was conducted from July to November 2020 using PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. Cellular, animal and human studies reporting the effects of caffeic acid, as a single compound, on bone cells or bone were considered.

RESULTS

The literature search found 226 articles on this topic, but only 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The results showed that caffeic acid supplementation reduced osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, possibly through its antioxidant potential and increased expression of osteoblast markers. However, some studies showed that caffeic acid did not affect bone resorption in ovariectomized rats and might impair bone mechanical properties in normal rats.

CONCLUSION

Caffeic acid potentially regulates the bone remodelling process by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption, as well as osteoblast apoptosis. Thus, it has medicinal values against bone diseases.

Historical and modern research on propolis and its application in wound healing and other fields of medicine and contributions by Polish studies

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The history of medical application of propolis (also known as bee glue) dates back to the times of ancient Greeks, Romans, Persians and Egyptians. Honey and other bee products, including propolis, occupy an important place in Polish folk medicine. Scientific research on propolis in Poland began in the early 1960s in Zabrze and continues until now.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of information on Polish research on propolis and its medical application with particular emphasis on studies concerning wound healing. Consequently, our goal is also to shed a new light on therapeutic potential of Polish propolis in order to support future research in the field.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review of scientific literature on propolis and its medical application was performed by using the literature databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar). We paid special attention to papers describing the effect of propolis on skin wound healing as well as to Polish contribution to research on propolis.

RESULTS

Professor Stan Scheller was the first Polish scientist dealing with propolis and its medical potential. His legacy was continued by several research teams that studied the topic in various aspects. They analyzed propolis composition, its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiapoptotic and anticancer properties as well as its application in dentistry and wound treatment. Burn wound healing physiology after propolis administration was thoroughly studied on pig model, whereas research on patients proved the efficacy of propolis in chronic venous leg ulcer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Polish scientists have made a significant contribution to the research on propolis, its biological properties and influence on wound healing. Propolis ointments can effectively accelerate the healing process and improve healing physiology, so they can be recommended as a promising topical medication for wound treatment in the future clinical and preclinical trials.

A biochemical and immunohistochemical study of the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress in diabetic rats with experimental periodontitis

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is used as a therapeutic agent to prevent bone loss. We determined the effects of systemically administered CAPE on alveolar bone loss and oxidative stress in diabetic rats with experimental periodontitis. Forty male rats were divided into four equal groups: control, experimental periodontitis (EP), EP-diabetes mellitus (EP-DM) and EP-DM-CAPE. DM was induced by streptozotocin, then lipopolysaccharide was injected to induce periodontitis. CAPE was administered to the EP-DM-CAPE group daily for 15 days. Then, serum samples were taken and the rats were sacrificed for histological analyses. Serum interleukin (IL-1β) and oxidative stress also were evaluated. Alveolar bone loss was assessed histomorphometrically. Alveolar bone loss and IL-1β levels were significantly less in the EP-DM-CAPE and EP groups compared to the EP-DM group. Oxidative stress was significantly less in the EP-DM-CAPE group compared to the EP and EP-DM groups. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) levels were significantly higher in the EP-DM group compared to the disease groups. CAPE significantly reduced RANKL levels in the EP-DM-CAPE group compared to the EP-DM group. We found that CAPE treatment significantly inhibited DM induced oxidative stress and RANKL induced osteoclastogenesis and alveolar bone loss in diabetic rats with periodontitis.

Therapeutic effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on alveolar bone loss in rats with endotoxin-induced periodontitis

Background/purpose

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an antioxidant which is decreases the bone resorption and enhances the bone healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of administering systemic CAPE on alveolar bone loss in rats with experimental periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: control, endotoxin-induced periodontitis (EP), and EP treated with CAPE (EP-CAPE). Endotoxin was injected into the gingiva of test rats on days 1, 3, and 5, whereas saline was injected into the control rats. The EP-CAPE group received 10 mmol/kg/day CAPE intraperitoneally for 28 consecutive days. Saline was given in the control and EP groups in the same manner. At the end of the study, intracardiac blood samples were obtained, and the rats were sacrificed. Alveolar bone loss was analyzed with histometric measurements. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was used to evaluate the oxidative stress. The receptor activator of the nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) level was analyzed stereologically.

Results

CAPE administration significantly decreased the serum OSI and interleukin-1β levels. Alveolar bone loss was statistically higher in the EP group compared with the EP-CAPE group (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analyses of the RANKL were significantly lower in the EP-CAPE group than in the EP group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This experimental study revealed that CAPE administration significantly prevented alveolar bone loss and stimulated periodontal tissue healing.

Green propolis extract promotes in vitro proliferation, differentiation, and migration of bone marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Propolis is a resinous material extracted from bee glue with a complex chemical composition. The unique biological properties of propolis have led to its use in alternative medicine and as a nutritional supplement. Recent research shows that propolis could affect the immune system by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines and potentiating an effect on resident stem cells. The exact mechanism, however, is unknown. The goal of this study was to demonstrate whether green propolis extract affects any characteristic properties of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)in vitro.

METHODS

The cytocompatibility of propolis extract and the proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMMSCs) in the presence of propolis was evaluated by live/dead cell staining and MTS viability assay over a period of 3 days. Also, we evaluated the effect of propolis extract on trilineage differentiation and migration capacity of undifferentiated and differentiated BMMSCs.

RESULTS

Relative to the control, propolis extract resulted in a significant and linear increase in the proliferation of MSCs and inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs, while there was a potentiation of chondrogenesis and adipogenesis. Finally, in relevance to wound healing, an in vitro scratch assay demonstrated that the migratory potential of differentiated BMMSCs was enhanced in the presence of propolis.

CONCLUSION

We have demonstrated that propolis extract was not toxic to BMMSCs (<400 μg/ml), supported their proliferation, potentiated chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation processes, and supported cell migrationin vitro. Most interestingly, there was a down-regulation of osteogenesis. These data support the use of propolis extract for enhanced cell proliferation and tissue regeneration; however, it warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Esterified Hyaluronic Acid Fibers on Bone Regeneration in Rat Calvarial Defects

Hyaluronic acid (HA) constitutes one of the major components of the extracellular matrix domain in almost all mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative capacity of HA matrix in rat calvarial bone defects and compare with those of different combinations of resorbable collagen membrane (M) and bovine-derived xenograft (G). Twenty-four 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were included. Control group was created by leaving one defect empty from 2 critical size defects with 5 mm diameter formed in the calvarial bones of 8 rats. In the same rats, the other defect was treated with HA matrix alone. One of the 2 defects formed in other 8 rats was treated with HA+G and the other with HA+M. One of the 2 defects formed in the remaining 8 rats was treated with G+M and the other with HA+G+M. The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. Histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Both HA matrix alone and its combinations with G and M supported new bone formation (NBF). However, NBF was significantly greater in G+M and HA+G+M groups compared to control and HA alone (P<0.001). Bone morphogenetic protein-2 was expressed with varying degrees in all groups, without any difference among them. Within the limitations of the present study, HA matrix, used alone or in combination with G and M, did not contribute significantly to bone regeneration in rat calvarial bone defects.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in vivo: Impact on oxidative stress and RANKL/OPG signals

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO) is one of the most common causes of secondary osteoporosis. Given that glucocorticoids are considered as a main component of the treatment protocols for a variety of inflammation and immune-mediated diseases besides its use as adjuvant to several chemotherapeutic agents, it is crucial to find ways to overcome this critical adverse effect. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is a natural compound derived from honeybee propolis displayed promising antiosteoporotic effects against mechanical bone injury in various studies. The current work aimed at investigating the potential protective effect of CAPE against GIO in vivo with emphasis on the modulation of oxidative status and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegrin (OPG) signaling. The results showed that CAPE opposed dexamethasone (DEX)-mediated alterations in bone histology and tartarate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity. In addition, CAPE restored oxidative balance, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RunX2) expression and reduced caspase-3 activity in femur tissues. Co-administration of CAPE with DEX normalized RANKL/OPG ratio and Akt activation indicating a reduction in DEX-osteoclastogenesis. In conclusion, concurrent treatment of CAPE with DEX exhibited promising effects in the protection against DEX-induced osteoporosis through opposing osteoclastogenesis and protecting osteoblasts. The potent antioxidant activity of CAPE is, at least in part, involved in its anti-apoptotic effects and modulation of RunX2 and RANKL/OPG signals. The use of CAPE-enriched propolis formulas is strongly recommended for patients on chronic glucocorticoid therapy to help in the attenuation of GIO.

Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on bone formation in the expanded inter-premaxillary suture

BACKGROUND

Narrow maxilla is a common problem in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. To solve this problem, a procedure called rapid maxillary expansion (RME) has been used. However, relapse tendency is a major problem of RME. Although relapse tendency is not clearly understood, various treatment procedures and new applications have been investigated. The present study aimed to investigate the possible effectiveness of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on new bone formation in rat midpalatal suture after RME.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. The animals were randomly divided into two groups as control and CAPE group. In the CAPE group, CAPE was administered systemically via intraperitoneal injection. RME procedure was performed on all animals. For this purpose, the springs were placed on the maxillary incisors of rats and activated for 5 days. After then, the springs were removed and replaced with short lengths of rectangular retaining wire for consolidation period of 15 days. At the end of the study, histomorphometric analysis was carried out to assess new bone formation.

RESULTS

New bone formation was significantly greater in the CAPE group than the control group (P<0.05). CAPE enhances new bone formation in midpalatal suture after RME.

CONCLUSION

These results show that CAPE may decrease the time needed for retention.

Therapeutic and Prophylactic Potential of Morama (Tylosema esculentum): A Review

Tylosema esculentum (morama) is a highly valued traditional food and source of medicine for the San and other indigenous populations that inhabit the arid to semi-arid parts of Southern Africa. Morama beans are a rich source of phenolic acids, flavonoids, certain fatty acids, non-essential amino acids, certain phytosterols, tannins and minerals. The plant's tuber contains griffonilide, behenic acid and starch. Concoctions of extracts from morama bean, tuber and other local plants are frequently used to treat diarrhoea and digestive disorders by the San and other indigenous populations. Information on composition and bioactivity of phytochemical components of T. esculentum suggests that the polyphenol-rich extracts of the bean testae and cotyledons have great potential as sources of chemicals that inhibit infectious microorganisms (viral, bacterial and fungal, including drug-resistant strains), offer protection against certain non-communicable diseases and promote wound healing and gut health. The potential antinutritional properties of a few morama components are also highlighted. More research is necessary to reveal the full prophylactic and therapeutic potential of the plant against diseases of the current century. Research on domestication and conservation of the plant offers new hope for sustainable utilisation of the plant.