Effect of 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel on osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and receptor activator of nuclear factor KB ligand expression during bone remodeling around temporary anchorage devices: An in vivo stud y

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel on osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and RANKL expression during bone remodeling around temporary anchorage devices. Material and Methods: Thirty male rabbits were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5/group), comprising control and treatment groups observed on days 3, 7, and 14 after TAD placement. The treatment group received topical 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel twice daily (0.5 g per application) around the TAD site. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts were quantified histologically using hematoxylin-eosin staining, and RANKL expression was measured using ELISA. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and linear regression ( p < 0.05). Results: Propolis treatment significantly reduced osteoclast counts and increased osteoblast numbers at all observation points ( p < 0.05). On day 14, osteoclasts were reduced to 0.80 ± 1.10, while osteoblasts increased to 296.00 ± 24.17 ( p = 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed strong correlations between treatment duration and both osteoblast (R 2 = 0.935) and osteoclast (R 2 = 0.859) counts. Although RANKL expression showed no significant difference on day 14 ( p = 0.421), it declined over time (R 2 = 0.530, p = 0.001), indicating time-dependent modulation. Conclusion: These findings indicate that 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel has the potential to enhance peri-implant bone remodeling and biological healing responses around TADs, suggestsing its potential as a local adjunctive agent in orthodontic applications.