Effect of topical 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel on transforming growth factor-beta levels during peri-implant soft-tissue healing around temporary anchorage devices: An in vivo study

Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of topical application of 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel on temporal changes in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) levels during peri-implant soft-tissue healing around temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Material and Methods: This in vivo experimental study involved 18 male New Zealand White rabbits randomly allocated into two groups: A control group receiving TAD placement only and a treatment group receiving device placement with topical application of 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel. Serum TGF-β levels were measured on days 3, 7, and 14 following device placement using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Intragroup comparisons were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by post hoc tests, while between-group comparisons were performed using independent samples t -tests. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results: Repeated-measures analysis demonstrated a significant effect of time on TGF-β levels within each group ( p < 0.05). In both groups, mean TGF-β levels increased from day 3 to day 7 and subsequently decreased from day 7 to day 14. At all observation time points, the topical propolis group exhibited significantly higher TGF-β levels compared with the control group ( p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis revealed significant differences between specific observation intervals, with the greatest differences observed during the transition from the proliferative to the remodeling phase. Conclusion: Topical application of 10% Trigona sp. propolis gel modulated the temporal expression of TGF-β during peri-implant soft-tissue healing around TADs. Within the limitations of an animal model, topical propolis may serve as a biologically active adjunct to support peri-implant soft-tissue healing. Further clinical studies are required to confirm its potential applicability in orthodontic practice.