World Journal of Medical Sciences 10 (2): 204-207, 2014 ISSN 1817-3055 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wjms.2014.10.2.82182 Corresponding Author: Malathi Suresh, Department of Conservative dentistry & Endodontics, Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Pallikaranai, Chennai, India. Tel: +91 9551416503, +91 44 28450666. 204 Clotting Co-Factor and Bees Extract in Dentin Stabilization Malathi Suresh, Madhana Madhubala, Kavitha Sanjeev and Mahalaxmi Sekar 1 2 2 2 Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, 1 Sree Balaji Dental College and Hospital, Bharath University, Chennai, India Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, 2 SRM Dental College, SRM University, Chennai, India Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the dentin collagen stabilization property of propolis and vitamin K using tensile bond strength testing. Occlusal reduction was done in 25 extracted human mandibular first molars. Following the surface pre-treatment (propolis, Vit K, 17 % EDTA), dentin bonding agent and composite resin was applied and cured. The specimens were sectioned and subjected to tensile bond strength testing. Propolis showed significantly higher mean bond strength when compared to all other experimental groups. Key words: Vitamin K Propolis Dentin Stabilization INTRODUCTION Propolis is a natural resinous material that honey Collagen in biological tissue is strengthened by the has been extensively used in dentistry due to its ability to formation of native cross-links which provides fibrillar stimulate mineralization (for protection against caries), resistance against enzymatic degradation, thus increasing as a storage media for avulsed teeth, as an intracanal the tensile strength. The stable and effective bond medicament in endodontic procedures, as a pulp capping between composite material and dentin surface is material due to its ability to stimulate reparative dentin achieved due to primer and adhesive penetration into the formation and for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. demineralised dentin forming the hybrid layer [1]. The Flavanoids in propolis, being natural anti-oxidants and structural stability of the collagen fibers with the resin free radical scavengers, increase collagen synthesis as monomers accounts for the better bond strength. well as accelerate the conversion of soluble collagen to Vital dentin is inherently wet, but collagen collapse insoluble collagen during development to enhance occurs on drying demineralized dentin [2]. The concept of collagen stabilization. moist bonding is preferred as it enhances bond strength Vit K is a fat soluble vitamin, essential for the as water preserves the porosity of the collagen network functioning of several proteins involved in blood for monomer interdiffusion. The further stabilization of coagulation. It has the ability to bind to calcium ions and collagen fibrils by biological agents to increase the is required for the activation of coagulation cascade. mechanical properties and decrease the enzymatic Vitamin k is an essential factor to hepatic gamma glutamyl degradation should be an important application in carboxylase that adds a carboxyl group to glutamic acid restorative dentistry. Several synthetic and natural residues on factors II, VII, IX and X. On adding the substances have been used to stabilize the dentin gamma carboxyl group to glutamate residues on the collagen with inter and intra-molecular cross-links. The immature clotting factors, vitamin k is oxidized, which is application of two naturally stabilizing agents like important for collagen stabilization [4]. proanthocyanidin and genipin to dentin collagen Hence based on their collagen stabilizing properties, significantly improves the ultimate tensile strength, propolis and vitamin k were used in this study for dentin indicating its potential value in restorative dentistry. surface pre-treatment. bees collect from various plant species [3]. This material