MODULATION OF PULPAL MMP-8 AND VEGF-ALPHA BY BIOACTIVE CALCIUM SILICATE AND BLOOD COCKLE SHELL EXTRACT COMBINATION IN RATS

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated MMP-8 and VEGF-Alpha expression in rat dental pulp inflammation after application of bioactive calcium silicate combined with blood cockle shell extract. Methods: Forty mandibular incisors were randomly assigned to four groups: 100% bioactive calcium silicate (control) and three treatment groups containing 25%, 50%, or 75% shell extract with the remainder calcium silicate. Direct pulp capping was performed, and samples were collected on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Results: Immunohistochemistry and one-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in MMP-8 expression on days 1 and 3, and VEGF-Alpha expression across all time points (p < 0.05). The 75% shell extract group showed the lowest MMP-8 and highest VEGF-Alpha expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that combining blood cockle shell extract with bioactive calcium silicate enhances regenerative potential in inflamed pulp compared to only calcium silicate.

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