Volume 58 (2008) Issue: 2008 No#1

The effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on healing capacity and repair of the dentin-pulp complex: in vivo study

Author(s): Djurica G, Danilović Vesna, Kršljak Elena

Keywords:dentin-pulp complex, repair, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), histology

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on wound healing capacity and repair of the pulp dentin complex on an experimental model. Eight young male pigs were used in this study. Arteficially preformed pulp lesions were treated either with calcium hydroxide (control group) or with CAPE powder (experimental group). The material for histological analysis was 4 and 14 weeks after pulp capping. Results of the histological analysis revealed that inflammatory reactions occurred in both groups. In the control group inflammation could be scored as mild to moderate, with a tendency to decrease during the observed period, while in the experimental group it was scored as severe in most of the specimens. Dentin bridge formation and complete reparation of the dentin-pulp complex was observed in most of the specimens of the control group, while the repair process in the experimental group was characterized by fibrous tissue proliferation. In the experimental group severe haemorrhagia, tissue oedema and dentin resorption were also observed. Based on reported results it could be concluded that capping material containing CAPE could not enhance the repair of the dentin-pulp complex, and healing of the dentin-pulp complex was characterized by scar tissue formation, rather than dentin bridge formation.