Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, derived from green tea, on matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Root Dentin

• Grant number: 24/00691-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Pediatric Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Andiara de Rossi
• Grantee: Gabrielly Aparecida Damásio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are part of a family of proteinases related to the function and structure of tissues by acting in the degradation of protein components of the extracellular matrix (ECM). MMPs are crucial for the normal development of dentin and their activity is maintained throughout tooth function in the oral cavity. Because they are calcium dependent, MMP-2 and MMP-9 are also present in the coronal dentin and radicular dentin of human teeth, even though there may be differences in the amount of each enzyme. Therefore, during endodontic treatment, the use of medications that promote the inhibition of MMPs should be considered. Green tea is composed of flavonoids that are catechins, and within this group are included: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin (EC), with the presence of epigallocatechin-3-gallate one of the main responsible for its beneficial anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mineralizing biological effects. EGCG has been proposed in the prevention and treatment of diseases that result in the resorption of mineralized tissues and due to its biocompatibility, it has been suggested as a means of preserving avulsed teeth after trauma by preserving the vitality of periodontal ligament cells. EGCG has antimicrobial efficacy against a large number of periodontopathogenic microorganisms, and against a large number of species isolated from the root canal. An EGCG-based paste, developed and patented for use as an endodontic indwelling dressing, provided repair of periapical lesions similar to that of calcium hydroxide-based paste, reducing the expression of MMPs 2 and 9 in periapical tissues, favoring the repair of lesions, Therefore, the use of this base paste as a delay dressing in endodontic therapy could act to reduce MMPs present in the dentin of endodontically treated teeth, which is the hypothesis of this work.