Propolis is a complex phytocompound made from resinous and balsamic material harvested by bees from flowers, branches, pollen, and tree exudates. Humans have used propolis therapeutically for centuries. The aim of this article is to provide comprehensive review of the antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties of propolis. The mechanisms of action of propolis are discussed. There are two distinct impacts with regards to antimicrobial and anti-parasitic properties of propolis, on the pathogens and on the host. With regards to the pathogens, propolis acts by disrupting the ability of the pathogens to invade the host cells by forming a physical barrier and inhibiting enzymes and proteins needed for invasion into the host cells. Propolis also inhibits the replication process of the pathogens. Moreover, propolis inhibits the metabolic processes of the pathogens by disrupting cellular organelles and components responsible for energy production. With regard to the host, propolis functions as an immunomodulator. It upregulates the innate immunity and modulates the inflammatory signaling pathways. Propolis also helps maintain the host’s cellular antioxidant status. More importantly, a small number of human clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and the safety of propolis as an adjuvant therapy for pathogenic infections.

Propolis is a resinous product collected by bees from plants to protect and maintain the homeostasis of their hives. Propolis has been used therapeutically by humans for centuries. This review article attempts to analyze the potential use of propolis in metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated chronic diseases. MetS and its chronic diseases were shown to be involved in at least seven out of the top 10 causes of death in 2019. Patients with MetS are also at a heightened risk of severe morbidity and mortality in the present COVID-19 pandemic. Propolis with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties is potentially useful in ameliorating the symptoms of MetS and its associated chronic diseases. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on propolis and its therapeutic benefit in MetS and its chronic diseases, with an emphasis on in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as human clinical trials. Moreover, the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of action of propolis are also discussed. Propolis inhibits the development and manifestation of MetS and its chronic diseases by inhibiting of the expression and interaction of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptors (RAGEs), inhibiting pro-inflammatory signaling cascades, and promoting the cellular antioxidant systems.

Hemangioma is a benign tumor of dilated blood vessels. It is most commonly seen in the head and neck region and rarely in the oral cavity. Hemangiomas in the oral cavity are always of clinical importance and require appropriate treatment. We report here a case of a 34-year-old female patient with a swelling on the lateral surface of tongue which did not respond to the sclerosing agent and was finally confirmed as cavernous hemangioma on histological evaluation.

Lasers have been used in dentistry since 1994 to treat a number of dental problems. A variety of lasers are now available for use in dentistry. Once stated as an intricate technology with restricted usage in clinical dentistry, there is a growing awareness of the usefulness of lasers in the armamentarium of the modern dental practice, where they can be used as an adjunct or alternative to various long-standing approaches.

Background and Objectives. Matrix metalloproteinases degrade extracellular membrane and also release bioactive fragments and growth factors, thus influencing fundamental biological and pathological processes. Epilysin (MMP-28) differs from most other MMPs as it is expressed in a number of normal tissues, suggestive of functions in tissue homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively evaluate and compare the mRNA expression of epilysin (MMP-28) in gingival tissues of healthy patients and of patients affected by chronic or aggressive periodontitis.Methods. A total of 60 subjects, 20 periodontally healthy subjects, 20 with chronic periodontitis, and 20 with aggressive periodontitis, were included in this study. Periodontal status was evaluated by measuring gingival index, probing depth and clinical attachment level. mRNA expression of MMP-28 was determined by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in gingival tissue samples collected.Results. Relative quantification of mRNA expression of MMP-28 was highest in healthy tissues () when compared to subjects with chronic periodontitis () and aggressive periodontitis (), but the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion. mRNA expression of MMP-28 was highest in healthy tissues when compared to diseased periodontal tissues suggesting that MMP-28 could act as a biomarker for periodontal health.

In periodontics, the main purpose of radiography is to detect the level of the alveolar bone including the pattern and extent of loss of the bone. Measurements which are of linear from the cement-enamel junction to the crest of the alveolar bone and from the cement enamel junction to the bone defect base are commonly used to measure the bone height and bone defects. In radiographs, the periodontal ligament space, lamina dura and periapical region are seen and also helpful in identifying risk, such as calculus and dislodged restorations. Radiographs can provide information for proper diagnosis and treatment planning, which can provide information for the assessment of accurate treatment outcomes.