Purpose: Development of pharmaceutical dosage forms of natural products has gained great interest recently. Propolis is a natural product with various active compounds and multiple pharmacological activities. Its resinous nature and low bioavailability were obstacles in the optimum use of this magnificent natural product. Aim: This study evaluates the effect of using liposomes as a drug delivery system on the enhancement of the cytotoxic effect of propolis on squamous cell carcinoma cell lines (Hep-2) of head and neck. Methods: An optimized liposomal formulation of propolis was prepared using the conventional thin film hydration method 1, 2. The prepared (Hep-2) cell line was treated with different concentrations of propolis and optimized propolis liposomes for 24 h. The effect of both propolis and propolis liposomes on cell line was investigated using MTT assay, cytological examination, and nuclear morphometric analysis. The effect of the drugs on the cell apoptosis was evaluated using Annexin V. Results: The findings revealed that both propolis and propolis liposomes have a cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line through induction of apoptosis. The effect was dose dependent. However, a statistically significant enhancement in propolis-mediated apoptosis on Hep-2 cells was elucidated due to encapsulation within the prepared liposomes. Conclusion: Liposome is a powerful tool for enhancing the cytotoxicity of propolis against Hep-2 cell line.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation therapy on the regenerative potential of non-vital mature permanent teeth of healthy Canine dogs. Methods: 54 mature roots, obtained from 27 premolars, in dogs, were selected and divided into three equal groups where Group I received regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) using blood clot as a scaffold (positive control), Group II received similar treatment as Group I, followed by photobiomodulation therapy (study group) and Group III did not receive any intervention (negative control). Each group was further divided into three equal subgroups for the evaluation of the vascular area percentage and fibroblast count at 3 different intervals; 3, 10, and 15 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed with R statistical analysis software version 4.1.3 Results: Data analysis for vascular area percentages, revealed an insignificant increase in mean values at 3 and 10 weeks for both the positive control and study group, and all values were significantly lower than the negative control (p < 0.001). At 15 weeks, there was an insignificant difference between the study group and the negative control group, with mean values was 9.76 ± 2.25, and 11.97 ± 2.37, respectively. However, both values were significantly higher than the positive control group (2.47 ± 1.0), (p < 0.001). Regarding fibroblast count, there was a gradual increase in mean values recorded at different intervals, reaching its maximum at the 15th week period; they were 41.40 ± 1.14, 56.60 ± 6.11 and 44.67 ± 17.04 for positive control, study group, and negative control respectively, with insignificant differences between the study group and negative control. Conclusion: The results of this study support the revascularization of non-vital mature permanent teeth as an alternative treatment modality. Photobiomodulation could improve the construction of regenerated blood vessels and fibroblasts. However, further studies with longer flow-up periods and different animal models are recommended.

Aim of study: to evaluate the possible anticancer potential of Matrine, one of the main active components extracted from dry roots of Sophora flavescens Ait (Leguminosae), on human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Hep-2). Material and methods: Prepared (Hep-2) cell line was treated with different concentrations of Matrine for 48 hours. The effect of Matrine on cell line was investigated using MTT assay, cytological examination and nuclear morphometric analysis of treated cells to explore the effect of the drug on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. The results were analyzed statistically. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: MTT assay showed that the proliferation of Matrine treated cells (in relation to control cells) decreased in a dose dependent manner. Morphometric analysis showed a decrease in nuclear area factor (NAF), which is an indicator of apoptosis, as concentrations increased. The results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Matrine has a cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line through induction of apoptosis.