The effect of bee pollen on alveoler bone destruction and inflammatory parameters in rats with experimental periodontitis

Bee pollen is a mixture of pollen from plant flowers and bee salivary secretions, primarily known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The flavonoids found in the methanolic extract of bee pollen inhibit cyclooxygenase activity by reducing nitric oxide production, thereby additionally reducing bone loss. For these reasons, bee pollen has beneficial properties related to molecules and cellular changes associated with chronic diseases and is a potential therapeutic substance with preventive/treatment potential. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bee pollen administered via oral gavage on experimental periodontitis (EP) in rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups: 1) periodontal healthy (PH), 2) experimental periodontitis (EP), 3) experimental periodontitis + bee pollen (EP-BP). After the induction of EP by placing ligatures on the maxillary molars of the rats, bee pollen was administered via oral gavage to the test group for 14 days. The rats were euthanized on day 15, and jaw and serum samples were collected. The samples were analyzed biochemically, histologically, histomorphometrically, and immunohistochemically. Serum levels of IL-4 and IL-6 were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels were analyzed by immunostaining. In the experimental periodontitis groups, more bone loss was observed compared to the periodontal healthy group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). No significant differences were found between groups in serum IL-4 and IL-6 levels (p>0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that in the EP-BP group, OPG levels were significantly higher and RANKL levels were significantly lower compared to the EP group (p<0.05). Histopathological evaluation revealed that the inflammation level in the EP-BP group was statistically significantly lower than in the EP group (p<0.05). Within the limitations of this study, it was determined that systemic bee pollen administration had no effect on serum IL-4 and IL-6 parameters, reduced RANKL levels, increased OPG levels, and thus may prevent alveolar bone loss. However, this was not supported by histomorphometric measurements.