The efficacy of okra fruit extract on the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in the tooth socket of diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus suffer from an additional macrophage dysfunction in
the secretion of growth factor, which later decreases transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‑β1).
This condition disrupts proliferation and angiogenesis. Extract of okra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus)
contains flavonoid, an active substance which acts as antioxidant, anti‑inflammation, and antidiabetes.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the difference in TGF‑β1 expression in wound‑healing
process after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats.
Materials and Methods: This is a laboratory experimental study using pretest and posttest on 24
Wistar rats which are divided into two groups: control group (treated with streptozotocin induction
but without administration of okra fruit extract) and treatment group (treated with streptozotocin
induction and oral administration of 250 mg/kg okra fruit extract once a day). Extractions of the
rats’ mandibular left incisors were performed using a pair of modified forceps and an elevator. The
tooth sockets were then irrigated using saline solution. Four rats in each group were sacrificed on
day 3 (KO1, PO1), 5 (KO2, PO2), and 7 (KO3, PO3). The socket tissues from the rats were then
immunohistochemically analyzed. Data were analyzed at level significance of 0.05.
Results: The average level of TGF‑β1 expression in the treatment groups was higher compared to
the control group: PO1 (11.59 ± 0.58), PO2 (15.15 ± 1.07), and PO3 (18.75 ± 2.73) as compared
to KO1 (5.32 ± 1.69), KO2 (8.47 ± 0.60), and KO3 (9.28 ± 1.16) with P = 0.001.
Conclusion: The administration of okra fruit extract can increase the level of TGF‑β1 in wounds
after tooth extraction of diabetic Wistar rats.
Key Words: Diabetes mellitus, okra fruit, transforming growth factor beta 1, wound healing,
none