Carapa guianensis oil attenuates erosive dentin wear and modulates matrix metalloproteinase expression in vitro.

OBJECTIVE

This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural lipid extracted from Carapa guianensis (andiroba) in controlling erosive wear and modulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in dentin.

DESIGN

Bovine dentin specimens (4 × 4 × 2 mm) were prepared and subjected to an initial erosive challenge using 1% citric acid for 10 min to induce artificial lesions. Specimens were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 12): G1 (negative control) - water-based gel without active compounds; G2 - Carapa guianensis oil; and G3 (positive control) - a commercially available fluoride-based anti-erosive toothpaste. After immersion in artificial saliva, all specimens underwent a 3-day erosive-abrasive cycling protocol. Erosive wear (µm) and surface roughness (Sa) was quantified by 3D laser confocal microscopy. MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression levels were assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS

G2 exhibited significantly reduced erosive wear (µm) and lower Sa compared with both control groups (p < 0.05). In addition, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression levels remained stable in G2 following the erosive-abrasive cycling, whereas significant increases were observed in G1 and G3.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, Carapa guianensis oil exhibited protective effects against dentin erosion, potentially associated with erosive wear, Sa and treatment-dependent modulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression. This natural lipid may represent a promising alternative to fluoride-based strategies for the control of erosive dentin wear.