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.