Anti-cancerous Impact of Topical Chitosan Nanoparticles in DMBA-Induced Oral Precancerous Lesions

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan nanoparticles as a topical treatment of oral epithelial dysplasia that was induced chemically in the hamster buccal pouch.Methods: Thirty-five male Syrian golden hamsters were distributed into four groups. Group A: served as a negative control group, group B: served as positive control group where left buccal pouches of the hamsters were painted 3 times/week/6 weeks with DMBA carcinogen, group C: hamsters were painted 3 times/week/6 weeks with DMBA then treated topically by chitosan -nanoparticles (0.235 mg/kg) for another six weeks and group D: hamsters were painted 3 times/week/6 weeks with DMBA then treated topically by chitosan -nanoparticles (2.53 mg/kg) for another six weeks. After euthanasia, the pouches were dissected and prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examination with BAX and PCNA.Results: Histopathological evaluation showed prevention of oral cancer proceeding in hamster buccal pouches when treated with high dose of chitosan nanoparticles (2.53 mg/kg). These observations were online with increased BAX expression and decreased PCNA expression. Conclusion: High concentrations of chitosan nanoparticles may have the potential to prevent oral carcinogenesis processes in those who are at high‐risk for developing OSCC as well as act as auxiliary therapy for patients undergoing conventional treatments.