Role of Vitamin E against oral mucositis in gamma irradiated rats

Abstract

Abstract Background: Radiation therapy is the primary treatment for neck and head cancer patients; however, it causes the development of oral mucositis accompanied by tissue structure destruction and functional alteration. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different doses of vitamin E as a treatment for radiation‑induced oral mucositis in rat model. Methods: 35 adult male albino rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, untreated radiation mucositis (20 Gy), radiation mucositis treated with radiation then vitamin E at doses of 300, 360 and 500 mg/Kg, respectively. Body weight and the amount of oral intake for each rat were evaluated. The mucositis score was assessed every day and tongue specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, anti P53 and anti Ki67 antibodies. Results: Results indicated more food intake and less weight reduction in groups treated with different vitamin E doses. Also, vitamin E delayed the onset and decreased the severity and duration of mucositis. It also restored the histological structure of lingual tongue papillae. Vitamin E treated groups showed a significant higher Ki67 and lower P53 expression as compared to untreated radiation group. The overall improvement increased as vitamin E dose increased. Finally, the amelioration could be attributed to the decreased apoptosis and increased proliferation of cells. Conclusions: Vitamin E especially at dose of 500 mg/Kg could be an effective treatment for radiation-induced oral mucositis.