Apricot oil extract as a topical chemopreventive agent in induced tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background/aim The tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is considered one of the primary causes of death worldwide. Despite the presence of different therapeutic modalities, scientists always search for natural products that have an anticancer effect. Apricot oil extract has anticancerous effect, but its use is limited due to its toxic systemic effect. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of apricot oil extract locally applied on induced TSCC. Material and methods Thirty rats were divided into three groups, group I was the control group, group II received 7, 12 Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) topically and group III received apricot oil extract alternative with Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene topically. After killing the rats, tongues were dissected and were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Results Group II developed TSCC with features of malignancy while group III showed hyperplastic epithelium which was dysplastic and started invasion in few cases. Immunohistochemically, group II showed a strong positive expression of Ki-67 and matrix mettaloprotinase 9 compared with group III. Statistical analysis showed that group II was significantly the highest in Ki-67 and matrix mettaloprotinase 9 expression. Conclusions From the results obtained, we can conclude that apricot oil has potent anticarcinogenic effect and that using it topically may be an alternative to systemic use.