Effects of chitosan versus curcumin on dorsal surface of tongue mucosa of albino rats fed on high-fat diet: histological and ultrastructural study

Abstract

Aim: This work aimed to evaluate the effects of Curcumin versus Chitosan as a natural product on the dorsal surface of tongue mucosa of albino rats fed on high fat diet.

Materials and Methods: 40 rats were equally divided into 2 main groups (1- control group: received normal diet and distilled water , 2- experimental groups: divided into 3 subgroups:  2-A received high fat diet, 2-B: received High Fat diet + Curcumin, 2-C: received High Fat diet + Chitosan (curcumin and chitosan were administered to rats via gastric tube). Cholesterol level in blood was measured at day 0, 90 and 120. Rats euthanized at the end of 4 months and tongue specimens were processed for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. All data were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA (F) test with post hoc test (Tukey).

Results: A high-fat diet caused significant alterations to the tongue's dorsal surface, treatment with curcumin showed a slight improvement. On the other hand, chitosan demonstrated notable improvements to the tongue mucosa.

Conclusions: A high-fat diet has a significant cytotoxic effect on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Curcumin and chitosan may have a protective impact on hypercholesterolemia-induced tongue cytotoxicity.