An Experimental Study on Histological Evaluation of the effect of Pure Nicotine and Pentoxifylline Gel on Oral Ulcers

Background: Ulcerative conditions are common and are observed in almost 25% of the younger generations including children and young adults, which requires profound attention. Among the available topical therapeutics in treatment of oral ulceration is pure nicotine. It is an alkaloid derived and found in the Solanaceae plants and exerts its effects through suppression of inflammatory pathway. The therapeutic role of pure nicotine on regression of oral ulcers has been studied and showed effectiveness in reducing pain and ulcer erythema. The most appropriate channel for delivering local drug therapy to the oral cavity seems to be gel based topical formulations. Pentoxifylline is an anti-inflammatory xanthine derivative that has been approved nowadays for peripheral arterial disease therapy, moreover it exhibits an anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- effect, reverses fibroblast proliferation and may act to decrease the oral ulcers pain and duration. Aims: The present experimental study aims to determine Histological Evaluation of the Effect of Pure Nicotine and Pentoxifylline Gel on Oral Ulcers Materials and Methods: Thirty six male Albino rats weighing 200-250 gm were used in this study. Oral ulcers were induced in the right buccal mucosa all rat population. The rat population was divided into three main groups, twelve rats each. Topical pure nicotine, pentoxiphylline gel and placebo were applied for each group four times daily on the ulcers. Four rats from each group were sacrificed at day two, four, and eight right cheek mucosa was removed and prepared for histological examination. Results: The results of our study showed complete healing of the ulcer with absence of any sign of inflammation and increase in keratinization by day 8 in pure nicotine group, while in pentoxiphylline group the ulcers did not heal completely or produce any keratinization when compared to the nicotine group. In regards to control group, profound ulceration and inflammation were seen from day 2 until day 8.