Braz. oral res. vol.32  São Paulo  2018
    Epub Feb 05, 2018
 http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1807-3107bor-2018.vol32.0004  
Radiation combined injury, a life-threatening condition, has higher 
mortality than simple radiation injury. The aim of the present study was
 to analyze the efficiency of 
Aloe vera and silver 
nanoparticles in improving the healing of ulcerated oral mucosa after 
irradiation. Thirty male Albino mice were divided into five groups: 
control, radiation, Aloe vera (AV), silver nanoparticles (NS), and 
AV+NS. The mice were exposed to whole body 6Gy gamma-radiation. After 
one hour, 20% acetic acid was injected into the submucosal layer of the 
lower lip for ulcer induction. The animals received topical treatment 
with the assigned substances for 5 days. Lip specimens were subjected to
 hematoxylin and eosin and anti alpha-smooth muscle actin 
immunohistochemical staining. Results demonstrated occurance of ulcer 
three days post irradiation in all groups except in the AV+NS group 
where only epithelial detachment was developed. After seven days, data 
revealed persistent ulcer in radiation group, and almost normal 
epithelium in the AV+NS group. A significant reduction of epithelial 
thickness was detected in all groups at the third day as compared to 
control. At the seventh day, only the AV+NS group restored the 
epithelial thickness. Area percent of alpha-smooth muscle actin 
expression was significantly decreased in radiation group at the third 
day followed by significant increase at the seventh day. However, all 
treatment groups showed significant increase in alpha-smooth muscle 
actin at the third day, which decreased to normal level at the seventh 
day. Our study demonstrated the efficiency of 
Aloe vera and silver nanoparticles in enhancing ulcer healing after irradiation.
 
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