Effect of Curcumin Loaded Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA Nanoparticles versus Native Curcumin on the Healing of the Tongue Ulcer in Albino Rats (Histological and Immuno-histochemical Study)

Abstract

Oral ulceration is one of the most common oral diseases. It is defined as a discontinuity of mucous membrane with a loss and degeneration of epithelial tissue. Herbal medicine is one of the most commonly used complementary and alternative treatments that suppresses the inflammatory process through its inhibitory effects on several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Curcumin is a herbal product that has anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory activities. It prevents the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis factor-Alpha, interleukin-1, 2, 6 and 8. Although, Curcumin exhibited a ken of potent activities, it is a lipophilic compound with very low aqueous solubility resulting in limited bioavailability and efficacy. Such low bioavailability limits its usefulness and hence its introduction into the clinical setting. To overcome this problem and to achieve therapeutic concentrations, various novel drug-delivery have been employed as carriers to increase its bioavailability. Nanoparticle-based delivery systems are suitable for highly hydrophobic agents like curcumin. Nano-curcumin unlike free curcumin, is readily dispersed in aqueous media. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA is a copolymer approved by Food and Drug Administration due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. It was reported that PLGA was used for curcumin delivery by oral administration with increased bioavailability. Aim of the study: Primary aim: the primary objective of this study was to compare the effects of curcumin loaded PLGA nanoparticles versus free curcumin on a chemically induced ulcer at the tip of the inferior surface of the tongue in Albino rats. Secondary aim: was to study the level of expression of Transforming Growth factor - Beta among the different experimental groups.  This was achieved by: • Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stain for routine histological examination.