Protective role of Withaferin-A on immunoexpression of p53 and bcl-2 in 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced experimental oral carcinogenesis.

Oral cancer, the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide, is a major health problem and accounts for highest morbidity and mortality in human populations. This form of cancer accounts for 40-50% of all cancers in developing countries including India. Despite recent advancement in the treatment, imaging and diagnosis of oral carcinoma, a 5-year survival and mortality rate for this cancer is still at 50%. Our aim was to study the protective effect of Withaferin-A on molecular pathogenesis of oral cancer by evaluating the immunoexpression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins. Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the left buccal pouch of golden Syrian hamsters by painting with 0.5% 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), three times a week for 14 weeks. We observed 100% tumor formation with high tumor volume and burden in the DMBA alone painted hamsters as compared to control hamsters. We also observed markedly altered expression of p53 and bcl-2 proteins in tumor tissues of oral cancer bearing hamsters. Oral administration of Withaferin-A to DMBA-painted hamsters not only completely prevented oral squamous cell carcinoma formation but also significantly prevented the alterations of p53 and bcl-2 expressions. Our results thus suggest that Withaferin-A has significant protective role against DMBA induced molecular alterations in the buccal mucosa of golden Syrian hamsters.