Characterization of a Novel Oral Submucous Fibrosis Model Induced by Areca Nut Extract

Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is an oral potentially malignant disorder and areca quid chewing is the main etiological factor. However, the molecular mechanism underlying OSF remains unclear, partly due to the lack of an appropriate animal model. The present study aimed to establish and characterize an animal model of areca nut extract (ANE)-induced OSF.
Methods: Mice were divided into 3 groups: the control group; the bleomycin group; and the ANE20 group, which received 20mg/ml subcutaneous (SC) injection of ANE. OSF was evaluated by histological analyses. Additionally, the expression levels of the fibrotic marker genes were determined by immunohistochemical staining and immunoblotting.
Results: ANE administration significantly increased dermal thickness and collagen deposition compared with the control group. Moreover, ANE induced the expression of the fibrotic marker genes alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the lesions.
Conclusions: The SC injection of ANE successfully induced OSF. This model may facilitate future studies of the mechanism underlying OSF.