The efficiency of propranolol on occurrence and development of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue in rats.

AIMS

The aim of this study to investigate the efficiency of propranolol on occurrence and development of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO)-induced squamous cell carcinogenesis of the tongue in rats.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The sample was composed of 27 male Sprague Dawley rats that received 50 ppm 4NQO for 20 weeks in drinking water. Group 1 ( = 9) was treated with 50 mg/kg/day propranolol for 20 weeks, Group 2 ( = 9), after carcinogenesis inducement for 20 weeks, received propranolol (50 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks and Group 3 ( = 9) received no treatment. At the end of the experimental stage, the tongue specimens were evaluated under a light microscope and categorized as low- or high-risk lesions according to a binary system.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

The statistical comparison was performed with a likelihood ratio test.

RESULTS

Histopathological analysis revealed the risk of malignant transformation rates as 33.3% in Group 1, 55.5% in Group 2 and 77.8% in Group 3; however, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of the study suggest that propranolol has a tendency to preventive effect against carcinogenesis.