76 male hamsters were divided equally into 4 groups (19 each). Group I served as control group with no intervention. Group II received topical application of 0.5% 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) on the left buccal pouches for 16week with no intervention. Group III received a 0.5ml of Pomegranate molasses plus 0.5 ml distilled water through ingestion daily concomitant with DMBA application and continued for 3 months post induction period. Group IV received a red grape vinegar in a protocol similar to group III. Then the pouches were collected fixed and processed for H&E, anti-TGF-β and anti-CK-19 staining.
Results: group II showed classical dysplastic changes with statistically significant higher expression of anti-TGF-β and CK-19 (P<0.0001) compared to group III and IV. The later showed reduction of dysplastic changes and anti-TGF-β and CK-19 expression. There was no significant difference between the two treatment modalities.
Conclusion: Both pomegranate molasses and red grape vinegar reduced the signs of dysplasia via reduction of TGF-β and CK-19 expression and consequently reduction of the EMT. Both pomegranate molassess and red grape vinegar represent a promising protective therapeutic modality for reduction of dysplastia and carcinogenesis.