Abstract
Background: Sodium nitrite is a popular food ingredient used to preserve processed meat. It is still in use today even though it is classified as a potential human carcinogen. Lycopene is a carotenoid with potent anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant qualities.
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine whether giving sodium nitrite to albino rats may cause cancer. It also looked at the potential preventive impact of lycopene against this effect.
Material and Methods: Four groups of adult male albino rats were randomly assigned. Macroscopic inspection, histological analysis, immunohistochemical assay, PCR for Cadherin 1 gene expression, and statistical analysis were all used to determine the impact of lycopene on tongue cancer caused by sodium nitrite in albino rats.
Results: The results indicated that group II had put on weight, group IV had almost reached the same weight as the control group, and group III had lost weight considerably. Histopathologically, the oral mucosa of groups I and II was normal, while group III met the requirements for dysplastic criteria, and group IV showed less modification. In terms of immunohistochemical analysis, group III showed weak cellular adhesion while groups I, II, and IV displayed strong levels. Group III displayed a decrease in the expression of the cadherin 1 gene when compared to the other groups.
Conclusion: In albino rats, lycopene offered protection against tongue cancer induced by sodium nitrite.