Homogenous amniotic membrane as a biological dressing for oral mucositis in rats: Histomorphometric analysis

ObjectiveOral mucositis is a frequent and significant side effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the homogenous amniotic membrane (HAM) as a biological dressing for oral mucositis induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the labial fornix region of inferior incisors in rats.MethodsSixty rats were divided into three groups: control (50% acetic acid), 5-FU (50% acetic acid and 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis) and 5-FU + HAM (50% acetic acid and 5-fluorouracil-induced oral mucositis, and treated with HAM). Histological analyses were done 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after applying the acetic acid.ResultsHAM showed not only no signs of rejection as well as an excellent tissue adherence to the ulcerated surface. Histomorphometric analysis indicated a lower quantity of inflammatory cells in the 5-FU + HAM group in all periods when compared to the other groups and there was a statistically significant difference in the 3- and 7-day periods (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that HAM was biocompatible with great adhesive power to the ulcerated surface, accelerated the healing process and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies should be done to investigate the potential benefits of this material in clinical trials. HAM could lead to improved results as a biological dressing in treatment and management of oral mucositis in patients submitted to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.