The Effect of Grape Seed Extract and Cetuximab Drug on Mucositis of Experimental Rats

Objectives: Cetuximab is an anticancerous drug which causes oral mucositis as a major side effect. Oral mucositis can be reduced by the effect of grape seed extract which modulates the inflammatory pathways. Our aim is to evaluate the effect of Grape seed extract and Cetuximab drug on mucositis and bacterial infection in tongue mucosa of experimental rats. Design: 24 rats were housed in the animal house and divided into 4 groups receiving Cetuximab alone, Cetuximab and Grape seed extract together or Grape seed extract one week ahead of Cetuximab drug and compared with the control group which received no treatment. After sacrifice the tongue was dissected and paraffin blocks were prepared. Tissue sections were stained by routine hematoxylin and eosin stain for examination by the light microscope. Tissue blocks for scanning electron microscopic examination were also prepared. Results: The mean number of inflammatory cells decreased in rats receiving Grape seed extract and Cetuximab especially if Grape seed extract was given before Cetuximab. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed atrophy of filliform papillae and many bacterial colonies in rats taking Cetuximab alone, which decreased after adding Grape seed extract to Cetuximab drug. Conclusion: Grape seed extract reduced oral mucositis and bacterial infection caused by Cetuximab drug.