RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effect of the Chinese herbal formula of Jiedu Huayu decoction (, JHD) on oral mucosa of rats with oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and its potential mechanism of action. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male OSF model rats were constructed by injection of betaine and topical rubbing and were randomly grouped and administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Mouth opening and buccal mucosa scores interleukin levels and the expression of Axin and ß-catenin proteins or genes were measured before and after drug administration. RESULTS: After treatment with JHD the buccal mucosal lesions of rats were significantly reduced Axin protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased ß-catenin protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased interleukin-1ß and interleukin-6 levels were decreased and interleukin-10 levels were increased. CONCLUSION: The mechanism of action of JHD can effectively alleviate the pathological damage of buccal mucosa in OSF rats which may be related to the promotion of Axin expression and inhibition of ß-catenin expression.