Effect of oral tamoxifen on the healing of corrosive oesophageal burns in an experimental rat model

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: Corrosive oesophagitis is a common health problem in children. Scar tissue can develop during the recovery period, and as a result, serious narrowing of the oesophagus can develop, in turn causing morbidity and mortality. In previous studies, it was argued that tamoxifen (TAM) may have antifibrotic effects beyond its oestrogen antagonist or agonist properties. We aimed to examine the possible effects of TAM on fibrosis and stricture formation, which are complications of corrosive oesophagitis. METHODS: Three study groups were formed as follows: a non-oesophageal burn group (NON-EB, n = 6), an oesophageal burn group (EB, n = 6) and an oesophageal burn + tamoxifen group (EB-TAM, n = 6). In the NON-EB rats, the oesophageal lumen was washed with 0.9% NaCl while, in the EB and EB-TAM rats, the distal oesophagus was burned with a 50% NaOH solution. After application of this solution to the EB-TAM group rats, 0.4 mg/kg/day of TAM was administered via gavage for 7 days. Twenty-two days later, the rat oesophagi were examined histopathologically for inflammation, granulation, collagen deposition and stenosis. RESULTS: In the EB group rats, the inflammation, collagen deposition and stenosis scores increased compared with those of the other groups. In the EB-TAM group, these three scores were lower compared with those of the EB group rats, but higher compared with those of the NON-EB group rats. No significant difference was observed in the granulation scores between the EB and EB-TAM groups. It was also observed that the EB-TAM group rats gained more weight than those in the EB group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the data obtained, TAM use prevents inflammation, collagenization and stricture development. TAM may be a useful medicine in the treatment of corrosive oesophagitis.