Expression of p53, Ki-67, sox-2, oct-4, and NANOG in the tongue and trachea of Swiss mice exposed to narghile smoke.

INTRODUCTION

Narghile (waterpipe) tobacco use has increased worldwide, partly due to limited awareness of its harmful effects. Despite the widespread misconception that the water filters toxic substances, the chemical composition of narghile smoke is comparable to that of cigarette smoke. However, its effects on airway tissues remain poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the histological and immunohistochemical profiles of the tongue and trachea in Swiss mice exposed to narghile smoke.

METHODOLOGY: Sixty animals were divided into six groups: a control group (0 days) and experimental groups exposed daily to narghile smoke for seven, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days. After euthanasia, tongue and tracheal tissues were collected for histological (hematoxylin and eosin staining) and immunohistochemical analyses of NANOG, OCT-4, SOX-2 (neoplastic stem cell markers), Ki-67, and p53 in epithelial cells.

RESULTS

Histological evaluation revealed cytological and architectural alterations in the tongue, suggestive of early dysplastic changes. In the trachea, early metaplastic modifications were observed, including cilia loss, epithelial hyperplasia, and mild keratinization. These changes increased with longer exposure duration. Immunohistochemical analysis showed greater expression of NANOG, OCT-4, SOX-2, and p53, peaking at 30 days, whereas Ki-67 expression peaked at 90 days. Elevated p53 levels suggest alterations in cell cycle regulation and apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Narghile smoke induced histological and molecular changes in the tongue and tracheal epithelium of mice, indicating a potential carcinogenic effect. Further in vitro, in vivo, and clinical investigations are warranted to validate these biomarkers and better elucidate the biological effects of narghile smoke exposure.