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REVIEW article

Front. Physiol.

Sec. Craniofacial Biology and Dental Research

Volume 16 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fphys.2025.1501158

This article is part of the Research Topic Molecular Basis of Craniofacial Abnormalities View all 5 articles

Choosing the proper animal model for oral submucous fibrosis research: considerations and challenges

Provisionally accepted
Linlin Zhang Linlin Zhang 1Jun Chen Jun Chen 1Fuxingzi Li Fuxingzi Li 2*Binjie Liu Binjie Liu 1*Junjie Liu Junjie Liu 1*
  • 1 Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
  • 2 Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    Objectives: Animal models of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) are essential for the studying on the pathogenesis of this disease. Current research on animal models of OSF requires further investigation. In this review, we aim to summarize the strengths and weaknesses of existing OSF animal models, as well as the recent progress in this field.Subject and Methods: OSF is an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) characterized by fibrotic bands, burning sensations, and limited mouth opening.Numerous experimental animal models have been developed to replicate the pathological processes in patients with OSF. Therefore, we systematically evaluated existing animal models of OSF classifying them according to the elements of building an animal model.In this study, we propose that the elements of animal models for OSF include inducers, animal species, and methods of intervention. Additionally, we highlighted the advantages and limitations of these models and provided directions for future research.Using human-like animals as experimental subjects, combining both physical and chemical stimulation, and adjusting the dosage and type of inducer may represent the direction of future studies in this field.

    Keywords: Oral Submucous Fibrosis, animal model, Areca nut, HOCl, bleomycin 1. Introduction

    Received: 24 Sep 2024; Accepted: 28 Jan 2025.

    Copyright: © 2025 Zhang, Chen, Li, Liu and Liu. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence:
    Fuxingzi Li, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
    Binjie Liu, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan Province, China
    Junjie Liu, Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan Province, China

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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