IJCEMR

Article http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijcemr.2025.07.004

The Effect of Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Regulating VEGF Gene Expression in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

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Guanyu Sun, Tao Wang^*

Department of Stomatology, Hainan General Hospital (The Affiliated Hainan Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou 570311, Hainan, China.

*Corresponding author: Tao Wang

Published: July 30,2025

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effect of tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway regulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Methods: Six-week-old SD rats were selected to establish an OSF model. Each group was injected with the corresponding drugs for four weeks before being euthanized. Buccal mucosal tissues were collected for histopathological examination using H&E and Masson staining, as well as immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression levels of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its phosphorylation, angiogenesis-related factors (CD34, VEGF), and fibrosis-related factors (type I collagen, COL-I; α-smooth muscle actin, α-SMA) in the buccal mucosa. Results: tFNAs inhibited the pathological progression of OSF, reduced collagen deposition, and improved the severity of OSF in rats. By upregulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and its phosphorylation levels in OSF mucosal tissues, tFNAs increased the expression of angiogenesis-related factors (CD34 and VEGF) while decreasing fibrosis-related factors (COL-I and α-SMA). Conclusion: tFNAs activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to promote VEGF gene expression, enhance angiogenesis, and amelio-rate OSF. This confirms the critical role of angiogenesis in OSF treatment.

Keywords

Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids; Oral submucous fibrosis; PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; Vascular endothelial growth factor

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How to cite this paper

The Effect of Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Regulating VEGF Gene Expression in Oral Submucous Fibrosis

How to cite this paper: Guanyu Sun, Tao Wang. (2025) The Effect of Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway Regulating VEGF Gene Expression in Oral Submucous Fibrosis. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Research, 9(4), 414-418.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.26855/ijcemr.2025.07.004