Fig. 5

ITIC-Th NPs therapy intercepts the cancerous progression of oral leukoplakia in 4NQO rats. A Manifestations of tongue lesions in rats on days 3, 8, and 14 after different treatments. B Representative histological images of H&E, ALDH1, and p53 staining of collected tongue tissues. Scale bar = 200 μm. C Therapeutic effect scores of each group. According to lesion area, type, color, and texture, comprehensive judgment was made by two experienced oral mucosal clinicians. (n = 4, mean ± SD). D The score of ALDH1 and p53 IHC stain in B. (n = 4, mean ± SD, *p < 0.05, ***p < 0.001). E H&E-stained histological images of major tissues near the site of treatments. Scale bar = 200 μm. F Average body weight of different groups of rats. (n = 4, mean ± SD). G H&E-stained histological images of major organs after the different treatments. Scale bar = 200 μm. H–M Serum biochemical study and hematology assay after the different treatments. (n = 4, mean ± SD)