Abstract
Many studies suggest that fluoride exposure can inhibit the activity of various enzymes and can generate free radicals, which interfere with antioxidant defence mechanisms in living systems. To further the understanding of this issue, this present study examined the effects of low-dose fluoride treatment on the activity of enzymatic antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the parotid (PA) and submandibular (SM) salivary glands of rats. Rats were injected with a single dose of sodium fluoride (NaF) (15 mg F−/kg b.w.) then euthanized at various time intervals up to 24 hours (h) following exposure. NaF exposure did not cause significant differences in SOD or CAT activity or LPO levels in PA glands compared to control. Conversely, SM glands presented increased SOD activity after 3 h and decreased SOD activity after 1, 12, and 24 h, while LPO was increased after 6, 12, and 24 h of the NaF injection. There were no significant differences in the CAT activity in the groups studied. Our results demonstrated that NaF intoxication caused oxidative stress in salivary glands few hours after administration. These changes were more pronounced in SM than in PA gland.
Highlights
Fluoride is widely regarded as the cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry
Though the levels of MDA in PA glands were marginally higher in experimental groups (F), they were not statistically significant
This study assessed the susceptibility of SM and PA salivary glands to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced by a single injection of a low concentration of fluoride over a period of 24 h
Summary
Fluoride is widely regarded as the cornerstone of modern preventive dentistry. Because of its cariostatic properties, fluoride has been increasingly added to alternative delivery systems, such as toothpastes and mouth rinses, so that exposure of populations to fluoride other than through fluoridated water supplies and foodstuffs has become significant [1]. The most pronounced effects of fluoride intake are manifested in bones and teeth, it is known to cross cell membranes by simple diffusion and enter soft tissues causing adverse effects on cell metabolism and function [1, 4,5,6]. Its concentration is proportional to the plasma concentration [7]. Salivary glands are important secretory organs, vital to various processes occurring in the oral cavity. Their secretory products have an utmost importance for several physiological functions, playing a critical role in oral and systemic health by monitoring, regulating, and maintaining the integrity of the oral hard and soft tissues [8]. The major salivary glands of both humans and rodents consist of three pairs of macroscopic glands: parotid (PA), submandibular (SM), and sublingual [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
