Abstract
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, is caused by a reduction in salivary secretion and by changes in the composition of saliva associated with the malfunction of salivary glands. Xerostomia decreases quality of life. In the present study, we investigated the effects of peptides derived from β-lactoglobulin C on age-dependent atrophy, gene expression profiles, and the dysfunction of salivary glands. Long-term oral administration of Leu57-Leu58-His59-Lys60 (LLHK), Leu58-His59-Lys60 (LHK) and His59-Lys60 (HK) peptides induced salivary secretion and prevented and/or reversed the age-dependent atrophy of salivary glands in older rats. The transcripts of 78 genes were upregulated and those of 81 genes were downregulated by more than 2.0-fold (p ≤ 0.05) after LHK treatment. LHK upregulated major salivary protein genes such as proline-rich proteins (Prpmp5, Prb3, Prp2, Prb1, Prp15), cystatins (Cst5, Cyss, Vegp2), amylases (Amy1a, Amy2a3), and lysozyme (Lyzl1), suggesting that LLHK, LHK, and HK restored normal salivary function. The AP-2 transcription factor gene (Tcfap2b) was also induced significantly by LHK treatment. These results suggest that LLHK, LHK, and HK-administration may prevent and/or reverse the age-dependent atrophy and functional decline of salivary glands by affecting gene expression.
Highlights
Xerostomia is known as a subjective complaint of dry mouth and is caused by a reduction in salivary secretion and by changes in the composition of saliva related to the decline in the function of salivary glands [1,2,3]
We previously reported that the administration of whey from the milk of Jersey cattle mitigates age-dependent atrophy and functional decline of salivary glands accompanied with changes in gene expression [17]
We investigated the effect of Leu57 -Leu58 -His59 -Lys60 (LLHK), Leu58 -His59 -Lys60 (LHK) and His59 -Lys60 (HK) peptides on the gene expression profile, age-dependent atrophy and dysfunction of rat salivary glands
Summary
Xerostomia is known as a subjective complaint of dry mouth and is caused by a reduction in salivary secretion and by changes in the composition of saliva related to the decline in the function of salivary glands [1,2,3]. These oral infections aggravate diabetes [12] and increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease [13]. Salivary glands are subdivided into three major glands (the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands) and numerous minor glands. These glands are innervated by autonomic nerves [14]. In turn, are innervated by the parasympathetic fibers of the buccal branch of the mandibular nerve, whereas adrenergic sympathetic innervation of SMGs and parotid glands comes from the thoracic segment of spinal cord. We previously reported that the administration of whey from the milk of Jersey cattle mitigates age-dependent atrophy and functional decline of salivary glands accompanied with changes in gene expression [17]. (LLHK), Leu58 -His59 -Lys (LHK) and His59 -Lys (HK) peptides on the gene expression profile, age-dependent atrophy and dysfunction of rat salivary glands
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