The effects of excessive fluoride on glucose metabolism in mice

Abstract

Objective To observe glucose metabolism in C57 mice treated with different doses of fluoride. Methods Forty male C57 mice (body weight 20-24 g) were divided into four groups which were exposed to 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) by random number table according to body weight, each group had 10 mice. At 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after fluoride exposure, body weight was measured, blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were detected by blood glucose meter and glycosylated hemoglobin meter, serum insulin and glucagon were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results At 10 and 12 weeks after fluoride exposure, the differences of fasting glucose between groups of C57 mice were statistically significant (F = 35.12, 21.92, all P < 0.05), the fasting glucose of 100, 150 mg/L fluoride groups [(7.7 ± 0.2), (7.3 ± 0.3), (8.6 ± 0.5), (9.1 ± 0.7) mmol/L] were higher than those of the control group [(5.4 ± 0.3), (5.0 ± 0.3)mmol/L, all P < 0.01]. The differences of glycosylated hemoglobin, glucagons between groups were statistically significant (F = 3.85, 8.74, all P < 0.05). The glycosylated hemoglobin of 100, 150 mg/L fluoride groups [(7.73 ± 0.76), (7.80 ± 1.15) mmol/L] were higher than those of the control group [(5.43 ± 1.27) mmol/L, all P < 0.05]; serum glucagon levels of 50, 100, 150 mg/L fluoride groups [(19.15 ± 11.84), (26.55 ± 15.97), (20.05 ± 7.29)ng/L] were lower than that of the control group [(48.35 ± 2.79)ng/L, all P < 0.01]. Conclusion Long term excess fluoride intake can reduce the function of sugar metabolism in C57 mice. Key words: Fluoride; Glucose; Mice