Background: Obesity is a major health problem that affects up to 30% of the adult population all over the world. It is a well-known aggravating factor in the pathology of many organs. The investigation of the anti-obesity properties of food components is a popular field of research and one of these natural agents of interest is green tea extract (GTE).
The present study aimed to assess the possible protective role of GTE on the parotid gland of male rat in high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity histologically and immunohistochemically.
Materials and Methods: 40 adult male rats were divided equally into 4 groups.
Group I: rats were divided equally into two subgroups.
Group II: rats received of GTE 200 mg/kg body weight / day for12 weeks.
Group III: rats were fed HFD for 12 weeks.
Group IV: rats received GTE in conjunction with HFD 200 mg/kg body weight /day for 12 weeks. Parotid sections were subjected to histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric studies. Serological, weight and waist circumference assessment were performed.
Results: group III: was comparable to group I Showed disarrangement of the acinar cells, cytoplasmic vacuoles, congested and dilated blood vessels. Marked fibrosis and cellular infiltration were observed. An increase in the immune reaction for α-SMA and moderately increase in Ki-67.
Group IV: Showed a reduction in all changes.
Conclusion: GTE play a role in the protection from HFD induced toxic changes on the parotid of rat.