Introduction: The impact of a fat-rich diet on oral health could be deteriorative. A well-known fat-soluble antioxidant is Vitamin E. Few research has investigated its impact in preserving oral and para-oral tissues.
Objective: This study was established to determine how vitamin E intake affected the histological modulation of fatty degeneration in the submandibular salivary gland in Albino rats.
Materials and Methods: Three groups were created out of 24 male albino rats: The control group, the Fat Rich Diet (FRD) group and the Vitamin E (Vit. E) group. Twelve weeks were spent conducting the experiment. Subsequently, Submandibular salivary gland samples were prepared for light and electron microscopic analysis. Morphometric data were collected for statistical analysis regarding the acini's diameter, excretory's lumen, and striated ducts.
Results: Regular vitamin E administration with the selected dosage in this study had a partial protective effect. Signs of degeneration, increased percent of area fraction of vacuolation, and decreased diameter of the acini were noticed in the FRD group. The Vit. E group experienced a reduction in those findings. There was no statistically discernible difference between the Vit. E group and the Control group regarding these parameters, but marked stricture of the striated duct lumen was noticed in Vit. E group, although that stricture was not noticed in the excretory duct lumen.
Conclusion: It appears that vitamin E in the examined dose (as antioxidants) ameliorate the Submandibular salivary gland but is not completely protective. A fat-rich diet is considered a regular lifestyle nowadays. This study presents hopeful prophylactic advice as administering Vitamin E can reduce the side effects of this addictive prevalent dietary habit.