OBJECTIVE: Assessment of the effects of arsenic on the submandibular salivary gland and taste buds in rats, and how folic acid and zinc chloride ameliorate these effects.
METHODOLOGY: Twenty-five rats were divided equally into 5 groups: (C); without any treatments, (HCl); got a daily oral dose of HCl for 15 days, (As); received 3 mg/kg b.w. orally of As III for 15 days. (As + Fa) and (As + Zn) received 0.1 mg/kg of folic acid and 2 mg/kg of Zncl2 respectively orally daily for 2 months after receiving As III. Plasma IL-6, IL-10, NO, and GSH measurements, Histological and immunohistochemical (GLUT-1 and cleaved caspase-3) examinations on submandibular salivary glands and taste buds were performed.
RESULTS: Arsenic increased IL-6 and NO levels and decreased IL-10 and GSH levels significantly. Submandibular salivary gland and taste buds showed alterations as apoptosis and necrosis. Compared to control, salivary gland collagen fibers, GLUT-1, and taste buds cleaved caspase-3 increased significantly. Folic acid and zinc after arsenic exposure raised IL-10, GSH, and decreased IL-6 and NO significantly. Submandibular salivary glands and taste buds appeared nearly normal. Salivary gland collagen fibers, GLUT-1 immunoreaction, and taste buds cleaved caspase-3 immunoreaction decreased significantly versus arsenic group.
CONCLUSION: Oxidative stress from arsenic damages taste buds and submandibular salivary gland via apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation. Folic acid and zinc chloride minimize that damage.
KEYWORDS: Arsenic, apoptosis, oxidative stress, folic acid, zinc chloride, healthcare.