Impact of diacerein on the structure and function of the rat submandibular gland

• Grant number: 23/12783-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Estela Sasso Cerri
• Grantee: João Luiz Devicentes Ferreira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Saliva is essential for lubrication, digestion, protection against pathogens, and maintenance of acid-base balance. Diacerein, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-± and IL-1², has been clinically used in cases of osteoarthritis. The detrimental effects of diacerein on the testicular function of rodents, under normal conditions, have been reported in the literature; however, little is known about the effect of this drug on the histophysiology of salivary glands. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effects of diacerein on the submandibular glands of rats under physiological conditions in an attempt to confirmwhether this drug inhibits IL-1² and TNF-± in the glandular tissue, and changes the quantity of mast cells and collagen, the incidence of cell death, as well as the immunoexpression of actin and EGF. Ten adult male rats will receive, by gavage, diacerein (GDIA) or saline solution (GC) for 30 days. The submandibular glands will be processed for embedding in paraffin and historesin. Morphological analyses of acini and ducts will be performed on H.E.-stained sections, and morphometric analyses for the measurement of diameter of granular convoluted tubules (GCTs) will be performed. Cell death will be detected by TUNEL method, and the birefringent collagen content and number of mast cells will be evaluated in Picrosirius and toluidine blue-stained sections, respectively. Immunofluorescence reactions will be performed for detection of IL-1², TNF-±, actin in myoepithelial cells, and EGF in GCTs. The results will be subjected to statistical analysis using ANOVA and Student's t-test (pd0.05).