Effect of low dose of fluoride in the intestine of NOD mice: proteomic and morphological evaluation

• Grant number: 24/06492-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Marília Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf
• Grantee: Raíssa Estefane Vaz Damião
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Fluoride (F) has been used worldwide to control tooth decay. More recently, it has been suggested that consumption of low doses of F in drinking water can reduce blood glucose levels, introducing a new perspective for the use of F in blood glucose control. However, the exact mechanism by which F affects blood glucose levels remains largely unexplored. Given that the small intestine plays a crucial role in glucose homeostasis and is the body's main route of exposure to F, the present study aims, through an in vivo model, to evaluate the proteomic and morphological changes induced by low doses of F in the intestine (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) of female NOD mice, compared to the control group (no treatment), and to the groups treated with ENOblock and insulin. The results to be obtained are of great relevance for public health, as fluoridation of public water supplies, in addition to controlling tooth decay, could also play an important role in diabetes therapy.