Dose-response effect of fluoride in parameters related to insulin resistance in mice strains with different genetic susceptibilities to fluorosis

Author(s)

Isabela Tomazini Sabino

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Bauru.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
• Defense date: 2015-12-01

Examining board members

Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf; Sandra Lia do Amaral Cardoso; Fernando Neves Nogueira

• Advisor: Marilia Afonso Rabelo Buzalaf

Abstract

Fluoride (F) comes from the element fluorine. Its absorption is inversely related to the pH and occurs quickly in the stomach and later in the small intestine. After absorption, F is distributed to the tissues through the bloodstream and stored in calcified and soft tissues. Excretion occurs via the kidneys. It is an important element in terms of public health, due to its properties to prevent or reverse caries in individuals of all ages. However, its excessive intake can affect bone metabolism and the development of tooth enamel. Studies suggest that F can interfere with metabolic pathways, by inhibiting the action of several enzymes. However, there is contradiction in the literature regarding its effects on glucose homeostasis, which could possibly be explained by genetic differences between the strains used. A/J mice are extremely sensitive to the effects of F, whereas 129P3/J mice are highly resistant to treatment with this ion. For this reason, it was investigated whether these animals which are known to exhibit differential protein expression upon exposure to F due to their genetic background also exhibit distinct responses in biochemical (fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance index [HOMA2-IR] and insulin tolerance test) and immune (TNF-&alpha;) parameters. After approval by the Ethics Committee, 156 animals (78 of A/J strain and 78 of 129P3/J strain) were obtained, divided into 3 groups for each strain and treated for a period of 42 days with 0, 15 or 50 ppm F in the drinking water. They received low-F diet. After treatment, the mice were euthanized and blood samples were obtained. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA and Tukey and Sidak tests for individual comparisons (p<0.05). For blood glucose analysis, A/J mice treated with water containing no F containing 15 ppm F had significantly higher levels of glucose than 129P3/J animals receiving the same treatment. For plasma insulin, there was significant difference only between A/J mice treated with no F and 50 ppm F, with lower values for the treated animals. HOMA2-IR index showed a significant difference only between A/J animals, where the group received water containing 50 ppm F had lower values when compared to those receiving water containing no F or 15 ppm F. Regarding TNF-&alpha;, no significant differences were observed between the strains or among the treatments. However, there was a trend towards an increase in the groups treated with water containing 15 ppm F for both strains. For insulin tolerance test, also no significant differences between the strains or among treatments were observed. The results suggest that the different F concentrations alter the results of the parameters analyzed, and the strains respond differently to these changes. However, it is necessary to analyze other variables in order to better elucidate these findings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07150-8 - Dose-response effect of fluoride on parameters related to insulin resistance in mice strains with different genetic susceptibilities to dental fluorosis.
• Grantee: Isabela Tomazini Sabino Arias
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master