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CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1812060
Original Article

High-Fat Diet–Induced Morphometric Alterations in the Rat Salivary Glands

Authors

  • Thanit Prasitsak

    1   Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Komkrith Boonmakum

    2   Doctor of Dental Surgery Program Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Kanyanut Tiptirapong

    2   Doctor of Dental Surgery Program Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Pokpong Ritkajorn Tungjai

    2   Doctor of Dental Surgery Program Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Panuwat Rassaiyakarn

    2   Doctor of Dental Surgery Program Student, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Kroekkiat Chinda

    3   Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
    4   Integrative Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Aubonwan Sitthikhankaew

    4   Integrative Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Siriporn Kreungnium

    4   Integrative Cardiovascular Research Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

  • Thanyaporn Sang-Ngoen 

    1   Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand

Funding This research was supported by the University Income Fund, Naresuan University, grant no. R2567C031, and the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization), grant No. PRP6605031550.
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Abstract

Objectives

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption induces metabolic diseases, which lead to salivary gland alteration. However, the alteration in salivary gland remains inconclusive, and the potential protective effect of simvastatin is limited. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the effect of HFD consumption and the protective effect of simvastatin on submandibular and sublingual glands in rats.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 6 per group): a control group (C) fed a standard diet, a HFD group (H), and a HFD with simvastatin group (S). After 12 weeks, blood was collected for lipid parameter analysis. Submandibular and sublingual glands were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, periodic acid–Schiff, and alcian blue to evaluate gland architecture, fibrosis, and mucin content. Image analysis was done using imageJ software.

Statistical Analysis

Parametric data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Nonparametric data were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by Dunn's test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level significantly increases in the H group compared with the C group (p = 0.004). Acinar cells in both submandibular and sublingual glands were significantly smaller in the H and S groups compared with the C group (p < 0.05). Vacuole-like clear structures were more frequent in the H group. Collagen deposition in the submandibular gland was significantly higher in the H and S groups compared with controls (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011, respectively). Slightly altered mucin staining is seen in both glands.

Conclusion

HFD increased LDL-C levels and induced acinar atrophy and fibrosis in the submandibular and sublingual glands. Simvastatin did not protect against salivary gland damage from HFD consumption.

Keywords

dyslipidemia - cholesterol - salivary glands - fibrosis - image analysis - simvastatin

Supplementary Material



Publication History

Article published online:
07 October 2025

© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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