Effect of astaxanthin and fish oil on enzymatic antioxidant system and α-amylase activity of salivary glands from rats

Salivary glands contribute to oral health. It is therefore of interest to study therapies that may favor their function and protection. Aim: To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin, fish oil and association of them on enzymatic antioxidant system and functional parameters of salivary glands. Methods: Healthy rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups: untreated-control, astaxanthin-treated (1 mg/kg body weight- BW), fish oil-treated (10 mg EPA/kg BW and 7 mg DHA/kg BW), and fish oil plus astaxanthin-treated. A prophylactic dose was administered in each group daily by gavage, for 45 days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reductase, and α-amylase activities were determined in salivary glands and compared by ANOVA and Tukey post-test (p<0.05). Results: Parotid gland presented increased catalase and glutathione system and unaffected SOD activity after astaxanthin and astaxanthin plus fish oil treatment (p<0.05). Fish oil stimulated only glutathione peroxidase activity of parotid gland (p<0.05). Submandibular gland presented stimulated SOD and catalase, and reduced glutathione reductase activities after fish oil and fish oil plus astaxanthin treatment (p<0.05). SOD and glutathione reductase activities were reduced by astaxanthin treatment in submandibular gland (p<0.05). Parotid gland presented increased α-amylase activity in all groups supplemented and submandibular glands presented no changes (p<0.05). Conclusions: Astaxanthin, fish oil and combination of them stimulated the antioxidant system and functional parameter of salivary glands, which could be beneficial to oral health.