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Protective Effect of Zengye Decoction () on Submandibular Glands in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Cheng-Yin Li1,2, Su-Ling Wu3, Li-Xia Sun1
1The First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
Objective:
To investigate the protective effect of Zengye Decoction (, ZYD) on the submandibular glands (SMGs) in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.
Methods:
Twenty-seven female NOD mice were randomly equally divided into 3 groups: the model group, the hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) group, and the ZYD group. Nine C57/B6 mice served as the normal group. After 1-week acclimation, the HCQ and ZYD groups were intragastrically administered with HCQ and ZYD, respectively, and the normal and model groups were administered with normal saline. Changes in the salivary flow rate were observed. Mice from all 4 groups were sacrificed at the age of 20 weeks. The serum and SMGs were collected. Serum cytokines gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histological changes in the submandibular glands were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The mRNA expression of IFN-γ, IL-10 and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in the submandibular glands were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.
Results:
Compared with the model group, the salivary flow of the ZYD group significantly increased (P<0.05), the extent of the histological changes was ameliorated (P<0.05), and the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance was remedied (P<0.05). In the ZYD-treated mice, the VIP mRNA was up-regulated (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
ZYD is beneficial in protecting structure and function of SMGs in NOD mice. The mechanism may be associated with the correction of the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, and with the prevention of a progressive decline of the VIP level.
Insights
Zengye Decoction (ZYD) protects submandibular glands in diabetic mice by improving salivary flow and reducing inflammation. It may work by balancing cytokines and increasing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice develop autoimmune conditions affecting salivary glands.
- Submandibular gland (SMG) dysfunction is a complication of diabetes, impacting salivary flow.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine, like Zengye Decoction (ZYD), is explored for therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the protective effects of Zengye Decoction (ZYD) on submandibular glands (SMGs) in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.
- To investigate the impact of ZYD on salivary flow rate and histological changes in SMGs.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms involving cytokine balance and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) expression.
Main Methods:
- NOD mice were divided into model, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and ZYD groups; C57/B6 mice served as the normal group.
- Salivary flow rate was measured, and SMGs were analyzed histologically (H&E staining).
- Serum cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-10) and SMG mRNA expression (IFN-γ, IL-10, VIP) were quantified.
Main Results:
- ZYD treatment significantly increased salivary flow rate in NOD mice compared to the model group (P<0.05).
- Histological damage to SMGs was ameliorated, and the Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance was corrected (P<0.05).
- Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA expression was significantly upregulated in ZYD-treated mice (P<0.05).
Conclusions:
- Zengye Decoction (ZYD) demonstrates protective effects on the structure and function of submandibular glands in nonobese diabetic mice.
- The therapeutic mechanism of ZYD involves correcting Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance and preventing VIP level decline.
- ZYD shows potential as a treatment for diabetic complications affecting salivary gland function.
