Vitamin E protects salivary glands dysfunction induced by ionizing radiation in rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the radioprotective effect of vitamin E as a natural product. Vitamin E protects the salivary glands dysfunction that is induced by ionizing radiation. It was analysed with radioisotope scintigraphy and then salivary gland to background counts ratio was calculated. Histopathological evaluation was performed. The rats were treated with vitamin E at dose of 400IU/kg 48, 24, and 1h before 15Gy gamma rays irradiation. The rats were evaluated for the salivary gland function through nuclear medicine protocol. Radiation causes significant salivary glands dysfunction at the 3rd and the 70th days with a reduction in radioactivity uptake in the salivary glands. Ratios of salivary gland to background radioactivities were 1.99±0.11, 1.58±0.08 and 1.92±0.04 for control, radiation, and vitamin E plus radiation groups, respectively. Vitamin E significantly improved salivary gland dysfunction induced by ionizing radiation in the rats. In conclusion, our results indicate protective effects of vitamin E against salivary gland dysfunction induced by gamma radiation. Thus, vitamin E is a promising radioprotective agent for patients who receive radiation in head and neck cancer therapy.