Chronic Exposure to Sodium Fluoride Triggers Oxidative Biochemistry Misbalance in Mice: Effects on Peripheral Blood...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Toxicology
• Environmental Health

Background:

• Excessive fluoride (F) exposure can disrupt cellular processes by altering enzymatic metabolism and redox balance.
• Limited research exists on fluoride doses relevant to human consumption and their impact on biological systems.
• Understanding fluoride's effects on blood biochemistry is crucial for assessing its toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the biochemical effects of chronic sodium fluoride (NaF) exposure on peripheral blood in mice.
• To evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant capacity following controlled NaF intake.
• To determine safe or harmful dosage ranges of fluoride relevant to human exposure.

Main Methods:

• Mice were divided into three groups and exposed to 0, 10, or 50 mg/L NaF in drinking water for 60 days.
• Peripheral blood was collected for analysis of trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH).
• Biochemical parameters were measured to assess oxidative stress and antioxidant status.

Main Results:

• NaF exposure (10 and 50 mg/L) increased TBARS (lipid peroxidation marker) and decreased nitric oxide (NO) levels and catalase (CAT) activity.
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels showed no significant statistical difference between groups.
• The 50 mg/L NaF group exhibited increased TEAC (antioxidant capacity) and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) content.

Conclusions:

• Chronic fluoride exposure induces oxidative changes in peripheral blood, particularly at higher doses.
• Fluoride acts as a toxic agent, highlighting the need to avoid long-term excessive intake.
• These findings underscore the importance of monitoring fluoride levels in drinking water and public health.