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Gemigliptin Improves Salivary Gland Dysfunction in D-Galactose-Injected Aging Rats
Woo Kwon Jung1, Su-Bin Park1, Hwa Young Yu1
1Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea.
Pharmaceutics
|January 23, 2024
Summary
Gemigliptin treatment improved salivary gland function in aging rats by reducing oxidative stress and anti-glycation effects. This study suggests gemigliptin may be a promising therapy for age-related dry mouth.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Oral Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral dryness (xerostomia) is common in the elderly, impacting oral health and quality of life.
- Aging is associated with salivary gland dysfunction, exacerbated by factors like D-galactose (D-gal) induced oxidative stress.
- Saliva's role in oral health necessitates understanding and treating age-related decline in salivary function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of gemigliptin in mitigating D-galactose-induced salivary gland dysfunction in aged rats.
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying gemigliptin's effects on salivary gland function, including its impact on DPP-4, GLP-1, AGEs, RAGE, ROS, and key salivary proteins.
- To assess gemigliptin's anti-glycation and antioxidant properties in the context of age-related salivary decline.
Main Methods:
- Aged rats were injected with D-galactose to induce salivary gland dysfunction and oxidative stress.
- Treatment groups received gemigliptin to evaluate its effects on salivary secretion, amylase levels, and salivary gland histology.
- Key molecular markers including DPP-4, GLP-1, AGEs, RAGE, ROS, AQP5, amylase, and mucin were analyzed in salivary glands.
Main Results:
- D-galactose injection led to reduced salivary secretion and amylase levels, confirming salivary gland dysfunction.
- Gemigliptin treatment increased DPP-4 inhibition and GLP-1 levels, while reducing AGEs and RAGE expression.
- Gemigliptin demonstrated cytoprotective effects by reducing ROS, amylase/mucin accumulation, and increasing AQP5 expression, indicating improved salivary gland function.
Conclusions:
- Gemigliptin effectively ameliorates D-galactose-induced salivary gland dysfunction in aged rats.
- The therapeutic benefits of gemigliptin are attributed to its anti-glycation and antioxidant activities.
- Gemigliptin shows significant promise as a treatment for age-related decreases in salivary function.
