Diode Laser Decreases the Activity of Catalase on Submandibular Glands of Diabetic Rats

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of laser irradiation on the amylase and the antioxidant enzyme activities, as well as on the total protein concentration of submandibular glands (SMG) of diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Background: Laser has been used aiming to improve some biochemical alterations observed in salivary glands of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six female rats were divided into eight groups: D0, D5, D10, and D20 (diabetic animals), and C0, C5, C10, and C20 (non-diabetic animals), respectively. Diabetes was induced by administering streptozotocin and confirmed later by the glycemia results. Twenty-nine days after diabetes induction, the SMG of groups D5 and C5, D10 and C10, and D20 and C20 were irradiated with 5, 10, and 20 J/cm(2), respectively. A diode laser (660nm/100mW) was used. On the day after irradiation, the rats were euthanized and the SMG were removed. Catalase, peroxidase, and amylase activities, as well as protein concentration, were assayed. Results: Diabetic rats without irradiation (D0) showed higher catalase activity (p<0.05) when compared to C0 (0.16 +/- 0.05 and 0.07 +/- 0.01 U/mg protein, respectively). However, laser irradiation of 5, 10, and 20 J/cm(2) reduced the catalase activity of diabetic groups (D5 and D20) to non-diabetic values (p>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, laser irradiation decreased catalase activity in diabetic rats' SMG.

CNPq (the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development)

FAPESP (the State of Sao Paulo Research Foundation)