MEASUREMENT OF SALIVA FLOW RATE AND MIRNA-132 EXPRESSION IN RELATION TO THE HISTOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF SUBMANDIBULAR SALIVARY GLAND FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF ANTIOBESITY AGENTS (AN ANIMAL STUDY)

Background: Orlistat was among the medications used for treatment of obesity. Recently, natural extracts were used to overcome the adverse effects that might result from antiobesity medications. Thus, our study aimed to compare the effect of orlistat and green coffee extract on submandibular salivary glands regarding their histology, miRNA content, and other salivary constituents. Design: 35 male albino rats were divided into three groups: Group I (Control group): formed of 5 rats. Group II (Orlistat group): 15 rats, each was given a daily oral dose of orlistat (32 mg/kg/day). Group III (Green Coffee Extract group): 15 rats, each received a daily oral dose of aqueous extract of green coffee (93mg/kg/day). Just before scarification, saliva was collected from all rats for measurement of the salivary flow rate and detection of salivary constituents. Rats of groups II and III were sacrificed after 2, 4 and 6 weeks from the beginning of the experiment and glands were prepared for histological examination. Results: Histological results of groups II and III revealed degenerative changes of the glands elements ranging from moderate or even severe changes in group II to minor changes in group III which was confirmed by the statistical analysis results. Conclusion: Orlistat and green coffee extract had variable drastic effects on the submandibular salivary glands? structure and function. However we were able to prove that natural extracts as green coffee could be considered a better alternative for treatment of obesity.