effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on the parotid gland of adult male albino rats: histological and immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

Obesity is a major health problem that affects up to 30% of adult and has been linked to an increase in dietary intake, especially fat intake and a sedentary lifestyle. In addition, it is a well-known aggravating factor in the pathology of many organs. The aim of the study was to investigate the histological and immunohistochemical changes in the parotid gland of the rats maintained on rich-fat diet. Sixteen adult male albino rats were divided equally into a control group I and a high-fat diet group II. Rats in group II were fed a high-fat diet for 3 months. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected for detection of total cholesterol and triglyceride. Half of the parotid samples were processed for light microscopic examination, whereas the other half were prepared for electron microscopic examination. Paraffin sections were stained with H and E, Mallory trichrome, and also with alpha smooth muscle actin [alpha-SMA]. Specimens from group II showed disarrangement of the acinar cells, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and nuclear irregularity. Marked fibrosis between serous acini and intense cellular infiltration were observed. An apparent increase in the immunoreaction for alpha-SMA was found at the periphery of the acini and interlobular ducts. The results of the present study suggest that there is a significant relationship between fat-rich diet intake and structural changes in the parotid gland, such as massive fibrosis, numerous dilated blood vessels, and intracellular vacuolization with lipid droplets