Effects of Clarified Açaí Supplementation and Photobiomodulation on the Parotid Glands of Rats Submitted to Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The antineoplastic drugs used in anticancer treatment regimens can induce changes in normal tissues, including salivary glands. This study evaluated the effects of clarified açaí and photobiomodulation (PBM) on the oxidative biochemistry and microstructure of the parotid glands of rats with oral mucositis. METHODS: Male rats (n = 54) were divided into five groups: Negative control (no mucositis); Positive control (mucositis without treatment); PBM; Clarified açaí; and PBM + clarified açaí. Oral mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil on days 0 (60 mg/kg) and 2 (40 mg/kg). On days 3 and 4, bilateral scarification of the buccal mucosa was performed. On days 0 (negative controls), 8 and 10 (other groups), parotid glands were collected. To evaluate oxidative biochemistry, the following analyses were performed: Antioxidant capacity test against peroxyl radicals (ACAP), Lipid Peroxidation Assay (LPO), and Nitric oxide metabolite (NOx). Additionally, histopathological, histomorphometric, and histochemical analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Clarified açaí, alone or associated with photobiomodulation, increased antioxidant levels compared to the positive control on days 8 and 10. Regarding lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide metabolite, the positive control showed higher levels than the other groups. The morphological assessment showed that the clarified açaí and photobiomodulation groups maintained similar structures of the parenchyma, stroma, and acini to the negative control. CONCLUSIONS: The study results demonstrated that clarified açaí and photobiomodulation conferred biochemical and structural protection to the parotid glands against chemotherapy-induced damage.