Analysis of flow rate, biochemical composition and salivary redox state of rats treated with the anticonvulsant valproic acid

Abstract

The literature demonstrates evidence of the association of epilepsy and the use of anticonvulsants with the increased prevalence of oral health problems. Therefore, the objective of this research will be to analyze the possible effects of the chronic use of the anticonvulsant VPA on the flow, biochemical composition and salivary redox state of rats. Therefore, 6-week-old male Wistar rats will be randomly divided into 3 groups (n=8/group): Control, VPA100 and VPA400. The treatment will take place for 21 consecutive days and the anticonvulsant in the form of syrup (Keppra®, UCB Biopharma Ltda, Limay, France) will be administered via intragastric gavage at doses of 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, which are approximately equivalent to the therapeutic dose initial dose and maximum daily dose in humans, respectively, based on the formula for translational dose based on body surface area (mg/m²). The Control group will receive 0.9% NaCl (w/v) the volume equivalent to the maximum dose by the same route. After the experimental period, the animals will be anesthetized to collect pilocarpine-induced saliva. Immediately after collection, the flow, pH and salivary buffering capacity will be determined. In saliva, analysis of total protein content, salivary amylase activity, lipid oxidative damage by TBARs (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) assay, protein oxidative damage by carbonylation by reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenyl will be performed in saliva. - lhydrazine (DNPH) and total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity by the FRAP method (ferric reducing - antioxidant power). Data normality and homoscedasticity will be analyzed to select the most appropriate statistical test. For all tests, the level of rejection of the null hypothesis will be set at 5% (p < 0.05). (AU)