Effect of vitamin B17 (amygdalin) found in apricot kernel on the irradiated salivary glands of albino rats.

BACKGROUND:Radiotherapy is used as a treatment for head and neck cancers but increases the risk of salivary gland hypofunction. The management strategies include pharmacotherapies such as salivary substitutes and sialagogues which are largely temporary. In this study, we examine the regenerative potential of vitamin B17 to improve salivary gland function. OBJECTIVES:The present investigation aims to identify the effect of vitamin B17 (amygdaline) on the irradiated parotid salivary gland of albino rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Twenty-eight adult male albino rats were randomly divided into two groups subjected to irradiation procedure. Fourteen were in the control group, receiving a daily 5 mL saline by oral gavage (7 rats for 14 days and 7 rats for 30 days) while the other fourteen were treated with a daily dose of vitamin B17 (grounded apricot kernel; GAK) at 400 mg/kg in 5 mL of saline by oral gavage (7 rats for 14 days and 7 rats for 30 days). The parotid glands were dissected from the two groups at 14 and 30 days from the day of exposure to irradiation. The parotid gland sections were subjected to H&E stain, immunohistochemical localization of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and PCR using transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2). RESULTS:The histological abnormalities corroborate with the immunohistochemical localization of EGF and the PCR results of TGF β2, as their up-regulation in the control group demonstrate oxidative stresses and inflammation. The Treatment with GAK decreased oxidative stress and inflammation while promoting tissue regeneration. CONCLUSIONS:Vitamin B17 is a promising anti-inflammatory agent that boosts immunity, as the experimental group showed better histological architecture of the parotid gland than the other one.