Effect of astaxanthin and fish oil on enzymatic antioxidant system and ?-amylase activity of salivary glands from rats

Salivary glands contribute to oral health. It is therefore of interest to study therapies that may favor their function and protection. AIM: To evaluate the effect of astaxanthin, fish oil and association of them on enzymatic antioxidant system and functional parameters of salivary glands. METHODS: Healthy rats (n=32) were divided into 4 groups: untreated-control, astaxanthin-treated (1 mg/kg body weight- BW), fish oil-treated (10 mg EPA/kg BW and 7 mg DHA/kg BW), and fish oil plus astaxanthin-treated. A prophylactic dose was administered in each group daily by gavage, for 45 days. Superox...