Kaempferol protects the tongue in experimentally induced diabetic rats: a histological and immunohistochemical study

Uncontrolled diabetes impairs the taste response. Kaempferol is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and to protect various tissues against diabetes. Here, the potential protective role of kaempferol was investigated against the tongue complications induced by diabetes. Four experimental groups were established (n = 10 each), including control group; kaempferol group, rats received kaempferol orally at dose of 100 mg/kg /day; diabetic group, rats received intraperitoneal STZ (60 mg/kg, single dose) and diabetic with kaempferol group. After eight weeks, all animals were sacrificed, The tongues were dissected and processed for light microscopic examination using haematoxylin and eosin stain, Verhoeff-Van Giesson’s stain and immunohistochemical staining for Bcl-2 and PCNA and for SEM examination. Serum blood glucose, TNF-α and IL-6 were measured. Morphometric and statistical analyses were performed. The diabetic with kaempferol group showed preserved histological and morphological structure of filiform and fungiform papillae. Area percentage of collagen fibers was significantly reduced. Immunohistochemical findings revealed significantly increased Bcl-2 surface area and increased PCNA immunopositive cells as compared with the diabetic group. Also, this group revealed significant improvement of the serum levels of blood glucose, TNF-α and IL-6. These findings suggest that kaempferol attenuates histological diabetic-induced changes through its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, and modulates PCNA expression. Therefore, kaempferol can be used as adjuvant therapy in diabetic tongue.