Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of Vitamin C’s Protective Role Against Orlistat-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Rat Salivary Glands

Background: Orlistat is lipophilic drug used for obesity treatment. Vitamin C is soluble in water with antioxidant qualities, reducing oxidative stress in salivary glands.Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of Vitamin C on the salivary glands in rats after Orlistat administration by histological and biochemical analyses.Materials and Methods: Eighteen male albino rats, aged 6 months (300 ± 20 g), were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (Control), fed a standard diet; Group II (Orlistat), treated with Orlistat 120 mg/kg three times daily before each meal for 4 weeks; and Group III (Orlistat + Vit C), in which rats were administered Vitacid-C tablets 150 mg/kg/day, dissolved in water, with Orlistat for 4 weeks. After euthanization, salivary glands were prepared for histological analysis, and antioxidant markers from the salivary gland, Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), Nitric Oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), were measured. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were assessed calorimetrically.Results: Histological analysis of Group II (Orlistat) showed extensive acinar and ductal vacuolization, which was reduced in Group III (Orlistat + Vitamin C). Antioxidant markers revealed increased MDA and NO levels with decreased GSH, CAT, SOD, and GPX in Group II, while Group III showed improved antioxidant levels and reduced oxidative stress. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were significantly elevated in Group II but were reduced in Group III, indicating the protective effects of Vitamin C.Conclusion: Vitamin C demonstrates a protective antioxidant effect against Orlistat-induced damage in salivary glands.