An interventional clinical trial investigating the effects of Spirulina platensis on dental fluorosis and antioxidant system in lambs reared in endemic areas

Sci Rep. 2023 Oct 6;13(1):16858. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-44058-x.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Spirulina platensis primary against dental fluorosis and secondary against oxidative stress in lambs reared in endemic fluorosis areas. Forty-eight lambs aged 5 months were divided into four equal groups (each one including 6 males and 6 females). Groups I and II served as controls belonging respectively to fluorosis-free (Settat) and endemic fluorosis (El Fokra) areas, while the other two Groups III and IV (belonging to El Fokra) received respectively a fixed daily intake of 250 and 500 mg/kg bodyweight (BW) of Spirulina platensis. The experiment was carried out for 13 months until the adult incisors appeared for all animals. According to the Dean's Fluorosis Index (DFI), 500 mg/kg BW/day of Spirulina platensis (Group IV) protected against dental fluorosis. Moreover, in both male and female lambs, this dose significantly (p < 0.0001) reduced the plasmatic levels of fluoride, proteins, GSH, and MDA compared to the Group II. Furthermore, enzymatic activities of catalase and SOD increased significantly (p < 0.0001) in male and female lambs of the Group IV as compared to Group II. In conclusion, our findings support the potential use of Spirulina platensis as a valuable solution for addressing fluorosis in sheep, warranting further clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism
  • Female
  • Fluorides
  • Fluorosis, Dental* / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Sheep
  • Spirulina* / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Fluorides

Supplementary concepts

  • Arthrospira platensis