Flaxseed oil: an emerging nutraceutical decimates cisplatin‑induced submandibular salivary glands damage in rats

Objective The study aimed to investigate the capability of flaxseed oil (FXO) to alleviate the degenerative effect of chemotherapy with cisplatin (CP) on rats’ submandibular salivary glands (SMGs). Materials and methods Rats were allocated equally into four groups: control, CP‑treated, FXO‑treated, and CP‑FXO‑treated groups. Rats of third and fourth groups were orally given a daily dose of FXO. After 10 days, rats in second and fourth groups were injected with a single dose of CP. After rat sacrifice, samples of SMGs were processed for histological, ultrastructural study beside immunohistochemical staining for Ki67 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions. Analysis of variance was used to compare Ki67 and VEGF expressions between groups. Results The SMGs of CP group showed abnormal architecture when compared with control and FXO groups. CP group treated with FXO revealed architecture improvement in their SMGs. Immunohistochemical study revealed significant decrease in Ki67 and VEGF expressions in CP rats. However, CP group treated with FXO simulated control group in both Ki67 and VEGF expressions. Conclusion CP administration caused deleterious effects on rats’ SMGs. However, dietary consumption of FXO was able to ameliorate CP effects. Hence, FXO intake is recommended simultaneously during chemotherapy with CP.