Abstract
BACKGROUND: Poor dietary habits, such as a calcium-deficient diet, negatively impact oral health by impairing salivary gland function due to hypocalcemia. If left untreated, calcium deficiency can lead to fatal consequences. Several nano-formulations, including nano vitamin D3 supplements, have recently been introduced. However, there is limited research on the impact of vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs) on dental health maintenance. AIM: This study evaluated the protective potential of vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs) versus conventional vitamin D3 in countering fatty degeneration in parotid salivary glands caused by a calcium-deficient diet. METHODS: Thirty-six male mature albino rats were randomly split into three groups: a calcium-deficient group, a calcium-deficient group treated with conventional vitamin D3, and another receiving vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs). The body weight was calculated weekly throughout the experimental duration. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were obtained for serological analysis of serum calcium and insulin concentration as well as blood glucose levels. Parotid glands were harvested for histological and ultrastructural examination. Digital morphometry was used to assess the number of secretory granules. All the data was collected and statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference test. RESULTS: The conventional vitamin D3 group showed an incomplete protective effect, while vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs) completely preserved cellular structures, preventing the salivary tissue's fatty deterioration. Vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs) outperformed conventional vitamin D3 when preserving the quantity of secretory granules. CONCLUSION: Supplementing calcium-deficient diets with vitamin D3-loaded lipid nano capsules (LNCs) could protect against salivary gland damage caused by calcium deficiency in rats.