Effect of glycerol on reconstructed human oral mucosa

Abstract

The majority of severely ill patients experience dry mouth. For institutionalized patients, this condition is commonly treated using glycerol as a lubricant. However, because of its possibly desiccating effect, some countries do not advocate the use of glycerol. This study aimed to investigate dose‐dependent effects of glycerol on homeostasis and tissue integrity of in vitro‐reconstructed normal human buccal mucosa (RNHBM). Primary keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and expanded from biopsies of mucosa from eight healthy volunteers. Ninety‐six samples of RNHBM were prepared and exposed for 24 h to 17%, 42.5%, or 85% glycerol, or to distilled H2O (control). Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) to evaluate epithelial thickness or used for immunohistochemistry to measure expression of Ki67 (proliferation), cleaved caspase‐3 (apoptosis), and E‐cadherin (tissue‐integrity). Positive cells and cell layers, as detected by immunohistochemistry, were counted. Epithelial thickness, proliferation, and apoptosis were significantly increased by exposure to 42.5% and 85% glycerol. No significant differences in apoptosis or proliferation were found between controls and RNHBM exposed to 17% glycerol. E‐cadherin expression was not significantly affected by exposure to any of the concentrations of glycerol tested. This study shows that glycerol affects tissue homeostasis, but not tissue integrity, of RNHBM at glycerol concentrations above 42.5%.

A Fresh Look at Mouthwashes—What Is Inside and What Is It For?

“…Glycerol acts as a solvent and increases the solubility of some components in water, therefore it can be a substitute (to some extent) of ethyl alcohol and can also be used in formulation with ethyl alcohol and water together [ 137 , 138 ]. It is commonly used as a lubricant and emollient, as it provides smoothness, but due to its hygroscopic properties which may cause desiccation [ 139 ].…”

“…An in vitro study revealed that glycerol affects the mucosa homeostasis (increasing epithelial thickness, proliferation and apoptosis) if glycerol concentration is above 42.5% and does not affect mucosal integrity. Affected homeostasis and increased proliferation may result in DNA damage accumulation and pose potential risks in long-term exposure [ 139 ]. Glycerine is also an ingredient in the liquid used in electronic cigarettes, with no toxicologically relevant effects [ 144 ].…”

Genômica funcional: engenharia reversa por meio de métodos de altaperformance na saliva e sangue de pacientes com síndrome de Sjögren

“…É frequentemente utilizado na produção de produtos com função hidratante por possuir uma alta capacidade de atrair moléculas de água. Apresenta 1283 entradas em produtos de prateleira no DrugBank database (DB09462), e é frequentemente utilizado em associação com outras moléculas como a carboximetilcelulose (CMC) na produção de colutórios e saliva artificial no controle da xerostomia, e também na produção de colírios para o controle da xeroftalmia (Furness et al, 2011;Kvalheim et al, 2019).…”