4-Hexylresorcinol and Its Effects on Circumvallate Papillae Taste Buds in Diabetic and Healthy Rats: An Initial Investigation

Abstract

Taste perception plays a crucial role in health and well-being but can be compromised by conditions such as diabetes mellitus (DM). This study delved into the efficacy of 4-hexylresorcinol (4-HR) in mitigating taste bud apoptosis, particularly in relation to DM-induced taste issues. Two primary rat groups were investigated: healthy rats and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Each group was further divided into control and experimental subsets, with the experimental group receiving 4-HR injections. A histological analysis of the circumvallate papillae (CVP) highlighted significant taste bud deterioration in the STZ subgroup, including loss of cellular content and a deviation from their typical morphology. Quantitatively, the control group had a mean of 39.6 ± 14.3 taste bud pores/mm2, contrasting with the 4HR, STZ, and STZ/4HR groups, which had means of 33.7 ± 14.2, 20.3 ± 6.1, and 28.0 ± 8.3, respectively. Additionally, a TUNEL assay and IHC staining for c-caspase-3 both identified increased apoptotic cells in the STZ subgroup, with the mean number of apoptotic cells per taste bud profile being notably higher in the STZ group at 3.2 ± 1.6. This study underscores the profound impact of diabetes on taste bud physiology and the potential therapeutic benefits of 4-HR. Further research is essential to delve deeper into its mechanisms and to ascertain optimal dosages, with the aim of enhancing the quality of life of diabetic patients.