To observe the effects of excessive fluoride on osteocalcin and glucose metabolism in mice.

Thirty-two male C57 mice (body mass: 18-24 g) were selected as study subjects which were randomized into four groups (8 mice in each group) according to their body mass by random number table method: 0 mg/L group (control group), 50 mg/L fluorine group, 100 mg/L fluorine group and 150 mg/L fluorine group. Sodium fluoride in distilled water was freely taken by these animals to replicate fluorosis animal model. After 12 weeks, total osteocalcin, uncarboxylated osteocalcin, insulin and glucagon were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin were measured by chemiluminescence.

After 12 weeks of intervention with sodium fluoride, serum total osteocalcin, uncarboxylated osteocalcin, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, insulin, and glucagon were significantly different between different groups (F = 17.23, 22.29, 4.43, 45.57, 4.45, 55.21, P < 0.05). Total osteocalcin, uncarboxylated osteocalcin, fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and insulin in the 100, 150 mg/L fluorine groups were higher than those of control group [(30.02 ± 5.35), (35.22 ± 4.98) vs (20.23 ± 3.22) μg/L; (8.72 ± 1.34), (11.01 ± 1.02) vs (5.80 ± 1.60) μg/L; (7.53 ± 2.29), (8.53 ± 2.81) vs (4.99 ± 1.60) mmol/L; (6.74 ± 0.68), (7.12 ± 0.25) vs (4.95 ± 0.28) mmol/L; (2.65 ± 0.25), (2.74 ± 0.47) vs (2.13 ± 0.28) mU/L, P < 0.05]. The serum glucagon levels in the 50, 100, 150 mg/L fluorine groups were lower than that in the control group [(20.90 ± 3.00), (23.68 ± 2.58), (21.63 ± 2.42) vs (38.61 ± 3.73) ng/L, P < 0.05].

Excessive fluoride can lead to elevated osteocalcin level and abnormal glucose metabolism in mice.

Fluorides; Osteocalcin; Glucose metabolism