Effect of Aging on the Lacrimal gland And the Cornea of Male Albino Rat And Possible Therapeutic Role of Royal Jelly

Abstract

Nowadays interest in aging has greatly increased. Aging of the cornea and the lacrimal gland causes major eye effects. These effects include the highly prevalent dry eye disease (DED) that affects both visual function and quality of life in elderly. Symptoms of (DED) include, ocular pain, visual disturbances, and increase lacrimation. Royal jelly is one of the honey bee products. It's importance not only for its nutritional properties but also for its functional and biological properties such as Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-ulcerous, hypotensive, anti-hypercholesterolemic, antitumor, and nephroprotective activities. However, few studies were conducted using RJ in treating disease of cornea and lacrimal gland. Therefore, the aim of this study was designed to investigate the histological effect of aging on the cornea and the lacrimal gland of male albino rat and possible therapeutic role of Royal jelly. In the present study, 36 male albino rats were used and divided into two groups. Group I: 18 adult male rats their age from 3-6 months and were further subdivided into three subgroups. Subgroup IA (Control adult): 6 rats were not subjected to any procedure for 4 weeks. Subgroup IB (Adult+ distilled water): 6 rats were given 1.5ml distilled water by oral gavage once daily for 4 weeks. Subgroup IC (Adult+ Royal jelly): 6 rats were given royal jelly dissolved in distilled water, by oral gavage, in a dose of 300mg/kg/day, once daily for 4 weeks. Group II: 18 senile