The consumption of low doses of fluoride in the drinking water may
increase insulin sensitivity or reduce blood glucose levels. However,
the exact mechanisms by which fluoride influences glucose homeostasis
remain unclear. Considering that the small gut is central to glucose
homeostasis, here we investigated the proteomic changes induced by low
doses of fluoride (similar to those added to the drinking water) in the
ileum of non-obese-diabetic mice. We found an increase in gastrotropin,
histones and antioxidant enzymes, and decrease in enzymes involved in
energy metabolism. These results indicate an adaptive response of the
organism to preserve protein synthesis in the ileum, despite significant
alterations in energy metabolism, therefore highlighting the safety of
controlled fluoridation of water supplies.