Effect of Curcumin on some Heavy Metals Induced Renal and Testicular Injuries in Male Rats

Abstract

Back ground Toxic heavy metals in water, air and soil are global problems that are a growing threat to humanity. Heavy metals are widely distributed in the environment and some of them occur in food, water, air and tissues even in the absence of occupational exposure. The antioxidant and protective influences of curcumin on a mixture of some heavy metals (Pb, Hg and Cd) induced renal and testicular injuries in male rats were detected. Curcumin, a yellow pigment from Curcuma longa, is a major component of turmeric and is commonly used as a spice and food-coloring material. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties. Aim The present study aims to evaluate the antioxidative activities and protective role of curcumin against some heavy metals induced renal and testicular injuries in male rats. Material and Method Male Swiss albino rats were orally administrated by curcumin (150 mg/kg B.W.) using suitable stomach tube (eight weeks) before receiving mixture of heavy metals (Pd, Hg and Cd) in drinking water for two weeks. Levels of plasma creatinine, urea, uric acid and serum testosterone concentration were measured, glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activities in kidney and testis tissues were estimated and also histological examinations for kidney and testis tissue were detected. Results The results revealed that mixture of heavy metals lead to significant increase in the level of plasma creatinine, urea and uric acid, Meanwhile, significant decrease in serum testosterone concentration. Glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activities in kidney and testis tissues were significantly decrease by using a mixture of heavy metals. But groups administrated with curcumin before administrated with mixture of heavy metals, exerted noticeable amelioration against their damage in most of the biochemical and histological tested parameters.