Neuroprotective Role of Curcumin Against Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Neurodegeneration in Zebrafish

Abstract

Curcuma longa L. has been shown to exhibit neuroprotection in the brain. Curcuma longa L. has been used for its neuroprotective effect in humans of neurological disorders. The present study is aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective role of curcumin, a key component of Curcuma longa L., following exposure to waterborne B[a]P. Wild-type adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were assigned as naïve, control (dimethyl sulfoxide), curcumin, B[a]P (Benzo[a]pyrene) and B[a]P+ curcumin group. B[a]P-induced altered antioxidant levels were enhanced by curcumin in the B[a]P+curcumin group. Findings showed that B[a]P induced anti-anxiety behavioral response and altered antioxidant activity in zebrafish is reduced by curcumin. The periventricular grey zone (PGZ) located on the optic tectum (TeO) in the zebrafish brain regulates anxiety-like behavior. Our histological study showed a significant increase in pyknotic neuronal counts in PGZ of TeO in adult zebrafish brain following B[a]P exposure and was improved by curcumin co-supplementation. Recent findings showed that curcumin improves glutathione production, an antioxidant necessary for maintaining redox homeostasis and shows a neuroprotective role in brain cells. The present study's findings address the potential role of curcumin co-supplementation as a herbal therapeutic against B[a]P-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish.