The Effect of Bioactive Component of Turmeric (curcumin) on Liver Complications - Induced by Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in Rats

Abstract

Background: One of the most significant sources of indoor ultraviolet (UV) radiation are compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). The UV radiation has various destructive effects on biological organisms. Objectives: This study is aimed to assess disorders evoked by CFLs and possible protective effects of curcumin on the liver. Methods: A total of 24 adult male wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control (ethyl oleate 0.2 mL, IP, for 40 days, without CFLs exposure), fluorescent (ethyl oleate 0.2 mL, IP, daily and 12 hours CFLs exposure for 40 days), and curcumin (Curcumin 20 µ mol, IP, with 12 hours CFLs exposure for 40 days). At the end of the experiment, the levels of some enzymes and biochemical data of plasma were measured and morphology of liver was observed. Results: The results of the study showed that CFLs significantly increase liver enzymes including aspartate aminotransferase (243.25 ± 38.85 vs 151.25 ± 21.64, P < 0.0001), alanine aminotransferase (116.32 ± 6.89 vs 88.75 ± 11.60, P = 0.002), alkaline phosphatase (465.38 ± 87.9 vs 317. 5±9.24, P = 0.006), amylase (1942.4 ± 180.77 vs 1623.3 ± 267.06, P = 0.009), and also change some biochemical data as well as fat accumulation inside cytoplasm of hepatic cells. Therefore, the CFLs increased liver enzymes, produced FLD and damaged the liver tissue. Administration of curcumin following CFLs prevented these alterations. Conclusions: In this research, mentioned disorders is the probably effect of UV radiation emitted by CFLs. whereas curcumin, as an antioxidant, has a protective effect on disorders such as biochemical and morphological changes evoked by CFLs in rat livers.