Possible Protective Effect Of Curcumin Research Articles

The protective role of curcumin against toxic effect of nonylphenol on bone development.

In the study, it was aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of curcumin, a potent antioxidant, against the toxic effect of nonylphenol on bone development. Thirty pregnant female Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into the following five groups; the control group, corn oil group (150 µl/kg/day), nonylphenol group (50 µl/kg/day), curcumin group (100 mg/kg/day) and curcumin + nonylphenol group (100 mg/kg/day + 50 µl/kg/day). The doses were given by gavage from the 5th day to the 20th day of gestation. The fetuses were removed out on the 20th day of pregnancy by cesarean at the end of the study. After the sacrifice of the animals, double skeletal staining in front extremity (clavicula, scapula, humerus, radius, ulna) and hind extremity (femur, tibia, fibula), additionally histological and immunohistochemical examinations in femur bone were performed. The nonylphenol group offspring have the lowest weights of fetuses and placenta, head-to-hip lengths, biparietal and occipitofrontal length, and also, bone length percentage and percentage of the ossification area in all measurements of the front extremity and hind extremity Interestingly, the groups treated with curcumin showed close to the control group in terms of double skeletal staining, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations. Our findings demonstrated an association between bone development and exposure to nonylphenol. The findings suggest that curcumin treatments may be effective in accelerating bone formation.

Role of curcumin in ameliorating hazards caused by prenatal dexamethasone administration on development of the neonates suprarenal glands in albino rats ,( Light microscopic study).

AAbstract: Introduction: The dexamethasone (Dx) is a synthetic glucocorticoid that pass through placental barrier especially in late gestation and affects the growth and maturation of most of fetal tissues so that The Dx is commonly used drug in preterm delivery to promote fetal lung growing, lowering the postnatal deaths from respiratory distress diseases.Aim of work: This study was carried out to study the effects of dexamethasone on the development of neonates suprarenal gland and possible protective effect of curcumin against this. Material & Methods: In this study a total of 12 adult pregnant female albino rats were included. The animals were subdivided into 3 groups, five rats for each group. the offspring were scarified at birth. The suprarenal glands were processed for light microscope studies . Results: Variable pathological changes were observed in adrenal cortex of the dexamethasone treated group compared to the control one and these changes become little or not present on the curcumin and dexamethasone treated group. conclusion: prenatal dexamethasone administration has enormous destructive effects on both the structure and fine structure of the developing adrenal gland. Therefore, it is highly recommended that its use must be restricted to the urgent necessity and in such case, curcumin as a potent antioxidant, can be utilized to ameliorate these adverse effects. Keywords: development, adrenal gland, Dexamethasone, curcumin.

Attenuation of Detrimental Effects of Formaldehyde on Sperm Chromatin Quality and Rate of Apoptosis in Mice by Curcumin

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the sperm chromatin quality and rate of apoptosis in formaldehyde (FA)-exposed mice and the possible protective effects of curcumin (Cur) on the fertility potential of spermatozoa.Methods: Twenty-four adult male NMRI mice were randomly divided into three groups: Group Ι (control), group ΙΙ (Sham) received Cur solvent (2 ml/day, intraperitoneal), group ΙΙΙ received FA (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), and group ΙV received FA+Cur (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). After 35 days, the spermatozoa from right cauda epididymis were analyzed using Chromomycin A3 (CMA3) and TUNEL staining.Result: Regarding CMA3 and TUNEL tests, the data revealed a significant increase (p <0.05) in control and sham groups compared to the FA and FA+Cur groups. There was also a significant decrease in CMA3 tests and apoptosis in FA+Cur group compared to FA group (p <0.05).Conclusion: Cur, as a potent antioxidant, can attenuate detrimental effects of FA on the chromatin quality and apoptosis in an experimental animal model.

Curcumin has Protective Effects on ROS Production and Redox Imbalance in an Experimental Oxidative-Stressed Model of Rat

Curcumin (1,6- heptadiene- 3,5 - dione- 1,7 - bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) - (1E,6E) or diferuloylmethane), isolated from Curcuma longa, is a highly promising natural compound that has several health benefits. The present study is designed to evaluate the possible protective effects of curcumin against mercuric chloride (HgCl2) induced oxidatively challenged rat. In this study, young male Wistar rats were oxidatively stressed with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg b.w i.p.). One group of rats was simultaneously supplemented with curcumin (340 mg/kg b.w.) to evaluate its protective potential against induced oxidative stress. A significant (p < 0.05) induction in erythrocytes ROS, plasma protein carbonyl (PCO), and sialic acid (SA) along with simultaneous decreases in the level of antioxidants such as Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and total thiol (-SH) was observed in the oxidatively challenged rats. Similarly in the erythrocytes membrane, the levels of total thiol (- SH), protein carbonyl (PCO), and sialic acid (SA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats exposed to HgCl2. Furthermore, supplementation of curcumin provided significant (p < 0.05) protection against HgCl2 induced alterations by ameliorating the levels of ROS, PCO, SA, and -SH in erythrocytes membrane and plasma. Thus, the curcumin protects against HgCl2 induced oxidative stress. It also provides an insight into the role of curcumin, a potent constituent of turmeric in pleiotropic health beneficial effects.

Possible Protective Effects of Curcumin via Modulating of Androgen Receptor (AR) and Oct2 Gene Alterations in Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rat.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug used to treat testicular cancer that induces testicular toxicity. This study aimed to investigate the possible role of androgens, androgen receptor, and organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) in the protective effects of curcumin on cisplatininduced testicular toxicity. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: 1- control (normal saline, 0.5 ml ip, daily for 10 consecutive days); 2- cisplatin (10 mg/kg ip, single dose at the first day); 3- cisplatin + curcumin (10 mg/kg ip, dissolved in 5% DMSO, daily for 10 consecutive days); 4- cisplatin + vehicle (DMSO 5%, 0.3 ml ip); and 5- curcumin (10 mg/kg ip). At the end of the study, a blood sample was obtained for testosterone measurement. The left testis was kept at -80. to measure androgen receptor (AR) and type 2 organic cation transporter (OCT2) gene expression and the right testis were kept in 10% formalin for histological analysis. Cisplatin significantly decreased serum testosterone, declined testis AR gene expression, and increased OCT2 gene expression in testis (p<0.01). Curcumin treatment significantly prevented these alterations in testosterone and gene expressions (p<0.01). Moreover, curcumin significantly reversed the cisplatin-induced kidney tissue injury and increased spermatid and spermatozoa. It is concluded that the ameliorative effect of curcumin in cisplatin-induced reproductive disorders was due to the modulation of testosterone and androgen receptors.

The possible protective effects of curcumin in the case of benzo(a)pyrene administration on rat sperm motility and morphology

Background: In this study, our aim is to investigate the possible protective effects of curcumin on potential damage caused by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) on rat sperm motility and morphology. Methods: 36 Wistar Albino male rats were divided into six groups: Group 1, Control; Group 2, Corn oil (BaP dissolver); Group 3, DMSO (Curcumin dissolver); Group 4, BaP; Group 5, Curcumin; Group 6, BaP+Curcumin. By the end of the six week oral administration period, left caudal epididymis and ductus deferens tissues were placed in Pure Sperm Wash (Nidacon) solution (at 37°C) and dissected. Sperms were counted and stained. Measurements of the perinuclear ring of the manchette and the posterior portion of the nucleus were performed. All of the parameters were evaluated statistically. Results: BaP administration caused a decrease in the number of total sperms and total motile sperms, while increasing abnormalities in tail, acrosome and cytoplasmic droplet particularly. Abnormalities did not approach the control group by curcumin administration in expected rates, but the percentage reduced. The number of total and motile sperms increased by curcumin. All parameters were statistically supported. Conclusions: In conclusion, curcumin is one of the antioxidant that could be used potentially to inhibit the effects of Benzo(a)pyrene, but is ineffective in preventing all abnormalities.

Curcumin inhibits alloxan-induced pancreatic islet cell damage via antioxidation and antiapoptosis.

The present study elucidates the possible protective effects of curcumin on β-cells damaged by oxidative stress and its significance in controlling diabetes mellitus in in vitro experiments. Pancreatic islet (RIN-m5F) cells were treated with 25 mmol/L alloxan (AXN) to induce cell damage and the protective effects of curcumin were observed. The results showed that curcumin significantly promoted the cellular activity of AXN-treated RIN-m5F cells, decreased the ratio of apoptosis, downregulated the level of malondialdehyde, upregulated the levels of superoxide dismutase and reactive oxygen species, increased the expression of Bcl-2, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved PARP1, and decreased the expression of Bax in AXN-treated cells. These results suggest that curcumin inhibits AXN-induced damage in RIN-m5F cells via antioxidative and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Biochemical and histological evaluation of testicular and hepatic acute toxicity induced by formaldehyde and the possible protective effect of curcumin in adult male albino rats

Biochemical and histological evaluation of testicular and hepatic acute toxicity induced by formaldehyde and the possible protective effect of curcumin in adult male albino rats

Ameliorative Effects of Curcumin and Ginger on Hyperlipidemia – Induced Osmotic Fragility and Phospholipids Composition Changes of Erythrocytes in Albino Rats

The present study was designed to investigate the erythrocytic changes caused by hyperlipidemia in rats and to evaluate the possible protective effects of curcumin and ginger supplementation. Forty male albino rats were assigned into four equal groups. Group I (control group), rats were fed basal diet. Group II (high-fat diet, HFD group), rats were fed HFD. Group III (curcumin supplemented HFD group), rats were fed HFD contain 0.2% curcumin. Group IV (ginger supplemented HFD group), rats were fed HFD contain 4% ginger. After 2 months, blood samples were collected from retroorbital venous plexus for determination of osmotic fragility of erythrocytes, membrane phospholipids composition and serum lipid profiles. The obtained results revealed that feeding HFD to rats significantly increased serum TC, TAG, LDL-C and phospholipid (phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidyl ethanolamine and phosphatidyl inositol) concentrations and significantly decreased hemolysis % at 0.4 and 0.5 % Na Cl concentrations as compared with control group. Whereas these changes ameliorated by dietary supplementation of curcumin and ginger as feeding HFD supplemented with 0.2% curcumin or 4% ginger significantly decreased TC, TAG, LDL-C and phospholipid concentrations and significantly increased hemolysis % at 0.4 and 0.5 % Na Cl concentrations as compared with high fat diet fed group. We concluded that supplementation with ginger and curcumin to HFD rats resulted in a significant decrease in serum lipid concentration, lowering membrane phospholipid and beneficially decreased mean cell fragility of erythrocytes thus restored the normality of erythrocyte fluidity in high fat diet fed rats

Histological study on the possible protective effect of curcumin on potassium dichromate induced hypothyroidism in adult male albino rats

Introduction: Potassium dichromate, a widely used heavy metal in several industries induces hypofunction and tissue insult of the thyroid gland via oxidative stress. Curcumin; is a natural commonly used spice has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Aim of the work: To investigate the possible protective effect of curcumin on the hypothyroidism induced by potassium dichromate in albino rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty- five adult male albino rats were divided into five groups, 15 rats in group I (control) and 5 rats in each of group II, III, IV and V. Group II (curcumin group) received curcumin orally (100 mg /kg/bw) daily for 4 weeks. Group III (potassium dichromate induced hypothyroidism) received i.p injection of potassium dichromate (2 mg/kg/bw) daily for 2 weeks. Group IV (recovery group) received potassium dichromate as group III then left untreated for another 2 weeks. Group V(curcumin and potassium dichromate group) received curcumin concomitant with potassium dichromate as in groups II and III, respectively daily for 2 weeks and only curcumin was continued for another 2 weeks. T3, T4 and TSH were assessed. Thyroid sections were subjected to toluidine blue, H&E, PAS and PCNA immunohistochemical stains. Morphometric and statistical studies were done.Results: Thyroid tissue insult and hypofunction with significantly decreased T3, T4 and increased TSH were detected in group III. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the mean values of follicular cell height, follicular diameter, mean number of PCNA positive nuclei and a significant decrease in the mean value of area percent of colloid versus group I, II and V with non-significant differences versus group IV. In group V, there was an obvious serological and histological improvement compared to group III and IV.Conclusion: Curcumin had protective effect against hypothyroidism and thyroid tissue damage induced by potassium dichromate.

Possible protective effect of curcumin on the thyroid gland changes induced by sodium fluoride in albino rats: light and electron microscopic study.

Thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic rate and plays an exquisitely important role in the human health. Fluoride exposure can affect thyroid function. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that works through several mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the hormonal, histological, and ultrastructural changes occurred in the thyroid gland induced by exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) and study the possible protective effect of curcumin on the NaF-induced effects. Thirty male albino rats were randomly divided into 3 equal groups (10 rats each): the control group, NaF group, and NaF+Curcumin (NaF+Cur) group. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels were assayed and thyroid tissues processed for light and transmission electron microscopic study. In NaF group, serum T3 and T4 levels were significantly decreased whereas TSH level was significantly increased compared to the control group. Thyroid tissues showed flattening of the epithelial lining with several follicular cell degenerations, hyperplasia, decreased colloid, disrupted basement membrane, cytoplasmic vacuolations, degenerated mitochondria, widening of rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, and vascular congestion compared to the control group. In the NaF+Cur group, serum TSH levels were significantly decreased in comparison with NaF group and no significant difference in comparison with the control group. Thyroid sections appeared apparently normal compared to the control group and NaF group. Sodium fluoride affected both the function and structure of the thyroid gland while curcumin was protective against these toxic effects.

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

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.

Curcumin and Quercetin Ameliorated Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin-Induced Reproductive System Impairment in Male Wistar Rats by Upregulating The Activity of Pituitary-Gonadal Hormones and Steroidogenic Enzymes.

BackgroundDietary antioxidants protect tissues and organs against insecticides/xenobiotic-induced damage. In the present study, we evaluated the results of exposure to synthetic pyrethroid insecticides, cypermethrin (Cyp) and deltamethrin (Del) and possible protective effects of curcumin and quercetin on reproductive system in male Wistar rats.Materials and MethodsIn this controlled experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 animals. Group A served as control, group B was exposed to Cyp (2 mg/kg.bw), group C was exposed to Del (2 mg/kg.bw), group D was exposed to Cyp+Del (2 mg/kg.bw each), group E was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with curcumin (100 mg/kg.bw), group F was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with quercetin (100 mg/kg.bw) and group G was exposed to Cyp+Del and treated with quercetin+curcumin for 45 days.ResultsExposure to Cyp and Del caused decreases in reproductive organs weight, sperm count, sperm motility, level of sex hormones viz. testosterone (T), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), steroidogenic enzymes viz. 3β-hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-HSD, non-enzymatic antioxi- dant glutathione (GSH) and enzymatic antioxidants viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity and increases in sperm abnormalities and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The exposure also adversely affected the histo-achitecture of testes. Single and combined treatment with curcumin and quercetin significantly ameliorated Cyp and Del-induced damage in reproductive system.ConclusionCurcumin and quercetin protected against Cyp and Del-induced reproductive system toxicity and oxidative damage in rats. The increases in activities of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD with concomitant increases in testosterone were mainly responsible for ameliorating effects of curcumin and quercetin. Curcumin showed slightly better activity as compared to quercetin. The combination of both antioxidants offered more protection compared to each one alone.

The effect of curcumin on lipid peroxidation and selected antioxidants in irradiated rats

The effect of irradiation on oxidants and antioxidants in selected tissues and a possible protective effect of curcumin on these indices were investigated. A total of 28 rats were divided into 3 groups; group 1 was control; group 2 was the irradiation group, saline was administered intraperiotenally (i.p.) for three days and then, 9 Gy gamma irradiation was applied; group 3 was the irradiation + curcumin group: curcumin was given i.p. for three days at 200 mg/kg body weight and then the same dose of irradiation was applied. A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues of the rats as a result of irradiation (P&lt; 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in all the tissues (except for kidneys) decreased (P&lt; 0.01), liver SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity decreased (P&lt; 0.05), and GSH (glutathione) levels in kidney and ovary tissues (P&lt; 0.001) significantly increased. While curcumin administration returned the increased MDA levels in the kidneys and brain in result of irradiation to normal (P&lt; 0.01), it did not return the increased MDA levels in the liver tissue to normal (P&lt; 0.001) despite significantly reducing them. While decreased GSH-Px and SOD activity in the liver in result of irradiation increased with the addition of curcumin (P&lt; 0.05), increased GSH levels in the kidneys and ovaries returned to control levels (P&lt; 0.001). When MDA values were examined, it was found that the addition of curcumin protected the liver, kidneys and brain from the oxidative damage caused by irradiation.

Evaluation of Acetamiprid Mediated Oxidative Stress and Pathological Changes in Male Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Curcumin

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the acetamiprid-mediated toxicity and possible protective effect of curcumin in rats. Rats were divided into seven different groups. They received curcumin (100 mg/kg, b.wt. p.o.) and acetamiprid (26.25 and 105 mg/kg b.wt., p.o.) alone and in their combinations for period of 28 days. Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined in liver, kidney and brain and cellular changes histopathologically. Study shows that administration of acetamiprid caused a significant induction in oxidative damage in liver, kidney and brain as evidenced by increased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and altered activities of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR). Co-administration of curcumin with acetamiprid significantly decreased LPO, caused marked restoration in the non-enzymatic (GSH) and enzymatic antioxidants system (CAT, SOD and, GR) and protected from acetamiprid-mediated structural alterations of liver, kidney and brain. The results of present study indicates that curcumin ameliorate the acetamiprid-induced toxic damage to vital organ mediated via oxidative stress.

Protective effect of curcumin against myocardium injury in ischemia reperfusion rats

Context: Curcumin has long been used as a condiment and a traditional medicine worldwide.Objective: The current study investigates the possible protective effect of curcumin on heart function in myocardium ischemia-reperfusion (MIR) rats.Materials and methods: We fed Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats (10 in each group) either curcumin (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg/d) or saline. Twenty days later, the rats were subjected to myocardial injuries by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (60 min), and subsequently, the heart (3 h) reperfused by releasing the ligation. Then, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation products, antioxidant enzymes and gene expression were assessed in myocardium tissue.Results: Only the rats that were supplemented with curcumin (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg/d) showed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in oxidative stress (3-fold), infarct size (2.5-fold), which was smaller than that of the control group. The percentage of infarct size in MIR rats with curcumin at 10, 20 or 30 mg/kg/d decreased (from 49.1% to 18.3%) compared to ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). The enhanced phosphorylation of STAT3 was further strengthened by curcumin (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg/d) in a dose-dependent manner.Discussion and conclusion: Curcumin intake might reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by stimulating JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway, decreasing oxidative damage and inhibiting myocardium apoptosis.

Curcumin mitigates lithium-induced thyroid dysfunction by modulating antioxidant status, apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines

Lithium is an integral drug used in the management of acute mania, unipolar and bipolar depression and prophylaxis of bipolar disorders. It has also been shown to reduce suicidal risk and short term mortality. Few experimental studies have demonstrated the thyroid toxicity caused by lithium as well as the possible protective effect of curcumin. Twenty four male albino rats were divided into three groups; group I (control group), group II received lithium carbonate daily for 6weeks and group III received the same dose of lithium carbonate as group II concomitantly with curcumin for 6weeks. The specimens were prepared for histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical examination. Lithium-induced thyroid dysfunction evidenced by the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes represented by detached cells and vacuolated cytoplasm of some follicular cells and highly significant increase in positive immunostained of thyroglobulin and caspase-3 respectively. Moreover, a significant decrease in serum free triiodothyonine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) concomitant with significantly increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thyroid lipid peroxidation (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. Curcumin counteracted lithium-induced oxidative stress and inflammation as assessed by restoration of the antioxidant defenses and diminishing of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improvements in the degenerative changes of the thyroid gland. In conclusion, the present study provides evidence that curcumin exerts thyroprotective effects against lithium carbonate mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect as indicated by caspase-3. This report also confers that the use of this drug should be justified for long treatment under direct medical supervision.

Curcumin Rescues a PINK1 Knock Down SH-SY5Y Cellular Model of Parkinson's Disease from Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cell Death.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterised by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Mutations in the PINK1 gene result in an autosomal recessive form of early-onset PD. PINK1 plays a vital role in mitochondrial quality control via the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria. The aim of the present study was to create a cellular model of PD using siRNA-mediated knock down of PINK1 in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells The possible protective effects of curcumin, known for its many beneficial properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, was tested on this model in the presence and absence of paraquat, an additional stressor. PINK1 siRNA and control cells were separated into four treatment groups: (i) untreated, (ii) treated with paraquat, (iii) pre-treated with curcumin then treated with paraquat, or (iv) treated with curcumin. Various parameters of cellular and mitochondrial function were then measured. The PINK1 siRNA cells exhibited significantly decreased cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial respiration and ATP production, and increased apoptosis. Paraquat-treated cells exhibited decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis, a more fragmented mitochondrial network and decreased MMP. Curcumin pre-treatment followed by paraquat exposure rescued cell viability and increased MMP and mitochondrial respiration in control cells, and significantly decreased apoptosis and increased MMP and maximal respiration in PINK1 siRNA cells. These results highlight a protective effect of curcumin against mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in PINK1-deficient and paraquat-exposed cells. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential neuroprotective properties of curcumin.

The possible protective effect of curcumin on monosodium glutamate-induced retinal changes in adult male albino rats

Introduction Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is widely used as a flavor-enhancing food additive for its unique taste. It is added to fast foods, children’s foods, snacks, soups, and many other canned foods all over the world. Recently, it has been proved that MSG has neurotoxic effects, including retinal degeneration. Curcumin is a naturally occurring compound with known antioxidative activity. Experimentally, it has been observed that curcumin has a significant retinal neuroprotective effect. Aim The present study was carried out to investigate the possible protective effect of curcumin against the retinal toxicity of MSG. Materials and methods Thirty adult male albino rats were used. The animals were divided as follows: group I was the control group; group II received curcumin at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight; group III received MSG at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight; and group IV received MSG concomitantly with curcumin at the same previous doses. Both curcumin and MSG were given orally once daily for 4 weeks. Retinal sections were stained with H&E and immunohistochemically stained to detect glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and caspase-3 antibodies. Retinal thickness and area% of GFAP staining were measured. Results MSG caused several histological retinal changes, including separation of pigment epithelium, distortion and disorganization of photoreceptors, pyknosis in many nuclei of the outer nuclear layer, degeneration in the cells of the inner nuclear layer and the ganglion cell layer, dilatation and congestion of some blood vessels, and interruption of the internal limiting membrane. A statistically significant decrease in the retinal thickness and increase in area% reaction with GFAP antibodies were also detected. Such abnormalities were, to a large extent, prevented with the use of curcumin. Conclusion Several histological alterations were observed in the retinas of rats treated with MSG, and coadministration of curcumin with MSG improved these alterations to a large extent.

Protective Effects of Curcumin on Intestinal Damage in Cholestatic Rats

ABSTRACTBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of curcumin on oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis in the rat intestinal mucosa after bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: A total of 18 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham control, BDL and BDL+curcumin; each group contain six animals. The rats in the curcumin-treated group were given curcumin (100 mg/kg) once a day orally for 14 days, starting 3 days prior to BDL operation. Following 14 days of treatment, all the animals were decapitated and intestinal tissues samples obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigation. Results: Curcumin treatment was found to significantly lower elevated tissue malondialdehyde levels and myeloperoxidase activity, and to raise reduced glutathione levels in intestinal tissues samples. BDL caused severe histopathological injury, including shortening of the villi, loss of villous epithelium, multiple erosions, inflammatory cell infiltration, necrosis, and hemorrhage into the intestinal wall. Curcumin treatment significantly attenuated the severity of intestinal injury, with inhibition of BDL-induced apoptosis and cell proliferation. Conclusion: Curcumin treatment has a protective effect against intestinal damage induced by BDL. The ability of curcumin treatment is to inhibit BDL-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell proliferation.