Original Article

Protective Effects of Curcumin on Cadmium-Induced Renal Injury in Young and Aged Rats

10.14235/bs.2016.788

  • Meltem KUMAŞ
  • Mukaddes EŞREFOĞLU
  • Nihan BAYINDIR
  • Meryem IRAZ
  • Sıddıka AYHAN
  • Sedat MEYDAN

Received Date: 23.11.2015 Accepted Date: 22.01.2016 Bezmialem Science 2016;4(3):92-98

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcumin (Cr) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the kidneys of both young and aged rats.

Methods:

Forty-eight young and aged female Spraque–Dawley rats were divided into control, Cd, Cr, and Cd+Cr groups. We investigated kidney damage using a histopathological scoring system and measured total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels.

Results:

Kidney tissues of Cd groups showed acute histopathological alterations. Cr improved Cd-induced histopathological changes (p<0.05). The highest mean TAS was recorded in both the Cr groups. The highest mean TOS was recorded only in the aged Cd group. Cr decreased IL-6 levels in both the Cd+Cr groups (p<0.05). PCT levels in the Cd groups were higher than those in the control groups. Significance was detected only between the young Cd and control groups (p<0.05). PCT levels were reduced in both the Cd+Cr groups (p<0.05). CRP levels in the aged Cd group were higher than those in the other groups (p<0.05). Cr reduced CRP levels only in the aged Cd+Cr group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that Cr prevents Cd-induced renal oxidative damage in both young and aged rats.

Keywords: Cadmium, curcumin, oxidative stress, interleukin, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein