Effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in testis of mice.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in testis of mice.


METHODS
Controlled research laboratory study.


METHODS
Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India.


METHODS
Young inbred, Swiss strain male albino mice (Mus musculus), weighing approximately 37-40 g, were obtained from Cadila Health Care, Ahmedabad, India.


METHODS
Aflatoxin was administered orally at 25 microg (low dose) and 50 microg (high dose)/0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day (750 and 1,500 microg/kg body weight), respectively, with and without curcumin for 45 days. On the 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Testis were removed and weighed. Homogenates were prepared for respective parameters such as protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, and 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity.


METHODS
Protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were measured immediately.


RESULTS
There was a dose-dependent effect of aflatoxin on testis of mice. Protein, cholesterol, DNA, RNA, and 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity were reduced significantly by the treatment of aflatoxin; cholesterol was increased. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the testis of mice.


CONCLUSIONS
Curcumin significantly ameliorates aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the testis of mice.
Verma
Ramtej Jayram
RJ
Department of Zoology, University School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India. ramtejverma2000@yahoo.com
Mathuria
Neeta
N
D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000378:metabolism; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000348:Aflatoxins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000378:metabolism; D003474:Curcumin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D009929:Organ Size; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors
D000348:Aflatoxins; D020011:Protective Agents; D011506:Proteins; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA; D002784:Cholesterol; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D015096:3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D003474:Curcumin