Page 84 - ITPS-8-2

INNOSC Theranostics and
Pharmacological Sciences Antioxidant effects of curcumin in SCI

neurotoxicity, with OS being a significant contributor to upset, nausea, gastroesophageal reflux disease, diarrhea,
secondary SCI. OS occurs when there is an excess of free and dizziness. 23,24
2-4
radicals in the body’s cells, overwhelming the antioxidant This current research aimed to investigate the
defenses that typically neutralize these harmful molecules. antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts of CuC in
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Free radicals, primarily oxygen-based molecules such as a unilateral SCI model using male rats. Recognizing
superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, are naturally produced the detrimental roles of free radicals and inflammatory
during cellular processes. However, after SCI, there is cytokines in SCI, we explored how different doses of
a significant increase in free radical production due to CuC could modulate OS and inflammation. Specifically,
factors like ischemia (lack of blood flow) and hypoxia (lack we assessed the impacts of CuC on OS indicators and
of oxygen). 6,7 components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, which are
In addition to OS, neuroinflammation is a fundamental critical in mediating inflammatory responses.
factor in the onset and progression of SCI. One of the
key components of this inflammatory mechanism is the 2. Materials and methods
activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain- 2.1. Animals
containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which recruits
pathways that enhance the secretion of inflammatory A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats, each weighing
cytokines. This activation results in pyroptosis, a specific 220 – 250 g, were procured from the animal room at the
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type of programmed cell death, occurring at the site of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Tehran,
injury, thereby worsening tissue damage and inflammation. Iran. These rats were housed under carefully controlled
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Furthermore, previous research has shown NLRP3 standard laboratory conditions, with a consistent ambient
activation following SCI in animal and clinical studies. 3,10 temperature maintained at 22 – 24°C. They were provided
with unlimited access to both food and fresh water,
The body’s antioxidant mechanisms are unable to cope ensuring their well-being throughout the study. The study
with the substantial surge in free radicals, resulting in the protocol received approval from the Institutional Research
irremeable devastation of neuronal cells. This damage leads Ethics Committee at TUMS (Approval No.: IR.TUMS.
to neuronal death and tissue destruction. 11,12 Research SPH.REC.1400.160), and the ethical treatment of animals
indicates that preventing free radical production after SCI was adhered to in the present study.
can preserve nerve cells from oxidative damage, potentially
mitigating the pathological processes associated with SCI 2.2. Study design
and promoting nerve repair and regeneration. 13,14 Pro- The animals were divided into separate experimental
oxidants are often linked to the onset of various diseases, groups (n = 8 in each group) to facilitate comparative
while antioxidants are typically employed to prevent or analyses of the treatment effects: (1) Control group, in
mitigate these conditions. 15,16 which the animals underwent laminectomy without any
Commonly found as a spice in the Indian kitchen and induction of SCI, serving as a baseline for evaluating the
used in traditional Chinese medicine, curcumin (CuC) effects of the treatments. (2) Model group, in which the
is a natural compound that constitutes 60 – 70% of the animals underwent the unilateral SCI procedure and
curcuminoids derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma received a vehicle treatment, allowing researchers to assess
longa. CuC has been well-researched and is known for the effects of SCI without any therapeutic intervention.
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its diverse bioactive properties applied in traditional (3) Model + CuC20, Model + CuC40, and Model + CuC80
medicine. It acts as a potent antioxidant through two groups, in which the animals that had been induced with
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primary mechanisms: first, by directly scavenging free unilateral SCI received CuC at 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day,
radicals such as superoxide anions and hydroxyl radicals administered through intraperitoneal injection, which is
to prevent oxidative damage, and second, by enhancing pivotal in evaluating the potential therapeutic effects of CuC
cellular defenses against OS. This enhancement occurs on recovery following SCI. Each of these groups was carefully
through the reduction of lipid peroxidation, an increase monitored throughout the study to assess behavioral,
in glutathione (GSH) levels, and the stimulation of key functional, and histological outcomes, contributing vital
proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase information to the understanding of SCI treatments and the
(CAT), which collectively contribute to its protective role of CuC in neuroprotection and recovery.
effects against OS in several pathological conditions
beyond SCI. 3,19-22 Despite the aforementioned beneficial 2.3. Surgery procedure
effects, the ingestion of high doses of CuC can lead to The animals underwent anesthesia using a carefully
adverse gastrointestinal reactions, including stomach calibrated mixture administered through intraperitoneal

Volume 8 Issue 2 (2025) 78 doi: 10.36922/itps.4795