In this study we examined the effect of curcumin on paracetamol overdose induced liver toxicity in rats. Forty male Wistar rats were allocated into 4 groups. The first group served as control and received corn oil; second group received curcumin (400 mg/kg BW daily) dissolved in corn oil; third group received a single dose of paracetamol (500 mg/kg BW); fourth group was served as protective group and received curcumin plus paracetamol. Animals received the respective administrations orally for 7 successive days for first, second and third group, while paracetamol was administered on the 6th day for third and fourth group. Animals were slaughtered and blood and liver tissues were collected for various biochemical and gene expression. Serum analysis revealed an alteration in GPT, GOT, Urea, albumin and lipid profiles that incluse LDL, TG, cholesterol and HDL. Moreover, a decrease in antioxidant activity of liver was reported and was normalized in curcumin protective group. Moreover, curcumin improved atherogenic index and Cholesterol ration that are increased during hepatic toxicity. Curcumin increased super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase expression while paracetamol decreased them. Co-administration of curcumin with paracetamol normalized SOD and GPx expression compared to paracetamol administered rats. Molecular gene expression revealed that paracetamol administered rats showed decrease in the expression of acute phase proteins that are represented by alpha-2 macroglobulin (α-2M). Curcumin administration ameliorated the alteration in the expression of α-2M. It can be concluded that curcumin has a protective effect on paracetamol induced hepatic toxicity in rats |
