Curcumin Attenuates Radiation-Induced Inflammation and Fibrosis in Rat Lungs

• Published in: The Korean journal of physiology & pharmacology Vol. 17; no. 4; pp. 267 - 274
• Main Authors: Cho, Yu Ji, Yi, Chin Ok, Jeon, Byeong Tak, Jeong, Yi Yeong, Kang, Gi Mun, Lee, Jung Eun, Roh, Gu Seob, Lee, Jong Deog
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Physiological Society and The Korean Society of Pharmacology 01.08.2013; 대한약리학회
• Subjects: Original; 약리학; Curcumin; Inflammation; Lung; Fibrosis; Radiation
• ISSN: 1226-4512; 2093-3827
• DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2013.17.4.267

A beneficial radioprotective agent has been used to treat the radiation-induced lung injury. This study was performed to investigate whether curcumin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, could ameliorate radiation-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in irradiated lungs. Rats were given daily doses of intragastric curcumin (200 mg/kg) prior to a single irradiation and for 8 weeks after radiation. Histopathologic findings demonstrated that macrophage accumulation, interstitial edema, alveolar septal thickness, perivascular fibrosis, and collapse in radiation-treated lungs were inhibited by curcumin administration. Radiation-induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression, and collagen accumulation were also inhibited by curcumin. Moreover, western blot analysis revealed that curcumin lowered radiation-induced increases of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Curcumin also inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κ B (NF-κB) p65 in radiation-treated lungs. These results indicate that long-term curcumin administration may reduce lung inflammation and fibrosis caused by radiation treatment.