Hepatoprotective Effects of Curcumin on Liver Injury in Streptozocin-induced Diabetic Rats

• Published in: Journal of the Anatomical Society of India Vol. 73; no. 3; pp. 218 - 226
• Main Authors: Ozkaptan, Bilge Bal, Sagir, Dilek, Aksoy, Fatma
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.07.2024
• ISSN: 0003-2778; 2352-3050
• DOI: 10.4103/jasi.jasi_55_23

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterized by chronically elevated blood sugar levels associated with disruption of the inflammatory and oxidative state and dyslipidemia. Curcumin is a highly pleiotropic molecule with hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin on the liver of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two adult male rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into four groups: Control (C), Diabetes (D), Curcumin (CUR), and Diabetes + Curcumin (D + CUR) ( n = 8). The groups given curcumin were given 60 mg/kg curcumin by gavage once a day during the 14-day study period. At the end of the experiment, biochemical, stereological, histological, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on blood and liver samples taken from rats sacrificed. Results: After curcumin treatment in diabetic rats, there was a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, hepatic markers, and levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, a significant increase in enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase was observed after treatment ( P < 0.01). It was determined that curcumin decreased the apoptotic index and the number of dual-nucleated hepatocytes in the liver, and provided support for liver regeneration ( P < 0.01). Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that curcumin has the potential to protect against hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver cells, and also induces regeneration in damaged liver.