Protective Effect of Curcumin on Cadmium-Induced Liver Apoptosis in Rats

Abstract

Objective: Cadmium (CD), which is used for many industrial purposes, is a toxic agent. CD accumulates in the liver; therefore, exposure to toxic doses of Cd results in hepatic damage. Studies in rats have shown that CD induces apoptosis in hepatocytes. Curcumin is a natural compound isolated from Curcuma longa. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory affect and scavenges reactive oxygen radicals. Additionally, it has been shown to have an anti-apoptotic effect in a dose-dependent manner. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of therapeutic doses of curcumin on Cd-induced hepatic apoptosis as well as hepatic biochemical and inflammatory changes in Sprague-Dawley rats.