Abstract:

n present study, the effects of curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system in heart tissue in adult rats were investigated. Sixteen rats (8-weeks-old) were selected and divided into two groups. The first group is the experimental group and these rats (n=8) were gavaged with curcumin, dissolved in corn oil, at a dose of 300 mg/kg per day for 28 days. The second group is the control group, rats in this group were given curcumin and equal amount of corn oil to eliminate the porter effect. Euthanasia was performed and total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant capacity (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed from heart tissues. Curcumin supplementation resulted in significantly increased GSH levels(P<0,05). However, curcumin supplementation decreased MDA levels although it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The total antioxidant capacity (TAS) and total oxidant capacity (TOS) ratios were found to be statistically significant. In the other group supplemented with curcumin, MDA levels tended to decrease compared to the control group, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Curcumin supplementation protects the heart tissue against oxidative damage and strengthens the antioxidant defense system in adult rats.

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