Protective effect of curcumin on testicular damage caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure in rats

Abstract

Context Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a chemical that is still widely used in industry and has been shown to cause structural defects in rat testicles through oxidative stress. Aims In our study, the effect of curcumin on CCl4-mediated testicular damage was investigated. Methods Twenty-four adult Wistar albino male rats weighing 300–350 g were divided into four groups: control group (olive oil was applied by gavage every consecutive day for 3 weeks); curcumin and CCl4 + curcumin groups (200 mg/kg curcumin dissolved in olive oil was given by gavage once a day, every consecutive day for 3 weeks); and CCl4 and CCl4 + curcumin groups (0.5 mL/kg CCl4 was dissolved in olive oil at a ratio of 1/1 and given by i.p. injection every other day for 3 weeks). Tissue samples were examined histopathologically, histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and biochemically. Key results CCl4 disrupted both testicular morphology and testosterone synthesis, whereas curcumin treatment resulted in an improvement in testicular morphology and biochemical parameters, as well as a decrease in caspase-3 and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. Conclusions Curcumin has a protective effect on testicular tissue damage caused by CCl4 with its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxantioxidant properties. Implications Curcumin can prevent testicular damage due to CCl4, an environmental pollutant.