Curcumin Effects on Hepatic Steatosis and Histopathology in an Obese Mouse Mode.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Aims: Curcumin is a popular spice and part of the ancient medicinal system Ayurveda. It is known
to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; research has shown curcumin
to have beneficial effects on induced liver damage in animals.
Study Design: Based on our own observations demonstrating hepatic improvement with curcumin
in both obese and wild-type animal models, as well as the work of others, we determined that an n
of at least 6 in each group at the selected time point would allow for greater than 80% probability of
finding significant differences at a level of P< 0.05 between curcumin treated versus control fed
OB-OB mice in the proposed experiment. Realizing that histomorphometric data are more variable
and to ensure statistically valid data, the n per group was raised to 10, which allowed us to
significantly detect a 10% difference between groups using a power analysis program and
statistical evaluation of the data (Statistica, Statsoft). Place and Duration of Study: With a protocol approved by the University Animal Care Committee,
we tested the hypothesis that the natural fatty livers in leptin k/o mice (OB/OB) would be improved
by adding curcumin to food pellets at doses equal to human use (mg/ kg body weight).
Methodology: Ten curcumin-treated and ten untreated control OB/OB mice were fed 2 months
then studied for effects. Food pellets (Harlan-Teklad) were prepared with and without 180 mg
curcumin in the daily dietary intake (9 gm). Calories for both diets: protein 15.2%, carbs 62.5%, fat
22.3%.
Results: Histopathology on organs and cytokine analysis on serum parameters were measured on
the two groups. Blood glucose was elevated in 8/10 curcumin-treated mice (p=0.07 a trend).
Cytokines adiponectin and TNFα were strongly decreased by the curcumin diet and tissue
superoxide was reduced. Liver % fat was significantly reduced by the curcumin additive, P=.01.
Conclusion: Dietary curcumin in OB/OB mice produces significant improvement in liver health by
reduction of % hepatic fat as well as by improved cytokine and inflammatory values. An increase in
blood glucose by this treatment remains unexplained.
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Keywords
Hepatic steatosis, curcumin, animal model, histopathology
Citation
Nookala Asha, Herndon Betty, Molteni Agostino, Zia Hamid, Alba Laura, Nachnani Jagdish, Bulchandani Deepti. Curcumin Effects on Hepatic Steatosis and Histopathology in an Obese Mouse Mode. British Journal of Medicine and Medical Research. 2015; 5(8): 1017-1023.