Study the effect of curcumin on hepatic DNA damage in an experimental model of hepatic fibrosis

Background/aim: Curcumin, a member of the ginger family of species, has long been used to treat cases of hepatic dysfunction. Herein, we investigated the hepatoprotective and the anti-fibrotic activity of curcumin against carbon tetra chloride (CCL4)-induced hepatic damage. Material & methods: A total of 40 Male Wister Albino rats (200-225 g) were divided into 4 groups 10 per each. Group 1 (G1, normal control) was injected with the vehicle, olive oil, (0.1 ml/Kg body weight, i.p.) twice weekly. Group 2 was intragastrically administered curcumin (200 mg/Kg). Group 3 (CCL4) received CCL4 (0.1 ml/Kg, i.p.) twice weekly. Group 4 (CCL4 + curcumin) received both curcumin and CCL4. All treatments were given for 6 weeks. Results: Administration of CCL4 resulted in a significant elevation in the serum levels of ALT, AST, and the hepatic TBARS, ROS and hydroxyl proline and a significant decrease in the activities of hepatic GSH, CAT and SOD along with increased DNA damage and distorted histological structure of liver with obvious fibrosis. Administration of curcumin alleviated all these distorted parameters In conclusion, curcumin administration ameliorated CCL4- induced liver damage and reduced the hepatic fibrosis.