Influence of Tetrahydrocurcumin on Hepatic and Renal Functional Markers and Protein Levels in Experimental Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Curcumin is the most active component of turmeric. It is believed that curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Tetrahydrocurcumin is one of the major metabolites of curcumin that exhibits many of the same physiologic and pharmacological activities as curcumin and in some systems may exert greater antioxidant activity than curcumin. Oral administration of tetrahydrocurcumin at 80 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats for 45 days resulted in a significant reduction in blood glucose and significant increase in plasma insulin levels. In addition, the diabetic rats had decreased levels of plasma total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio as compared to control rats. After treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio were brought back to near normal. The activities of hepatic and renal markers were significantly elevated in diabetic rats as compared to control rats, and treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin has reversed these parameters to near normal levels. In diabetic rats, the decreased levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine with increased levels of albumin and urine volume was observed, and treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin and curcumin reversed these parameters to near normal. Tetrahydrocurcumin appeared to have a better protective effect when compared to curcumin.Diabetes mellitus is by far the most common of endocrine disorders and a major threat to health care worldwide. The increase of free radical-mediated toxicity is well documented in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. The liver is the main effector organ for maintaining plasma glucose levels within narrow limits. Hyperglycaemia can generate a redox imbalance inside the cells, especially in the liver [1]. A model antidiabetic drug should possess both hypoglycaemic and antioxidant properties, without any adverse effects. Plant drugs are frequently considered to be less toxic than synthetic ones [2].The liver and kidney play a major role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The liver enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase are used routinely for assessing liver function. Although they are present in tissues throughout the body, they are most often elevated in patients with liver diseases or high alcohol consumption. Nephrotoxicity is one of the major side effects of drug therapy in clinical practice, frequently leading to acute renal failure. Many physiological mechanisms have been implicated in streptozotocin-induced renal injury in diabetes [3].Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the substance that gives the spice turmeric, which is extensively used in Indian cuisine as a component of curry powder, providing its yellow colour. It is believed that curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin has been shown to reduce the hyperlipidaemia [4], delay the development of cataract [5], ameliorate renal lesions [3] and reduce crosslinking of collagen [6] in a stre...

Curcumin Stimulates Biochemical Mechanisms of Apis Mellifera Resistance and Extends the Apian Life-Span

“…8). Murugan and Pari (2007) suggested that curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin safeguard against kidney dysfunction through the inhibition of the synthesis of non-enzymatic antioxidants in diabetic rats. Additionally, curcumin induces apoptotic cell death by cycle arrest in the S and G2/M phases (Sharma et al, 2005;Ye et al, 2012) and may help to remove damaged cells, e.g.…”

The beneficial role of curcumin on inflammation, diabetes and neurodegenerative disease: A recent update

“…Its oral administration has been shown to prevent body weight loss, reduce the levels of haemoglobin (Hb), glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) in blood (Arun and Nalini, 2002). The same route of administration has also been reported to improve insulin sensitivity (Murugan and Pari, 2007b). In an STZ-induced diabetic rat model (Chougala et al, 2012), it was observed that dietary curcumin (0.5% in diet) was effective in reducing the increased levels of fasting blood glucose, urine sugar, and urine volume.…”

Curcumin Differs from Tetrahydrocurcumin for Molecular Targets, Signaling Pathways and Cellular Responses

“…THC was more active than curcumin in modulating renal and hepatic functional markers in diabetic rats [72] •THC was more active than curcumin in modulating erythrocyte TBARS in diabetic rats [59].…”

“…Murugan and Pari [72] also examined the lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in rats with streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes after exposure to curcumin. They found that both curcumin and THC induced a significant reduction in blood glucose and a significant increase in plasma insulin in diabetic rats; curcumin and THC also caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (TBARS and hydroperoxides) and lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and phospholipids) in serum and tissues.…”

“…In another study, the same investigators examined the effect of THC and curcumin on hepatic and renal functional markers and protein levels in experimental rats with type 2 diabetes [72]. THC and curcumin brought back to near normal the total protein, albumin, and globulin levels and the albumin/globulin ratio; they also reversed the activities of hepatic and renal markers.…”