Protective effects of curcumin against aflatoxicosis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Aflatoxicosis is a deleterious medical condition that results from aflatoxins (AFs) or ochratoxins (OTs). Contamination with these toxins exerts detrimental effects on the liver, kidneys, reproductive organs, and also on immunological and cardiovascular systems. Aflatoxicosis is closely associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as key contributors to oxidative and nitrosative stress responses, and subsequent damages to lipids, proteins, RNA, and DNA. The main target organ for AF toxicity is the liver, where DNA adducts, degranulation of endoplasmic reticulum, increased hepatic lipid peroxide, GSH depletion, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduction of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants are manifestations of aflatoxicosis. Curcuma longa L. (turmeric) is a medicinal plant widely utilized all over the world for culinary and phytomedical purposes. Considering the antioxidant characteristic of curcumin, the main active component of turmeric, this review is intended to critically summarize the available evidence supporting possible effectiveness of curcumin against aflatoxicosis. Curcumin can serve as a promising candidate for attenuation of the adverse consequences of aflatoxicosis, acting mainly through intrinsic antioxidant effects aroused from its structure, modulation of the immune system as reflected by interleukin-1β and transforming growth factor-β, and interfering with AF's biotransformation by cytochrome P450 isoenzymes CYP1A, CYP3A, CYP2A, CYP2B, and CYP2C.

Evaluation of Cellulosic Polymers and Curcumin to Reduce Aflatoxin B1 Toxic Effects on Performance, Biochemical, and Immunological Parameters of Broiler Chickens

“…This may result from the changes in gene expression of several molecules upon stimulation with CEL; molecules, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), are activated via signaling pathways when CEL bind Toll-like and c-type lectin receptors, besides several genes within these pathways, are downregulated in their expression, which modulates cytokine profiles and immune status [83,84]. Additionally, as discussed above, CUR has been shown to be an effective natural chemoprotector against the toxic effects of AFB1 through three primary mechanisms, its antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory actions, and inhibitory activities against cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, without forgetting its significant hepatoprotective properties [40,85], which, due to the increase in its bioavailability, and thus, its efficiency and functionality were potentialized.…”

The effects of astaxanthin on liver histopathology and expression of superoxide dismutase in rat aflatoxicosis

“…In the liver, the AFB 1 toxicity through AFB 1 -8, 9-epoxide causes generation of intracellular ROS leading to oxidative stress and damage of vital components such as DNA and cell membrane [21, 25, 27]. The cellular anti-oxidative activities are deprived in 1 mg/kg AFB 1 administered rats as shown by increasing lipid peroxidation and decreased various anti-oxidative enzymes, such as SOD, CAT, GPX and glutathione-S-transferase [33].…”

“…Furthermore, bile duct hyperplasia and periportal fibrosis are observed [1, 2, 48, 49]. During AFB 1 metabolism activated by cytochrome P450, the reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide ion (O 2 − ) and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), are produced excessively leading to oxidative stress that could be eradicated by antioxidants [27, 44]. However, the overwhelming oxidative stress beyond an ability of antioxidants to handle results in damage of critical macromolecules (lipid, DNA and protein) and loss of biological functions such as calcium influx, membrane leakage and consequently affected DNA stability that leads to cancer [21, 25, 41].…”

Research Progress of Male Reproductive Toxicity of Chinese Materia Medicas

“…Anthraquinones [36] in Cassia seed can regulate the release of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), increase the volume of intestinal contents, stimulate intestinal mucosa and increase intestinal peristalsis, thus treating constipation. After 90 days of taking Anthraquinones in Cassia seed orally [37] at the dosage of 1.0g/kg, the number of rats' spermatids reduces. Moreover, the testes get atrophied and become smaller in size.…”