The effects of curcumin in learning and memory impairment associated with hypothyroidism in juvenile rats: the role of nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Abstract

The effect of curcumin (Cur) on cognitive impairment and the possible role of brain tissue oxidative stress, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were investigated in juvenile hypothyroid rats. The juvenile rats (21 days old) were allocated into the following groups: (1) control; (2) hypothyroid (0.05% propylthiouracil (PTU) in drinking water); (3–5) hypothyroid-Cur 50, 100, and 150, which in these groups 50, 100, or 150 mg/kg, Cur was orally administered by gavage during 6 weeks. In the hypothyroid rats, the time elapsed and the traveled distance to locate the hidden platform in the learning trials of Morris water maze (MWM) increased, and on the probe day, the amount of time spent in the target quadrant and the distance traveled in there was decreased. Hypothyroidism also decreased the latency and increased the time spent in the darkroom of the passive avoidance (PA) test. Compared with the hypothyroid group, Cur enhanced the performance of the rats in both MWM and PA tests. In addition, Cur reduced malondialdehyde concentration and NO metabolites; however, it increased thiol content as well as the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase enzymes in both the cortex and hippocampus. Cur also increased hippocampal synthesis of BDNF in hypothyroid rats. The beneficial effects of Cur cognitive function in juvenile hypothyroid rats might be attributed to its protective effect against oxidative stress and potentiation of BDNF production.

Multifaceted physiological and therapeutical impact of curcumin on hormone‐related endocrine dysfunctions: A comprehensive review

“…Another study by Jena, Chainy, and Dandapat (2012), exploring antioxidant genes in the renal cortex of PTU‐induced hypothyroid rats found differential modulation by vitamin E and Cur, emphasizing the complex interplay in this region. Ahmadabady et al (2022), demonstrated the neuroprotective role of Cur in juvenile hypothyroidism by reducing oxidative stress parameters and increasing BDNF production. Zhang, Yang, et al (2024) highlighted the effectiveness of in synaptic development under oxidative damage and hypothyroid conditions, emphasizing its potential therapeutic role.…”

“…In the cerebral cortex and cerebellum under PTU (6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil)induced hypothyroidism, Cur mitigated oxidative stress by modulating SOD expression and activity, displaying region-specific effects(Jena, Anand, et al, 2012). Another study by, exploring antioxidant genes in the renal cortex of PTU-induced hypothyroid rats found differential modulation by vitamin E and Cur, emphasizing the complex interplay in this region Ahmadabady et al (2022),. demonstrated the neuroprotective role of Cur in juvenile hypothyroidism by reducing oxidative stress parameters and increasing BDNF production Zhang, Yang, et al (2024).…”