Therapeutic potential of curcumin against lead-induced toxicity: A review

Abstract

Lead poisoning causes numerous clinical implications in almost all organs, with the brain, liver, and kidneys serving as the primary targets due to the abundant presence of mitochondria. Curcumin is one of the most potent constituents of Curcuma longa, which is lipophilic, phenolic and water insoluble. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in the treatments of neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular, renal, and liver diseases, with a potential anticancer mechanism in a few clinical and experimental trials. This review will focus on the health impact of lead-induced toxicity in different organ-systems, which occurs as result of increased oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and will discuss the therapeutic potential of curcumin against lead-induced toxicity in both human and animals.

Curcumin Attenuates Lead-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Rats via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Chelating Activity

“…In the present study, multiple pathological lesions were observed in the cerebellum of Pb The most important step in dealing with Pb-toxicity is to avoid exposure to the sources of Pb contamination which might not always be feasible. Therefore, there exists standard drugs chelators in the markets that are being used in terms of heavy metal poisoning, however, they are expensive and exhibits a lot of adverse effects [12]. This study revealed that withdrawal of Pb acetate alone was not enough to restore the damages inflicted by Pb-toxicity in rats of the RC group.…”

“…Preceding studies have documented the toxic effects of Pb on biological systems resulting into several pathologies and clinical implications with morbidity on almost all the organs with the brain, kidney and liver serving as primary targets [12,19,20]. These pathological alterations may include increase oxidative stress [9], neurological deficit [21], decrease motor coordination and cognitive deficit [22,23].…”

“…Preceding studies indicates that oxidative stress is linked to the pathogenesis of Pb-toxicity resulting in lipid peroxidation [6], neurodegeneration [38], oxidation of hemoglobin [39] and impairment of fundamental biological cellular process such as cell adhesion, intra and inter cellular signaling, ionic transportation, enzyme regulation, neurotransmitters release and apoptosis [12]. The fundamental oxidant that plays vital role in redox reaction includes hydroxyl radical (OH), hydroxyl anion (OH -), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite (ONOO -) [40].…”

“…The field of phytotherapy is growing more interest in the use of phytochemical compounds such as curcumin due to its wide pharmacological safety and antioxidant properties against heavy metal induced-toxicity since the application of standard drugs such as chelators in the treatment and management of heavy metal poisoning have shown several side effects, such as brain damage, anemia, liver and kidney diseases, anaphylactic shock and others [12]. Curcumin is the main natural polyphenol in the rhizome of turmeric (Curcuma longa), that belong to the family of ginger (Zingiberaceae) which is widely used as traditional medicine and food in Asia [13].…”

Curcumin Attenuates Lead-Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Rats via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Chelating Activity

“…Preceding studies have documented the toxic effects of Pb on biological systems resulting into several pathologies and clinical implications with morbidity on almost all the organs with the brain, kidney and liver serving as primary targets [12,26,27]. These pathological alterations may include increase oxidative stress [9], neurological deficit [28], decrease motor coordination and cognitive deficit [29,30].…”