ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Chlorpyrifos (CPF), which is classified as an Organophosphorus Pesticide (OP), has been identified as a toxic agent for the reproductive system due to its capacity to induce oxidative stress and inflammation. Curcumin (CUR) has been reported as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that could combat toxicity in various tissues. This study aims to examine the protective effects of CUR and its nanoformulation against reproductive impairment induced by CPF. METHOD: Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were randomly allocated to six groups (n=8): control (0.5 mL of corn oil, the solvent for CPF), CPF (10 mg/kg), CPF + CUR 100 mg/kg/day, CPF + CUR 300 mg/kg/day, CPF + nano-micelle curcumin (NMC) 2.5 mg/kg/day, and CPF + NMC 5 mg/kg/day. The experimental treatment was performed for 30 days. Then, brain, ovary and uterus tissues were collected for measuring oxidative stress and inflammatory indices. RESULT: MDA, NO, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations significantly increased in the brain, ovary and uterus of the CPF group versus the control group (p < 0.001). The levels of GSH and SOD in the uterus, ovaries, and brain exhibited a significant decrease in the CPF group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, CUR (300 mg/kg) and NMC (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased MDA, NO, TNF-α, and Il-6 and increased SOD and GSH levels in the uterus, ovaries and brain of the CPF-exposed animals versus the CPF-exposed non-treated animals (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that CUR and NMC could be effective in alleviating CPFinduced reproductive toxicity.
ABSTRACT
Carbamate (CBs) is a class of insecticides which is being known as an important cause of intentional or accidental poisoning. CBs, cause carbamylation of acetylcholinesterase at neuronal synapses and neuromuscular junction. Exposure to CBs through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion can result in significant cholinergic toxicity. This is due to the elevation of acetylcholine levels at ganglionic synapses found in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, as well as muscarinic receptors located in target organs of the parasympathetic nervous system, nicotinic receptors situated in skeletal muscle tissue, and the central nervous system. The association between human illnesses and environmental exposures to CBs have been extensively studied in several studies. Although CBs-triggered toxicity leads to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the detailed association between the toxicity under CBs exposure and NFE2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways has not been completely clarified. In this review we aimed to summarize the latest findings on the functional interrelationship between carbamates compounds and Nrf2 signaling.
