Protective effect of curcumin on diclofenac sodium-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats: Evidence of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

This research aims to explore if curcumin (CUR) can protect male albino rats from diclofenac (DIC) sodium-induced hepatotoxicity. The adult male Albino rats were divided into four groups (n=8) in this study. Control group: corn oil (i.p.) was given every day for seven days. CUR-treated group: was given CUR (200 mg/kg, i.p) every day for seven days. DIC-treated group: was given corn oil (i.p.) every day for seven days, followed by DIC single dose (150 mg/kg, i.p) 2 hours after last corn oil injection. DIC+CUR-treated group: was given CUR (200 mg/kg i.p.) every day for seven days followed by DIC single dose (150 mg/kg, i.p) two hours following the last CUR injection. Animals were sacrificed twenty-four hours following the last treatment. Blood serum was collected and tested for liver function markers. The liver was removed and used for biochemical and light microscopic examinations. The data showed that serum AST, ALT levels, as well as hepatic MDA, NO, and TNFα levels were significantly higher in the DIC-treated group than in the control group. While, serum total protein and albumin levels, as well as hepatic SOD levels, were significantly reduced. In contrast to the DIC-treated group, pretreatment with CUR resulted in a significant decrease in AST, ALT, MDA, NO, and TNFα as well as a significant increase in total protein, albumin, and SOD levels. CUR pretreatment also ameliorated the histological alterations. In conclusion, CUR treatment provided excellent protection against DIC-induced liver toxicity and oxidative damage in rats.