Protective Effects of Curcumin on Cadmium-Induced Renal Injury in Young and Aged Rats

Objective: We aimed to investigate the protective effects of curcumin (Cr) against cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the kidneys of both young and aged rats. Methods: Forty-eight young and aged female Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into control, Cd, Cr, and Cd+Cr groups. We investigated kidney damage using a histopathological scoring system and measured total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Results: Kidney tissues of Cd groups showed acute histopathological alterations. Cr improved Cd-induced histopathological changes (p<0.05). The highest mean TAS was recorded in both the Cr groups. The highest mean TOS was recorded only in the aged Cd group. Cr decreased IL-6 levels in both the Cd+Cr groups (p<0.05). PCT levels in the Cd groups were higher than those in the control groups. Significance was detected only between the young Cd and control groups (p<0.05). PCT levels were reduced in both the Cd+Cr groups (p<0.05). CRP levels in the aged Cd group were higher than those in the other groups (p<0.05). Cr reduced CRP levels only in the aged Cd+Cr group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cr prevents Cd-induced renal oxidative damage in both young and aged rats.