Protective effect of curcumin on circulatory lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status during nicotine-induced toxicity.

Nicotine, an active substance present in tobacco has been identified as a major risk factor for lung related diseases. In the present study, we have evaluated the protective effect of curcumin on circulatory lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in nicotine administered Wistar rats. Lung toxicity was induced by subcutaneous injection of nicotine at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg body weight (5 days a week, for 22 weeks) and curcumin (80 mg/kg body weight) was given simultaneously along with nicotine by intragastric intubation for 22 weeks. Enhanced lipid peroxidation (41.68%) in the circulation of nicotine treated animals was accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase. Further, reduction in the levels of zinc and elevation of copper and ferritin were observed in circulation of nicotine treated rats. Administration of curcumin significantly lowered the concentrations of lipid peroxides (36%) and enhanced the antioxidant status with modulation in the levels of zinc, copper and ferritin. Our data suggest that curcumin exerts its preventive effects by modulating the degree of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status and trace element levels.