Effects of curcumine to the nicotine induced oxidative stress in mice testis

Effects of curcumine to the nicotine induced oxidative stress in mice testisIt is known that nicotine, which is one of the major hazardous components of cigarette, have toxic effects on male reproductive system. Curcumine which is commonly used as a dye, a spice and a medicine in Asia and Africa, is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of curcumine against oxidative stress on testis caused by nicotine intake.In this study adult Swiss Albino type 60 male mice were divided into five groups each containing 12 mice. The first group was used as control. The second and third groups were injected with nicotine at a dose of 0,4mg/kg/day respectively for 14 and 28 days. The fourth and fifth groups were injected with nicotine 0,4mg/kg/day and orally treated with curcumine (200mg/kg) solved in corn oil respectively for 14 and 28 days. 6 mice of each groups were sacrified at the end of the application periods. Others were sacrified after keeping alive for 28 days in each groups. Testosteron levels were measured from the blood samples and testis tissues were processed and inspected by light and electron microscopy.Light microscopic examination showed exfoliation of germinal epithelial cells and cumulation of immature cells in the lumen of tubules of the second and third groups. Additionally edema at the interstitial area were also seen. Besides that tubules which have the similar composition of normal control tubules were viewed at the fourth and fifth groups. Furthermore, vacuolisation, giant lipid droplets, degenaration of mitochondria, nuclear indentation, increase in electron density of cytoplasm in Sertoli cells were observed at the electron microscopy of the second and third groups. Moreover, thickening of the membrana propria and lytic spermatogenic cells between seminiferous tubule epitel cells were also seen. Additionally, Leydig cells were showed increasing size and number of the mitochondria in second and third groups. While median levels of testosteron has significantly lowered in second and third groups in comparison with controls, Fourth and fifth groups showed significant improvement in membrana propria, seminiferous tubules and interstitium. Furthermore decreasing in vacuolization and electron density of cytoplasm in Sertoli cells, absence of the giant intercellular space were also seen in fourth and fifth groups. Mice which were sacrified after keeping alive for 28 days in fourth and fifth groups were showed similar degeneration like nicotine groups. Decrease of the blood testosteron level were measured in fourth and fifth groups.Degenerative changes were observed in membrana propria and testicular cells in nicotin induced group. On the other hand, the treatment of curcumine on the testicular cells has significant protective effect during chronic nicotine intake.