Curcumin protects against testicular damage and genotoxicity induced by acrylamide in male albino mice

Introduction and aim of the study:Acrylamide is a chemical used in many industries. Although it is found to be harmful, human are exposed to varying amounts of it in the diet, especially fried food. Curcumin is a herbal agent used in medicine and proved to be protective against many harmful agents. This study was undertaken to assess the protective effect of curcumin against the reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity induced by acrylamide in male albino mice. Materials and methods:Twenty-eight male albino mice were divided into four groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (curcumin group), group 3 (acrylamide group), and group 4 (curcumin + acrylamide group). Both curcumin and acrylamide were given through oral intubation for 5 days. Seventy-two hours after the last administration, blood samples were taken for random amplified polymorphism DNA PCR (RAPD PCR) analysis and testes were used for both light and transmission electron microscopic examination. Sperm smears were also performed and their results were statistically analyzed to detect any sperm abnormalities. Results:Acrylamide resulted in atrophy and exfoliation of the germinal epithelium of the seminiferous tubules with thickening of their basement membranes. There was also a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms, compared with the control group. Transmission electron microscopic examination confirmed these results. Genotoxicity was also detected as genomic template stability was lower than that of the control group. The use of curcumin produced a significant protection against the all of the above-mentioned changes. Conclusion:Curcumin is effective in protection against reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity induced in male albino mice by the use of acrylamide.