Curcumin-chitosan nanoparticles reverse propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in male rats via a thyroid peroxidase (Tpo) gene-independent mechanism
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30539/gp3cgq97Keywords:
Curcumin nanoparticles, propylthiouracil (PTU), hypothyroidism, thyroid hormones, lipid profileAbstract
Background: Hypothyroidism is assumed to be associated with oxidative stress that can derange thyroid function as well as lipid metabolism. In the present study, the evaluation of possible protective effects of curcumin-chitosan nanoparticles (Cur-Cs-NPs) against propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidism in male Wistar rats is presented. Methodology: Forty male rats were divided into four groups: Control, PTU (50 mg/kg), Cur-Cs-NPs (100 μg/kg), and combined PTU + Cur-Cs-NPs. Treatments lasted for 28 days; serum TSH, T3, and T4 were measured by ELISA. Thyroid peroxidase (Tpo) gene expression was also determined in the thyroid tissue by PCR normalized to β-actin. Histopathological analysis of the thyroid tissue was also performed. Results: The PTU-treated rats showed significantly elevated TSH levels and lowered T3 and T4. PTU also raised cholesterol and lowered High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). PTU prominently downregulated the Tpo gene expression relative to the control. Treatment with Cur-Cs-NPs improved the hormone levels by declining TSH and increasing T3 and T4. Cur-Cs-NPs treatment improved significantly the levels of both cholesterol and HDL. Co-treatment with Cur-Cs-NPs did not fully restore this suppression to normal. Histopathological examination of the thyroid tissue of the PTU-treated rats confirmed the tissue damage, while the group receiving PTU followed by treatment with Cur-Cs-NPs showed improved thyroid tissue. Conclusions: Altogether, this study concluded that Cur-Cs-NPs showed antioxidant as well as protective effects on thyroid function and lipid profile in PTU-induced hypothyroidism but did not restore gene expression related to oxidative stress.
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