Nephroprotective Effects of Curcumin in Murine Models of Focal and Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to explore the reno-protective effect of curcumin in focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in murine models, a common chronic glomerulopathy that leads to end-stage renal disease. METHODS: Adult Wistar rats were used in this experiment. One group was treated with intravenous Adriamycin (ADR) injection to induce FSGS similar to that seen in humans and a second group was co-administered ADR and curcumin (ADR-CUR). Saline-treated rats served as controls. Renal injury was assessed by measuring the levels of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride, and urinary protein. The homogenates of renal cortex were used to estimate the renal content of the inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a); oxidative stress marker malonaldehyde (MDA); and two antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH). In addition, the rat kidneys were harvested by ends of week 8 and week 12 and examined for histological abnormalities. RESULTS: The ADR-treated rats showed biochemical and histological evidence of FSGS, in the form of proteinuria, elevated serum creatinine, BUN, and triglycerides, elevated renal TNF-a and MDA, and segmental glomerulosclerosis. The ADR-CUR-treated rats showed significant correction of all these variables. Co-administration with curcumin resulted in improvement of the proteinuria, serum creatinine, BUN, and triglyceride. The renal tissue levels of antioxidants SOD and GSH increased and that of TNF-a and MDA decreased and the histology revealed reduction in the extent of segmental glomerulosclerosis. The FSGS-associated renal damage was notably antagonized by curcumin treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm the reno-protective effects of curcumin as a potential therapeutic agent in protection against the progression of FSGS and indicate that it is mitigated by inhibition of oxidant injury and inflammation and also by promotion of antioxidants. Curcumin ameliorated the ADR-induced FSGS in murine models. It may be a promising compound in the treatment of FSGS in human subjects. More human studies are needed to further elucidate its effects in FSGS.