The effects of the curcumin-loaded selenium nanoparticles on hepatic stereo-histology, blood glucose, and lipid profile in rats

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran.

2 Medicinal Plant Research Center, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran

Abstract

The application of novel pharmaceutical formulations of natural compounds, including those incorporating nanoparticles, represents a promising avenue for therapeutic advancement. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of curcumin-loaded selenium nanoparticles on the hepatic histological structure, as well as on blood glucose and lipids in rats. A total of 75 adult male rats were randomly assigned to one control group and four treatment groups. The control group was administered no medication, while the four treatment groups received the following: 50 mg/kg of curcumin (Group 1), 3.5 mg/kg of selenium nanoparticles (Group 2), combination of 50 mg/kg of curcumin plus 3.5 mg/kg of curcumin-loaded selenium nanoparticles (Group 3), and 5% DMSO (Group 4). On days 3, 7, and 14, blood samples were collected for biochemical testing and liver tissue samples were obtained. The hepatic tissue structure of the control, curcumin, and solvent groups exhibited no significant differences on days 3, 7, and 14. It was observed that the selenium nanoparticles group exhibited notable alterations in tissue structure, which were markedly diminished in the curcumin-loaded selenium nanoparticles group. Notable stereological findings were observed in the selenium nanoparticles group in comparison to the control group, including an increase in the volume density of hepatocytes and sinusoids, accompanied by a reduction in the volume density of central veins. No significant alterations were observed in the triglyceride and cholesterol levels in the experimental groups. It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin-loaded selenium nanoparticles to rats demonstrated notable hepatoprotective effects against selenium nanoparticles.

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