Effect of Curcumin on the structure of thoracic aorta of adult male albino rat in experimentally induced calcification

Background: Vascular calcification is when calcium phosphate salts build up in the wall of blood vessels, making them stiff and less flexible, causing restriction of blood flow and making it harder for body to move and breathe properly (Mehmet et al., 2023). Objectives: The aim of the present study is to assess the possible role of curcumin in ameliorating the vascular structure in case of experimentally induced calcification of the thoracic aorta of adult male albino rats. Materials and methods: In this particular research project, forty adult male albino rats, each with an average weight of around 200 grams, were the focus. They were divided into four equal groups: GI (control group). GII (curcumin group): Animals were given curcumin orally. GIII (adenine group): Adenine was administered to rats with oral gavage for 4 weeks. Group 4: (adenine & curcumin group): animals were given both adenine and curcumin orally for 4 weeks. After the experiment concluded, the animals were gently anesthetized. The thoracic aorta, was carefully removed and split into two sections for further analysis. One part was studied under a light microscope, while the other part underwent a detailed examination using an electron microscope. Morphological measurements included the average area percentage of calcification in the thoracic aorta. The data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results: The mean value of the calcification area ratio in the thoracic aorta of the adenine group showed a statistically significant increase in comparison with the adenine& curcumin group. Conclusion: In the current experiment curcumin showed improvement of the ectopic calcification in the thoracic aorta, in spite of that curcumin cannot be considered the only specific line for treatment of this illness. In general it is advisable to add curcumin to the diet daily because it's remarkable beneficial curative and prophylactic effect on the human health.