Curcumin nanoparticles attenuate radiation-induced liver and kidney injury in rats: a histopathological evaluation

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for a variety of malignancies. However, it can have harmful effects on healthy tissues. Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and radioprotective properties, making it promising for reducing radiation-induced damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the radioprotective effects of curcumin nanoparticles (CurNPs) on the liver and kidneys of rats exposed to radiation. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, radiation-only, CurNPs (2 mg/kg), CurNPs(4 mg/kg), CurNPs (2 mg/kg) + IR, and CurNPs (4 mg/kg) + IR. The radiation-only group was exposed to a single dose of 6 Gy of radiation, while the CurNPs-treated groups received a dose of CurNPs before radiation exposure. The liver and kidney tissues were collected and subjected to histopathological examination. Histopathological analysis revealed that the radiation-only group exhibited severe damage to the liver and kidney tissues, characterized by hepatocyte degeneration, inflammation, and tubular necrosis. In contrast, the CurNPs-treated group demonstrated a significant reduction in radiation-induced pathological changes, with preserved tissue architecture, decreased inflammation, and enhanced cell viability. In conclusion, our histopathological study demonstrates that both 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg CurNPs possess the potential to serve as a promising radioprotective agent for the liver and kidneys but no apparent difference between the two doses.. The use of CurNPs could help mitigate radiation-induced toxicity in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. These findings warrant further investigation and provide a foundation for developing innovative radioprotective strategies.