Protective role of exercise and curcumin on regional BMD and oxidative stress induced by lead

The current study aimed to assess the impacts of 8-week non-pharmacological strategies on the regional bone mineral density (BMD) and the oxidative stress among rats regarding lead acetate (Pb) exposure. Randomly, we divided 40 rats into 5 groups: Pb, SHAM, curcumin+Pb, exercise+Pb, and curcumin+exercise+Pb. The rats received Pb (20 mg/kg), curcumin solution (30 mg/kg), and/or treadmill running 5 times/week during an eight-week research protocol. The femur and tibia regional BMD were measured by the DEXA system. Additionally, blood collections were performed to measure oxidative/antioxidant markers. It was demonstrated that BMD lessened significantly in the femur and tibia of rats exposed to Pb, particularly in their distal epiphysis. Whereas TBARS remarkably elevated, TAC dropped in the Pb group. On the other hand, the curcumin supplementation alone did not affect BMD, while performing the weight-bearing exercise resulted in a significant elevation of BMD in spongy tissue (i.e., the proximal and distal epiphysis of femur and tibia bones), specifically a combination of exercise and curcumin consumption protocols. Therefore, exercise training and consuming curcumin supplements may provide osteoprotective benefits against Pb-induced toxicity.