Effect of curcumin on bisphenol-a induced cytotoxicity in the jejunum of adult wistar rats

Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been implicated in various adverse health effects, including cytotoxicity in the gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the effect of curcumin, a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on BPA-induced cytotoxicity in the jejunum. Bisphenol A has been associated with obesity, inflammation, oxidative injury, villous rupture and atrophy. Twenty adult wistar rats were divided into four groups: group one served as the control group which was administered 0.5ml of sunflower oil, group two received only bisphenol A (65mg/kg), group three received bisphenol A (65mg/kg) and curcumin (100mg/kg) and group four was administered only curcumin (100mg/kg) dissolved in 0.5ml of sunflower oil for a period of 28 days. Bisphenol A induced an increase in malondialdehyde and high sensitivity-c-reactive protein concentration and a decrease in glutathione levels. The groups administered curcumin presented a decrease in malondialdehyde and high sensitivity-c-reactive protein and a significant increase in glutathione levels. Histological observation of the jejunum revealed presence of amyloidosis, few goblet cells and shrunken villi in group two. Group three showed absence of amyloidosis, larger and unbroken villi while group four showed absence of amyloidosis with a very fine epithelium and intact villi. These findings showed that bisphenol A had cytotoxic effect on intestinal cytoarchitecture and curcumin holds potential as a protective agent against BPA-induced cytotoxicity in the jejunum, potentially contributing to strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of environmental contaminants on gastrointestinal health.