Effect of Liposomal Curcumin on Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity by Down-regulation of Oxidative Stress and Matrix Metalloproteinases

BACKGROUND/AIM: The hepatoprotective role of various molecules in drug-induced hepatotoxicity arouses great interest. We investigated the effect of liposomal curcumin (LCC) on experimental acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups, and the effect of two LCC concentrations was studied: group 1 - 1 ml intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline, group 2 - APAP pretreatment, group 3 - APAP+silymarin (extract of the silybum marianum with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties), group 4 - APAP+LCC1, group 5 - APAP+LCC2. The biomarkers of oxidative stress (nitric oxide and malondialdehyde) and antioxidant status of plasma (thiols and catalase), TNF-alpha, MMP-2 and MMP-9 serum levels were evaluated. RESULTS: An improvement in oxidative stress, antioxidant status, and TNF-alpha, MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels was obtained in groups pretreated with LCC compared to silymarin treatment, in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination reinforced the results. CONCLUSION: Liposomal curcumin improves the oxidative stress/antioxidant balance and alleviates inflammation in experimental APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.