Effect of cadmium-polluted water on plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and oxidative status biomarkers in rats: Protective effect of curcumin

- Exposure to Cd significantly elevated the levels of plasma TNF-α and IL-6.
- Cadmium significantly induced the oxidative stress in rats.
- Curcumin significantly ameliorated the oxidative status markers.
- Curcumin significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α.
- IL-6 and TNF-α are negatively correlated with activities of catalase and SOD.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of CdCl2-polluted drinking water (40 mg CdCl2/L) on the level of TNF-α and IL-6, as well as oxidative status biomarkers in plasma of rats. The possible protective effect of oral administration of curcumin (50 mg/kg body weight/day) was assessed. Results illustrated that Cd exposure significantly elevated the plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 (p < 0.001) as compared to normal rats. Also, Cd administration resulted in a significant elevation in the lipid peroxidation and markedly reduction in the activities of SOD and catalase as well as the level of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in plasma. The co-treatment of Cd with curcumin significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 and ameliorated the alteration in oxidative status biomarkers induced by Cd. Negative correlation between IL-6 or TNF-α was and the plasma activities of catalase, SOD and the level of total antioxidant capacity were found in rats exposed to Cd. Conclusion: Cadmium toxicity induced the release of TNF-α and IL-6 which is associated with systemic oxidative stress. This may be involved in the mechanism of the Cd toxicity. On the other hand, the findings suggest the curative action of curcumin against Cd toxicity.