Effect of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin on protein carbonyls and reactive oxygen species of cerebral hemispheres of mice as a function of age

Oxidative modification alters the function of proteins and is thought to play an important role in the decline of cellular functions during aging. Reactive oxygen species generated as by-products of oxidative metabolism frequently damage cellular macromolecules such as DNA, lipids and proteins. Protein carbonyls are commonly used as a marker of protein oxidation in cells and tissues. The brain is a highly oxidative organ consuming 20% of the body's oxygen despite accounting for only 2% of the total body weight. In the present study, we have evaluated the levels of free radicals and protein carbonyls in the cerebral hemispheres of young and old mice. Dimethylsulphoxide treatment to the mice has been shown to cause a reduction in reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation. In this study, we have also investigated the combined effect of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin on free radicals and protein oxidation. Curcumin (90 mg/kg body weight) dissolved in dimethylsulphoxide was administered to the mice for three consecutive days. A significant reduction in the level of reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation was seen with co-supplementation of the two antioxidants. The present study, thus demonstrated the antioxidative effects of dimethylsulphoxide and curcumin in the brain which may help in preventing free-radical-induced damage to the proteins during the later stages of life.