Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the impact of curcumin on erythrocyte deformability in a mouse model that can be used for short-term ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury.
Materials and methods: A total of 30 mice were divided into five groups of six animals in each. The mice were subjected to unilateral hind limb ischemia on the femoral vessels for 2 h. Reperfusion was achieved for the next 2 h. Curcumin (100 mg·kg-1) was administered intraperitoneally (CUR and IR/CUR groups). The mice were euthanized by intraperitoneal administration of ketamine (100 mg·kg-1) and blood was drawn from the heart. A constant flow filter system was used to assess erythrocyte deformability.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean deformability index among the groups. The IR group (2.1±0.3) significantly higher than the mean of control group (1.6±0.2), CUR group (1.6±0.1) and DMSO group (1.6±0.2). The deformability index values of the IR/CUR group approach the control group through the application of the curcumin (1.8±0.2).
Conclusion: Our study showed negative effects of IR on erythrocyte deformability in mice. Also, curcumin had positive effects by reversing
the undesirable effects of IR.

Key words: Curcumin, erythrocyte deformability, ischemia-reperfusion.