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Effects of curcumin on methyl methanesulfonate damage to mouse kidney
G Cuce1, S Cetinkaya2, N Isitez3
1a Necmettin Erbakan University , Meram Medical Faculty, Department of Histology and Embryology , Konya , Turkey.
Abstract:
Methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) is an alkylating agent that may react with DNA and damage it. We investigated histological changes and apoptosis caused by MMS and the effects of curcumin on MMS treated mouse kidneys. Twenty-four mice were divided into four equal groups: controls injected with saline, a group injected with 40 mg/kg MMS, a group injected with 40 mg/kg MMS and given 100 mg/kg curcumin by gavage, and a group given 100 mg/kg curcumin by gavage. MMS caused congestion and vacuole formation, and elevated the apoptotic index significantly, but had no other effect on kidney tissue. Curcumin improved the congestion and vacuole formation caused by MMS and decreased the apoptotic index. Curcumin administered with MMS appears to decrease the deleterious effects of MMS on the kidney.
Insights
Methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) damages mouse kidneys, causing histological changes and increased apoptosis. Curcumin administration mitigated these harmful effects, protecting kidney tissue from MMS-induced damage.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) is a potent alkylating agent known to induce DNA damage.
- Alkylating agents like MMS can lead to cellular damage and apoptosis, particularly in organs like the kidney.
- Curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, possesses known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the histological alterations and apoptosis induced by Methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) in mouse kidneys.
- To evaluate the protective effects of curcumin against MMS-induced kidney damage.
- To assess the impact of curcumin on histological changes and apoptotic index in MMS-treated mice.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-four mice were randomly assigned to four groups: control (saline), MMS-treated, MMS + curcumin-treated, and curcumin-only treated.
- Mice received either saline, 40 mg/kg MMS, or 100 mg/kg curcumin via gavage, with combined treatments administered as specified.
- Kidney tissues were analyzed for histological changes (congestion, vacuole formation) and apoptosis via apoptotic index measurement.
Main Results:
- MMS administration led to significant kidney congestion and vacuole formation.
- An elevated apoptotic index was observed in the kidneys of mice treated with MMS.
- Curcumin treatment concurrently with MMS improved histological parameters and significantly reduced the apoptotic index.
Conclusions:
- Methylmethane sulfonate (MMS) causes notable histological damage and increases apoptosis in mouse kidneys.
- Curcumin demonstrates a protective effect against MMS-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Co-administration of curcumin may mitigate the adverse renal effects of Methylmethane sulfonate.

