Objective: This study investigated the protective effects of nanocurcumin (NC) against arsenic (As)-induced ovarian toxicity, focusing on oxidative stress and the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight female NMRI mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 7): control, NC (100 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal, for 14 days), As (50 mg/L in drinking water for 40 days), and As + NC. Ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase activities, histopathology, and the mRNA expression of Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and NQO1 were assessed. Nrf2 and Keap1 protein levels were evaluated by Western blotting.
Results: Arsenic exposure significantly increased ovarian MDA levels and decreased SOD and CAT activities compared with the control group. Arsenic also induced histopathological alterations and significantly increased Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression, while significantly decreasing Keap1 mRNA and protein expression. Compared with the As group, NC significantly reduced MDA levels and increased SOD activity, whereas the increase in CAT activity was not statistically significant. NC also partially attenuated histopathological alterations and further increased Nrf2 mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, Keap1 expression did not differ significantly between the As and As + NC groups, while HO-1 and NQO1 showed non-significant increases.
Conclusion: NC partially attenuates As-induced ovarian toxicity, potentially by enhancing the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response.