A comparative study between curcumin and curcumin nanoemulsion on high-fat, high-fructose diet-induced impaired spermatogenesis in rats

Abstract

Objectives Curcumin is a promising nutraceutical with reported diverse therapeutic properties, but of limited oral bioavailability. The current manuscript investigates the role of encapsulation of curcumin in nanoemulsion form in counteracting the adverse effect of chronic ingestion of a high-fat high-fructose diet (HFHF) by juvenile male rats regarding testicular abnormalities and declined spermatogenesis. Methods Curcumin nanoemulsion was administered orally to Wistar rats at a dose of 5 or 10 mg/kg and compared with curcumin powder, followed by a pharmacological and histological assessment. Key findings Results demonstrated that curcumin nanoemulsion was superior to curcumin powder, particularly in enhancing the percentage progressive motility of spermatozoa, normalization of essential and non-essential amino acids in semen, normalization of serum leptin and testosterone levels, as well as normalization of oxidative and nitrosative parameters. It was also proven to reduce testicular DNA fragmentation, while elevating testicular cellular energy. In addition, curcumin nanoemulsion administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg induced the highest level of spermatogenesis, delineated by histological examination of the seminiferous tubules. Conclusions It can be concluded that curcumin nanoemulsion administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg successfully ameliorates the adverse effects of a HFHF on spermatogenesis.

Curcumin nanoemulsion counteracts hepatic and cardiac complications associated with high‐fat/high‐fructose diet in rats

“…It was also demonstrated that CUR nanoparticles at a dose of 15 mg/kg in rats counteracted nano-hydroxyapatite-induced decreased testicular oxidative stress and 8-OHDG level (Yousef et al, 2021). Moreover, previously published results by our group demonstrated that CUR in its conventional form, as well as the nanoemulsion form at the same dose levels ranging from 2.5 to 10 mg/kg exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, preserved cellular energy represented by the AEC ratio, and lowered 8-OHdG level in other animal models (Ahmed-Farid et al, 2017;Nasr et al, 2022).…”

“…Curcumin (CUR), a component of Curcuma longa, is a polyphenolic compound that has long been reputed for its anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, and anti‐hyperlipidemic potentials (Ahmed‐Farid et al, 2017; Azhdari et al, 2019; Manzoni et al, 2019; Nasr et al, 2022). Growing evidence has delineated that CUR can regulate different signaling molecules to retard the progression and development of atherosclerosis (Li et al, 2020; Momtazi‐Borojeni et al, 2021).…”

“…However, the desirable pharmacological activities of CUR are hampered by its poor solubility, which consequently leads to low bioavailability (Ahmed‐Farid et al, 2017). In this regard, nanoemulsion as a delivery system has presented a promising approach for the enhancement of the pharmacological properties of CUR (Nasr et al, 2022; Saleh et al, 2022). Owing to the small particle size of the nanoemulsions, they provide a large surface area for absorption across the gastrointestinal tract, leading to enhanced bioavailability of drugs (Yen et al, 2018).…”

“…Curcumin (CUR), a component of Curcuma longa, is a polyphenolic compound that has long been reputed for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-hyperlipidemic potentials (Ahmed-Farid et al, 2017;Azhdari et al, 2019;Manzoni et al, 2019;Nasr et al, 2022).…”

“…However, the desirable pharmacological activities of CUR are hampered by its poor solubility, which consequently leads to low bioavailability (Ahmed-Farid et al, 2017). In this regard, nanoemulsion as a delivery system has presented a promising approach for the enhancement of the pharmacological properties of CUR (Nasr et al, 2022;Saleh et al, 2022).…”