Ameliorative role of diets fortified with Curcumin in a Drosophila melanogaster model of aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity
Bolaji O. Oyetayo, Amos O. Abolaji, Kehinde D. Fasae, Adegbuyi Oladele Aderibigbe
Abstract
Aluminum is an environmental and industrial neurotoxicant known to induce oxidative damage and inflammation in tissues. Curcumin is a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we evaluated Curcumin’s protective role in Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3)-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster. A 21-day survival analysis was carried out and subsequently, flies were exposed to AlCl3 (100 and 200 mg/kg diet) and/or Curcumin (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg diet) for 7 days. Curcumin restored AlCl3-induced inhibition of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase activities, as well as depletion of total thiol and glutathione contents. In addition, Curcumin ameliorated AlCl3-induced increase in acetylcholinesterase activity and accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite levels in flies. Additionally, AlCl3-induced disruption of climbing activity and emergence rate were ameliorated by curcumin in D. melanogaster (p < 0.05). Overall, Curcumin ameliorated AlCl3-induced toxicity in D. melanogaster. Therefore, it can be regarded as a therapeutic agent against AlCl3-induced toxicity.