The effect of curcumin on altered expression of BAX and BCL2 genes following cholestasis in the frontal region of male rats

Cholestasis occurs as a result of malfunction or secretion of bile; and complications of this disease include apoptosis (planned death). Curcumin is an effective extract of turmeric rhizome that has anti-apoptosis properties. Thus in this study, we investigated the expression of BAX and BCL2 genes following cholestasis and curcumin in the frontal region of male rats.

This study was performed on 16 male rats weighing 220-240 gram in which they were divided into 4 groups, including control group, sham-curcumin, BDL group and BDL-curcumin. Then peripheral region of rats was collected and after extraction of RNA and cDNA synthesis, expression of genes in different groups was evaluated by Real Time PCR technique.

BCL2 gene expression decreased in the BDL group compared to the control group(p<0.05), and BAX gene expression increased in the BDL group compared to the control group as a result,the cell progresses to apoptosis. However,with the injection of curcumin,the expression of BCL2 gene in the BDL-Curcumin group increased compared the BDL group and BAX gene expression decreased  in the BDL-Curcumin compared to the BDL group.

Curcumin can increase the expression of BCL2 gene and decrease the expression of BAX gene in the frontal region,reduce the negative effects of cholestasis including apoptosis.