Antidotal Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) against Endosulfan-Induced Cytogenotoxicity and Immunotoxicity in Broiler Chicks

This study was conducted to verify whether Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has the potential to modulate the cytogenotoxic and immunotoxic effects resulting from exposure to endosulfan in broiler chicks. For this purpose, 180 one day old chicks were divided randomly into 6 groups of 30 chicks each, divided into 3 replicates. First group was fed basal diet, while the other five groups were fed basal diet supplemented with 5 g turmeric, 10 g turmeric, 30 mg endosulfan, 30 mg endosulfan plus 5 g turmeric and 30 mg endosulfan plus 10 g turmeric/kg diet, respectively, during the experimental period. At the end of the experiment, blood and spleen samples were collected and evaluated for genotoxicity, cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity biomarkers induced by endosulfan. Also, histopathological investigation of the spleen tissue was conducted. A significant increase in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity biomarkers (micronucleusfrequency, DNA fragmentation, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine level (8 OHdG) and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH)) was recorded in endosulfan treated chicks. In addition, the immunotoxicity biomarkers showed a significant decrease in phagocytic percentage, stimulated Nitric oxide (NO) production and decrease in the serum lysozyme activity. Histopathological findings supported the cytotoxicity results. Dietary supplementation of turmeric at different levels ameliorated deleterious effects of endosulfan and restored them to be near control level. The results of the study suggested that regular consumption of turmeric in the diet is a promising approach in attenuating the disturbances induced by endosulfan in the most studied biomarkers.