Curcumin prevents toxic effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on humoral immunity in rats

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure results in adverse effects on the immune system of experimental animals. In this study, the negative effects of TCDD on the humoral immunity of rats and the preventive effects of curcumin were examined. For this purpose, TCDD and curcumin were given to the experimental and control groups. Then, the serum samples taken from all rats at 15, 30, 45 and 60th days were analysed for the determination of immunoglobulins (Igs) and complements (Cs) level by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The results indicated that TCDD caused significant decrease (P<0.05) in serum IgG and IgM levels. However, it caused significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of C3 in rats. On the contrary, curcumin decreases C3 activity, but increases IgG and IgM levels in rats. In conclusion, TCDD significantly suppressed the humoral immunity in rats. However, curcumin eliminated the toxic effects of TCDD when it was given together with TCDD.