Protective Effects of Curcumin and Nanocurcumin on Serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Food Intake in Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Introduction: One of the most important neurotrophins is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is closely associated with insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The Purpose of this study was to investigate the protective effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin on serum levels of BDNF and water and food intake in diabetic rats.Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: control, diabetic, diabetic treated with 2 doses of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) and diabetic treated with 2 doses of nanocurcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight ). T2DM was induced by fasting intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg Nicotineamid and 45 mg/kg Streptozotocin. The rats received different doses of nanocurcumin and curcumin by gavage (daily) for 28 days. At the end of the intervention period, serum BDNF levels and food and water intake were measured.Results: The results of the study showed that serum levels of BDNF in diabetic control group were significantly decreased compared to the control group and its level increased with consumption of nanocurcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) (P <0.05) But no significant difference was observed between curcumin and diabetic control groups (P <0.05). Water and food intake were significantly decreased in the curcumin and nanocurcumin groups compared to the diabetic control group (P <0.05).Conclusion: Nanocurcumin can decrease the complications of diabetes-induced neuropathy by increasing serum levels of BDNF.