Histopathological Evaluation of Nanocurcumin for Mitigation of Radiation-Induced Small Intestine Injury

Aim: In the current study, we aimed to mitigate radiation-induced small intestinal toxicity using post-irradiation treatment with nano-micelle curcumin. Background: Small intestine is one of the most radiosensitive organs within the body. Whole-body exposure to an acute dose of ionizing radiation may lead to severe injuries to this tissue and may even cause death after some weeks. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate histopathological changes in the small intestine following whole-body irradiation and treatment with nanocurcumin. Materials and Methods: Forty male Nordic Medical Research Institute mice were grouped into control, treatment with 100 mg/kg nano-micelle curcumin, whole-body irradiation with cobalt-60 gamma-rays (dose rate of 60 cGy/min and a single dose of 7 Gy), and treatment with 100 mg/kg nano-micelle curcumin 1 day after whole-body irradiation for 4 weeks. Afterward, all mice were sacrificed for histopathological evaluation of their small intestinal tissues. Results: Irradiation led to severe damage to villi, crypts, glands as well as vessels, leading to bleeding. Administration of nano-micelle curcumin after whole-body irradiation showed a statistically significant improvement in radiation toxicity of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (including a reduction in infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, villi length shortening, goblet cells injury, Lieberkuhn glands injury and bleeding). Although treatment with nano-micelle curcumin showed increased bleeding in the ileum for non-irradiated mice, its administration after irradiation was able to reduce radiation-induced bleeding in the ileum. Conclusion: Treatment with nano-micelle curcumin may be useful for mitigation of radiation-induced gastrointestinal system toxicity via suppression of inflammatory cells' infiltration and protection against villi and crypt shortening.