Age-dependent different action of curcumin in thyroid of rat

The aging is associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroidal axis which can lead to hypothyreosis. Our previous investigations has shown that polyphenol curcumin can enhance the manifestation of hypothyreosis in rats simultaneous treated with propylthiouracil. The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between age-related changes and curcumin action in the thyroid of old rats. To this end, morphometric and radioimmunological methods were used. The study was conducted on 3- and 18-month-old male Wistar rats. The experimental rats were treated daily for 30 days by gavage with 100 mg/kg b.w. of curcumin. There were observed age-related changes in morphology and endocrine function of the thyroid. It was increase in the percentages of large follicles and significant decrease in FT3 level in 18-month-old rats in comparison to 3-month ones. Curcumin treatment lead to significant increase in FT3 and FT4 levels in 3-month-old experimental rats, but the level of FT3 significantly decreased in 18-month-old rats after curcumin administration. Our results show that curcumin activity depends on the functional condition of the rat thyroid which changes with age. This compound exerts stimulatory influence on the secretory function of the thyroid gland in young rats, but has rather weak antithyroid activity in old animals.