Effects of Curcuminoids Extracts Capsule on Antioxidant Enzymes in Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy

Abstract

Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) is a mitochondria genetic disease which involves genes encoding complex I subunit of respiratory chain. LHON mutation shows consistent reduction in complex I electron transfer activity. Finally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase resulting in optic nerve degeneration and blindness. The aim of this study was to investigate the oxidative stress status and antioxidant activities in blood circulation of LHON patients before and after administration of curcuminoids extracts capsules. Thirty two LHON patients participated in this randomized, double blind, placebo-control study. Patients received placebo or 250 mg of curcuminoids extracts capsules twice a day for 12 months. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in plasma and antioxidant enzymes activities in red blood cells were measured at 0, 3, 6 and 12 month. MDA levels were in normal range. In curcuminoids group, the activities of enzyme glutathione peroxidase at 3 and 6 month decreased 24.1 % and 12.6 % (p<0.05) respectively when compare to baseline. In addition, the activities of superoxide dismutase at 3 month were decreased 12.6 % (p<0.05) from baseline. We can conclude that oxidative stress was not found in blood circulation of LHON patients. The use of curcuminoids extracts capsules in LHON patients may scavenge the reactive oxygen species resulting in the reduction of enzyme glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities.