The Role of Curcumin on Reduced Leukocyte and Platelet Counts in Rats After Exposure to Ultraviolet Light from Compact Fluorescent Lamps: A Morphological Study

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) could be a source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation with potential harmful effects. We assessed the effects of ultraviolet radiation on leukocyte and platelet counts in rats and also investigated the preservative effects of curcumin on hematologic disorders caused by UV radiation. We randomly divided 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats into six groups (n = 8). Two control groups received ethyl oleate (0.2 mL, IP) for 10 (group I) and 30 days (group II), without exposure to fluorescent light. Two fluorescent groups treated daily with 12 hours fluorescent light exposure for 10 (group III) and 30 days (group IV). Group V and VI received curcumin (20 µmol, IP) and 12 hours fluorescent light exposure for 10 and 30 days, respectively. The blood samples were collected and the leukocyte indexes were measured by cell counter and blood smears were obtained. The number of leukocytes was significantly lower in groups III (8.36 ± 0.23 × 103/µL) and IV (7.85 ± 0.18 × 103/µL) compared with groups I (8.78 ± 0.14 × 103/µL) and II (8.50 ± 0.20 × 103/µL). (P value III:I = 0.004, IV:II < 0.0001). The number of leukocytes insignificantly increased to normal levels of 8.85 ± 0.29 × 103/µL and 8.30 ± 0.16 × 103/µL in groups V and VI, respectively (P value V:I = 0.79, VI:II = 0.09). The number of platelets (PLTs) was significantly lower in the groups IV and VI in comparison with the group II (750 ± 6.52 × 103/µL, 808 ± 2.13 × 103/µL and 846 ± 2.73 × 103/µL, respectively (P value IV:II < 0.0001, VI:II < 0.0001). In the morphological pattern of leukocytes, the CFLs lead to atopic cells, bond cells, and cell lysis, however, administration of curcumin prevented this disturbance. Curcumin has a protective role in reducing complications caused by CFLs in reduced leukocyte and platelet counts, which is probably due to its antioxidant agent.