Effects of Lead Acetate, Endurance Training and Curcumin Supplementation on Heat Shock Protein Levels in Liver Tissue

Heat shock proteins act as guardians of cells. The stimulation of these proteins due to stress conditions that activates the cell protective mechanisms is essential. In this study, in order to assess the effects of lead, regular exercise endurance and HSP72 protein supplement Curcumin on the liver tissue, 48 mice were classified randomly into control groups 1) Base and 2) Sham and four experimental groups included 3) Lead, 4) Lead + endurance training, 5) Lead + Curcumin, 6) Lead + endurance training + Curcumin. Groups of 3 to 6 received 20 mg of lead; groups 5 and 6 in addition to lead received 30 mg/kg curcumin for 8 weeks and 3 days intraperitoneally. Furthermore, groups 4 and 6 performed progressive running training sessions, 15 to 22 m/min, for 25 to 64 min, five times a week; HSP72 level in homogenized liver tissue was measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed by one way ANOVA test, P≤0.05. HSP72 and malondialdehyde levels in the lead group were significantly higher than the other groups, while superoxide dismutase and total anti-oxidative capacity were less than other groups. In contrast, HSP72 and malondialdehyde in the curcumin, endurance training and the combination groups were significantly lower than the lead groups. These findings suggest that healthy lifestyle, including aerobic exercise and anti oxidant supplements may have beneficial effects in preventing oxidative damage caused by lead.