Comparative Histological and Immunohistochemical Study on The Effect of Curcumin and Atorvastatin in Induced Atherosclerosis in Aorta and Cardiac Muscle of Male Rabbits

Background: curcumin has many pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, eliminating free radicals, anti-tumor, lipid regulation and anti-coagulation. Objectives: to compare the histological effects of curcumin and atorvastatin in experimental induced atherosclerosis in the rabbit’s aorta and heart. Subjects and Methodology: thoracic aorta sections were prepared and stained by Hx&E, orcein, Masson's trichrome and immuonohistochemical staning using CD34. Cardiac sections were prepared and stained by Hx&E, Masson's trichrome stain and immuonohistochemical staning using troponin T. Morphometrical study included, the thickness of both tunica intima and media of thoracic aorta , area % of the elastic fibers contents of both tunica intima and media in thorathic aorta, and the area %of the immune reaction of CD34 in thoracic aorta . Results: the atherosclerotic group showed a significant increase in the thickness of both tunicae intima& media when compared with the control group. There was a significant decrease in elastic fibers content and significant increase in the mean area % of the immune reaction of CD34 versus control. In atorvastatin treated group: there was a significant increase in comparison to control group, while there was a significant decrease in comparison to atherosclerotic group. There was significant decrease in elastic fibers content and significant increase in the mean area % of the immune reaction of CD34 in comparison to control group. In curcumin treated group: the thickness of both tunica intima and media showed a significant increase in comparison to control group. Conclusion: curcumin has potential role in treatment of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.