Effects of nanocurcumin administration on malondialdehyde and estrogen levels in mice exposed to noise-induced stress.

BACKGROUND

During pregnancy, noise stress has been associated with the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and increased oxidative stress, which can disrupt hormonal balance and adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a key biomarker of lipid peroxidation, whereas estrogen plays a critical role in maintaining gestational homeostasis. Excess oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance may impair fetal development. Nanocurcumin, a curcumin nanoparticle formulation, exhibits enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties compared with conventional curcumin and may offer protective effects against pregnancy-related oxidative damage.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanocurcumin on MDA and estrogen levels in pregnant mice exposed to noise-induced stress, contributing to Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through stress mitigation and maternal health protection, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by applying innovative nanotechnology.

METHODS

An experimental study was conducted using 25 pregnant BALB/c mice randomly divided into five groups: K(-): untreated control, K(+): exposed to 135 dB noise for 40 minutes, P1, P2, and P3: exposed to noise and treated with nanocurcumin at 14, 21, and 24.5 mg/kg body weight, respectively. An electric siren was placed inside a soundproof chamber to deliver noise, and the 135 dB intensity was calibrated using a precision digital decibel meter (Benetech GM1356). Oral treatment was administered from gestational day (GD) 6 to gestational day 18. Serum MDA and estrogen levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's honest significant difference post hoc test (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Noise exposure numerically increased both MDA and estrogen levels, although not all differences reached statistical significance. However, nanocurcumin administration significantly reduced both parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose (24.5 mg/kg BW, P3 group) resulted in a 40.87% reduction in MDA and a 22.88% reduction in estrogen compared to K(+), with values approaching those in the untreated control.

CONCLUSION

Nanocurcumin has potential as a protective agent against noise-induced oxidative stress and hormonal disturbances during pregnancy. To confirm translational relevance, future research should focus on elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms and evaluating fetal outcomes.