Oxidative stress has been defined as an imbalance between higher cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). If ROS are not controlled by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, they can cause oxidative injury. Brains are protected by antioxidants from nitro-oxidative and peroxidative damage. The antioxidant enzymes are superoxide dismutase and catalase, which contain zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) as cofactors. Also, trace elements have important effects on brain development and function. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin administration on the exchange of nitric oxide (NO) and on the calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Zn, Cu, and magnesium (Mg) levels in brain tissue. Animals (a total of 30 adult Wistar albino rats, 4–6 months old) were randomly divided into three groups (n=10): control, formaldehyde-exposed, and treated daily with curcumin after formaldehyde exposure (100 mg/kg). At the end of the experimental period (the 14th day), NO levels were measured by ELISA. Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mg levels in whole-brain tissues were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry in all groups. NO and Mg levels were increased and Cu and Ca levels were decreased in the group treated with curcumin when compared with the formaldehyde-only group. These changes were not statistically significant (P>0.05). However, Fe levels were significantly reduced and Zn levels were significantly increased (P

22.4.2016