Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes (MAMs) are not only critical for the communication between two organelles but also crucial for cellular processes such as energy metabolism, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial dynamics. The effects of curcumin on jejunal mitochondria, ER, and MAMs in piglets under diquat-induced oxidative stress were assessed. Twenty-four piglets (35 days old, weaned at 21 days, 9.54 ± 0.28 kg, six piglets per group) were used in the study: (1) control group; (2) control + curcumin group; (3) diquat group; and (4) diquat + curcumin group. Curcumin was mixed with the basic diet at 200 mg/kg and fed to piglets. Piglets were administered intraperitoneally of 0.9% saline solution or diquat at 10 mg/kg body weight on the first day. Compared with the diquat group, curcumin improved jejunal morphology and barrier function. Meanwhile, curcumin improved mitochondrial function and ultrastructure, alleviated endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), and inhibited apoptosis induced by diquat. Moreover, curcumin prevented excessive MAM formation and alleviated MAM disorder. In conclusion, dietary curcumin ameliorated jejunal damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, attenuated ERS, and alleviated MAM disorder in oxidative stress piglets induced by diquat.
Keywords: MAMs; curcumin; endoplasmic reticulum; intestinal injury; mitochondria; oxidative stress; piglets.