Abstract

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 dosedependent 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.

Key words: Estrogen; Malondialdehyde; Noise; Pregnant mice; Good Health and Well-being.