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BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia and obesity hypercaloric diet-induced lead to kidney damage. We investigated the effect of curcumin on the expression of proteins related to inflammation, fibrosis, fatty acids metabolism, kidney damage, and morphological changes in the kidneys of mice hypercaloric diets-fed. METHODS: Groups of 5-week-old C57BL/6 mice (n=6) were formed: Control (C), High-fructose diet (F), Highfructose diet and curcumin (F+Cur), High-fat diet (HFD), High-fat diet and curcumin (HFD+Cur), High-fat diet and fructose (HFD+F), High-fat diet, fructose and curcumin (HFD+F+Cur), treated for 16 weeks with 30% (w/v) fructose, 60% (w/w) fat and 0.75% (w/w) curcumin. Kidneys were obtained for histomorphological and Western Blot analysis. RESULTS: Curcumin prevented TNF-α overexpression in the F and HFD+F groups. VLCAD expression was higher in the F, HFD, and HFD+F groups. PPARγ expression was lower in the F+Cur, HFD+Cur, and HFD+F+Cur groups. Curcumin prevented overexpression of CPT1 and KIM1 in the HFD+F and HFD groups. Curcumin prevented morphological lesions, fibrosis, and lipid deposition that were hypercaloric diet-induced. CONCLUSION: Chronic consumption of hypercaloric diets causes inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid deposition in the kidney. It is suggested that curcumin prevents renal structural damage, limits tissue lipid deposition, and differentially modulates renal injury depending on diet composition in mice fed high-fat and/or high-fructose diets.
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This study aimed to examine whether dietary supplementation of broiler chickens with turmeric essential could mitigate the effects of cyclic heat stress conditions. Intestinal and immunological parameters and gene expression were evaluated during the grower phase. A total of 320 21-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized design with a 4 (diet) × 2 (environment) factorial arrangement and eight replications of five birds each. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without essential oil (EO, negative control) and three diets containing low (100 mg kg-1), intermediate (200 mg kg-1), or high (300 mg kg-1) levels of turmeric EO. In the heat stress group, dietary supplementation with turmeric EO at 100 and 200 mg kg-1 improved body weight, feed conversion, breast yield, and relative liver weight. These supplementation levels reduced villus width, increased villus/crypt ratio, reduced the H/L ratio, and improved hepatic (HSP70 and SREBP1) and intestinal (OCLN) gene expression in birds under heat stress. These findings support the hypothesis that turmeric EO can be used to improve or restore intestinal integrity, modulate inflammation parameters, and, consequently, enhance the performance of broilers challenged by cyclic heat stress.
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Galinhas , Curcuma , Dieta , Suplementos Nutricionais , Expressão Gênica , Resposta ao Choque Térmico , Intestinos , Óleos Voláteis , Animais , Galinhas/imunologia , Galinhas/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Óleos Voláteis/administração & dosagem , Masculino , Intestinos/efeitos dos fármacos , Resposta ao Choque Térmico/efeitos dos fármacos , Dieta/veterinária , Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Ração Animal , Temperatura Alta , Fígado/metabolismo , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/veterinária , Transtornos de Estresse por Calor/prevenção & controle , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/genéticaRESUMO
PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the effects of a mucoadhesive formula, containing curcuminoids from Curcuma longa L. and glycerinated extract of Bidens pilosa L. (FITOPROT), associated with photobiomodulation (PBM), and of PBM exclusively, on the incidence of oral mucositis (OM)-induced by radiotherapy (RT) in the head and neck region, and the salivary expression of inflammatory cytokines, in patients with head neck cancer. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned into two intervention groups-FITOPROT + PBM (n = 25) or PBM (n = 27). PBM protocol comprised a wavelength of 660 nm, 25 mW, 0.25 J/point, and daily irradiation from the first until the last day of RT. FITOPROT was gargled twice a day. All patients underwent a preventive oral care program throughout the study. OM degree, salivary concentration of nitrite, and inflammatory (IL-1, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were assessed at baseline, and at the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. RESULTS: There were no differences in the OM degree between groups, but the RT dose significantly affected the OM. The RT significantly affected the salivary nitrite, TNFα, IL-1ß, and IL-10 concentrations. CONCLUSION: FITOPROT associated with PBM showed limited effects on preventing the incidence of severe OM compared to PBM alone. However, FITOPROT + PBM may be associated with nitrite and cytokine balance, which may contribute to the occurrence of fewer cases of severe OM. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials database (ReBEC; RBR-9vddmr), registered UTN code: U1111-1193-2066, registered in August 8th, 2017.
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Bidens , Curcuma , Citocinas , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço , Extratos Vegetais , Estomatite , Humanos , Estomatite/etiologia , Estomatite/tratamento farmacológico , Estomatite/prevenção & controle , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Masculino , Citocinas/metabolismo , Feminino , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias de Cabeça e Pescoço/radioterapia , Idoso , Terapia com Luz de Baixa Intensidade/métodos , Adulto , Saliva , Fitoterapia/métodosRESUMO
Aging-related disorders pose significant challenges due to their complex interplay of physiological and metabolic factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Curcumin, a natural compound with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has emerged as a promising candidate for mitigating these age-related processes. However, gaps in understanding the precise mechanisms of curcumin's effects and the optimal dosages for different conditions necessitate further investigation. This systematic review synthesizes current evidence on curcumin's potential in addressing age-related disorders, emphasizing its impact on cognitive function, neurodegeneration, and muscle health in older adults. By evaluating the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of action of curcumin supplementation, this review aims to provide insights into its therapeutic potential for promoting healthy aging. A systematic search across three databases using specific keywords yielded 2256 documents, leading to the selection of 15 clinical trials for synthesis. Here, we highlight the promising potential of curcumin as a multifaceted therapeutic agent in combating age-related disorders. The findings of this review suggest that curcumin could offer a natural and effective approach to enhancing the quality of life of aging individuals. Further research and well-designed clinical trials are essential to validate these findings and optimize the use of curcumin in personalized medicine approaches for age-related conditions.
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Antioxidantes , Curcumina , Envelhecimento Saudável , Idoso , Humanos , Envelhecimento/efeitos dos fármacos , Anti-Inflamatórios/administração & dosagem , Antioxidantes/administração & dosagem , Cognição/efeitos dos fármacos , Curcumina/administração & dosagem , Suplementos Nutricionais , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Qualidade de VidaRESUMO
Ruthenium(II) complexes (Ru1-Ru3) with the general formula [Ru(O-O)(PPh3)2(bipy)]PF6, bearing two triphenylphosphine (PPh3), bipyridine (bipy) and a series of natural and synthetic ß-diketones (O,O) ligands were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The interaction between the complexes and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated and demonstrated a weak interaction. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was investigated against breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), lung cancer cells (A549), cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (A2780cis), as well as non-tumour lung (MRC-5) and non-tumour breast (MCF-10A) cell lines. All complexes exhibited cytotoxic activity against all the cell lines studied, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.39 to 13 µM. Notably, the three complexes demonstrated selectivity against the A2780cis cell line, with IC50 ranging from 0.39 to 0.82 µM. Among them, Ru2 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity, with an IC50 value of 0.39 µM. Consequently, this new class of complexes shows good selectivity towards cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells and it is promising for further investigation as anti-cancer agents.
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The effects of adding cochineal carmine and annatto dyes in five mortadella formulations made with curcumin microcrystals were compared, and the preference was evaluated and described sensorially. Based on the optimized formulation obtained with color parameters, two formulations were elaborated: curcumin microcrystals and cochineal carmine were added. During 60 days, pH, objective color, water retention capacity, lipid oxidation, and texture profile analyses were performed. The results demonstrate the possibility of excluding sodium erythorbate from formulations containing curcumin microcrystals. There was no significant difference in lipid oxidation between the samples, presenting at the end of 60 days a value of 0.11 mg and 0.10 mg of MDA kg-1 for the two samples, respectively. There were also no significant differences between the two samples or the evaluated storage times, and the average values obtained for pH, WRC, objective color, and TPA were expected for this type of cooked meat sausage. In the presence of curcumin microcrystals, the synthetic antioxidant, sodium erythorbate, can be eliminated from the formulations, as it does not affect the physical-chemical parameters studied, such as pH, water retention capacity, color objective, and texture profile.
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Introduction: Endodontic therapy is performed by biomechanical preparation and intracanal medication; however, residual bacteria can be compromised due to their ability to adhere to the root canal walls. Therefore, photodynamic therapy has gained popularity because of its good ability to prevent and eradicate microbial infections by using a light-activated dye. Objective: Analyze and to update the information on the effect of curcumin in photodynamic therapy in root canal treatment. Material and Methods: A literature search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Ebsco, Science Direct, and LILACS databases using the keywords "curcumin", "turmeric", "photodynamic", "photochemotherapy", "photoradiation", "photoactivated disinfection", "root canal disinfection", "root canal therapy", "endodontics" in both Spanish and English, from 2018 to 2023. Results: Information from the last five years was collected with the aim of updating the study topic. 749 articles were examined using inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which only 50 met these criteria and were analyzed. Current studies show the effects of therapy on the contamination of the root canal biofilm with E. faecalis, demonstrating that photoactivated curcumin promotes the disruption of the biofilm and reduction of Colony-Forming Units. Conclusions: Curcumin as a photosensitizer demonstrates a potential antibacterial effect significantly decreasing the viability of microbial cells and the vitality of biofilms.
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This work examined the potential benefit of curcumin in breast cancer patients as a supplementary drug in ER-positive cancers. The results indicated that in the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line, E2 and curcumin decreased cell proliferation and the colony-forming capacity and down-regulated protein expression as well as important molecules associated with cell proliferation, such as PCNA and estrogen receptor alpha; genes associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, such as ß-catenin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin; and molecules associated with apoptosis. Clinical studies in bioinformatics have indicated a positive correlation between ESR1 and either CCND1 or BCL2 gene expression in all breast cancer patients. Thus, curcumin could become a potential natural adjuvant treatment for patients with estrogen receptor alpha-positive breast cancer and those with resistance or a poor response to endocrine therapy since the reactivation of estrogen receptor alpha is inevitable.
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Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent used to treat multiple types of cancer, but its clinical application is limited by cardiotoxicity, mainly due to oxidative stress. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenolic compound with strong antioxidant properties, but its potential protective effects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity need further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate CUR's efficacy in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress in the hearts of BALB/c mice. Mice received a DOX dose of 9 mg/kg or 16 mg/kg; half of the mice received daily doses of 100 mg/kg CUR for 15 days. Survival analysis, histopathological examination, and oxidative stress markers were assessed to determine the cardioprotective effects of CUR. Results showed that CUR significantly reduced oxidative damage and improved survival rates, particularly at the lower DOX dose (9 mg/kg). Mice treated with DOX-9 mg/kg plus CUR showed improved health conditions and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, sulfhydryl production, and protein carbonylation. Histopathological analysis confirmed reduced cardiac tissue damage. In conclusion, CUR combined with a lower dose of DOX effectively reduces oxidative stress and cardiac injury, enhancing survival in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that CUR is a promising adjunct therapy to mitigate DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, potentially improving the DOX therapeutic index in cancer treatment.
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Cadmium (Cd) is a global pollutant, and its accumulation in the liver causes oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic complications. This study investigated whether curcumin treatment could alleviate hepatic IR in Wistar rats exposed to sub-chronic cadmium and explored the underlying molecular pathways. Male Wistar rats were divided into a control group (standard normocaloric diet + cadmium-free water) and a cadmium group (standard normocaloric diet + drinking water with 32.5 ppm CdCl2) for 30 days. Oral glucose tolerance, insulin response, and IR were assessed using mathematical models. Liver tissue was analyzed for markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and key regulatory pathways, including NF-κB, Nrf2, MAPKs (JNK and p38), and the IRS1-Akt pathway. We established an effective curcumin dose of 250 mg/kg for 5 days orally. Results demonstrated that after 30 days of exposure, cadmium accumulated in the liver, inducing an oxidative and inflammatory state. This was characterized by increased expression of NF-κB, JNK, and p38, along with diminished Nrf2 expression, hepatic IR, hyperglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Curcumin treatment effectively alleviated these metabolic disorders by restoring the balance between NF-κB and Nrf2 in the liver, modulating the MAPK pathway, and, consequently, improving oxidative and inflammatory balance. In conclusion, this study suggests that cadmium induces hepatic IR through an imbalance between NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. Curcumin treatment appears to improve these pathways, thereby ameliorating hepatic IR.
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(1) Introduction: Curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils have a broad spectrum of biological activities; however, their physicochemical instability, low solubility, and high volatility limit their therapeutic use. Encapsulation in liposomes has been reported as a feasible approach to increase the physicochemical stability of active substances, protect them from interactions with the environment, modulate their release, reduce their volatility, improve their bioactivity, and reduce their toxicity. To date, there are no reports on the co-encapsulation of curcumin and Lippia origanoides essential oils in liposomes. Therefore, the objective of this work is to prepare and physiochemical characterize liposomes loaded with the mixture of these compounds and to evaluate different in vitro biological activities. (2) Methods: Liposomes were produced using the thin-layer method and physiochemical characteristics were calculated. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of both encapsulated and non-encapsulated compounds were evaluated. (3) Results: Empty and loaded nanometric-sized liposomes were obtained that are monodisperse and have a negative zeta potential. They inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and did not exhibit cytotoxic activity against mammalian cells. (4) Conclusions: Encapsulation in liposomes was demonstrated to be a promising strategy for natural compounds possessing antimicrobial activity.
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Curcumina , Lipossomos , Lippia , Óleos Voláteis , Staphylococcus aureus , Lipossomos/química , Curcumina/química , Curcumina/farmacologia , Óleos Voláteis/química , Óleos Voláteis/farmacologia , Lippia/química , Humanos , Staphylococcus aureus/efeitos dos fármacos , Testes de Sensibilidade Microbiana , Anti-Infecciosos/farmacologia , Anti-Infecciosos/química , Antibacterianos/farmacologia , Antibacterianos/química , Sobrevivência Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Tamanho da PartículaRESUMO
The development and course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are significantly influenced by inflammation and oxidative stress. Antioxidant therapy is a promising therapeutic option to enhance the clinical results of these individuals in this particular scenario. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of curcumin, with or without piperine, on cytokines, fecal calprotectin (CalF), and oxidative stress enzymatic and non-enzymatic indicators in patients with IBD. METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who were at least 18 years old and had intact liver and kidney function participated in this randomized, double-blind trial (trial registration: ensaiosclinicos.gov.br as RBR-89q4ydz). For 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: placebo, curcumin (1000 mg/day), or curcumin plus piperine (1000 mg + 10 mg/day). In order to examine oxidative stress indicators, CalF, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, blood and fecal samples were obtained, both prior to and following the intervention time. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, sex, and type of IBD, the curcumin plus piperine group had substantially higher serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) than the placebo group (4346.9 ± 879.0 vs. 3614.5 ± 731.5; p = 0.041). There were no discernible variations between the groups in CalF, inflammatory markers, or other indicators of oxidative stress. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), our study indicates that a 12-week curcumin plus piperine treatment effectively increases enzymatic antioxidant defense, especially SOD. These results demonstrate the potential therapeutic benefits of managing redox imbalance in individuals with IBD.
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Curcumin serves as a photosensitizer (PS) in the context of microbial inactivation when subjected to light exposure, to produce reactive oxygen species, which exhibit efficacy in eradicating microorganisms. This remarkable property underscores the growing potential of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the ongoing fight against bacterial infections. Considering this, we investigate the efficacy of various in vitro curcumin formulations within a PDT protocol designed to target Staphylococcus aureus. Specifically, we conduct a comparative analysis involving synthetic curcumin (Cur-Syn) and curcumin derivatives modified with chlorine (Cl), selenium (Se), and iodine (I) (Cur-Cl, Cur-Se, Cur-I). To assess the impact of aPDT, we subject S. aureus to incubation with curcumin, followed by irradiation at 450 nm with energy doses of 3.75, 7.5, and 15 J/cm2. Our investigation encompasses an evaluation of PS uptake and photobleaching across the various curcumin variants. Notably, all three modifications (Cur-Cl, Cur-Se, Cur-I) induce a significant reduction in bacterial viability, approximately achieving a 3-log reduction. Interestingly, the uptake kinetics of Cur-Syn and Cur-Se exhibit similarities, reaching saturation after 20 min. Our findings suggest that modifications to curcumin have a discernible impact on the photodynamic properties of the PS molecule.
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For decades, animal models have been the standard approach in drug research and development, as they are required by regulations in the transition from preclinical to clinical trials. However, there is growing ethical and scientific concern regarding these trials, as 80 % of the therapeutic potential observed in pre-clinical studies are often unable to be replicated, despite demonstrating efficacy and safety. In response to this, Tissue Engineering has emerged as a promising alternative that enables the treatment of various diseases through the production of biological models for advanced biological assays or through the direct development of tissue repairs or replacements. One of the promising applications of Tissue Engineering is the development of three-dimensional (3D) models for in vitro tests, replacing the need for in vivo animal models. In this study, 3D skin equivalents (TSE) were produced and used as an in vitro model to test photobiostimulation using curcumin-loaded nanocapsules. Photodynamic biostimulation therapy uses photodynamic processes to generate small amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can activate important biological effects such as cell differentiation, modulation of inflammatory processes and contribution to cell regeneration. The PLGA nanocapsules (NC) used in the study were synthesized through a preformed polymer deposition method, exhibiting particle size <200 nm, Zeta potential >|30| and polydispersity index between 0.5 and 0.3. Atomic force microscopy analyzes confirmed that the particle size was <200 nm, with a spherical morphology and a predominantly smooth and uniform surface. The NC biocompatibility assay did not demonstrate cytotoxicity for the concentrations tested (2.5-25 µg mL-1).The in vitro release assay showed a slow and sustained release characteristic of the nanocapsules, and cellular uptake assays indicated a significant increase in cellular internalization of the curcumin-loaded nanostructure. Monolayer photobiostimulation studies revealed an increase in cell viability of the HDFn cell line (viability 134 %-228 %) for all LED fluences employed at λ = 450 nm (150, 300, and 450 mJ cm-2). Additionally, the scratch assays, monitoring in vitro scar injury, demonstrated more effective effects on cell proliferation with the fluence of 300 mJ cm-2. Staining of TSE with hematoxylin and eosin showed the presence of cells with different morphologies, confirming the presence of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Immunohistochemistry using KI-67 revealed the presence of proliferating cells in TSE after irradiation with LED λ = 450 nm (150, 300, and 450 mJ cm-2).
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Candida albicans biofilm can cause diseases that are resistant to conventional antifungal agents. Photodynamic (PDI), sonodynamic (SDI), and sonophotodynamic (SPDI) inactivation have arisen as promising antimicrobial strategies. This study evaluated these treatments mediated by curcumin against C. albicans biofilms. For this, C. albicans biofilms were submitted to PDI, SDI, or SPDI with different light and ultrasound doses, then, the viability assay was performed to measure the effectiveness. Finally, a mathematical model was suggested to fit acquired experimental data and understand the synergistic effect of light and ultrasound in different conditions. The results showed that SPDI, PDI, and SDI reduced the viability in 6 ± 1; 1 ± 1; and 2 ± 1 log, respectively, using light at 60 J/cm2, ultrasound at 3 W/cm2, and 80 µM of curcumin. The viability reduction was proportional to the ultrasound and light doses delivered. These results encourage the use of SPDI for the control of microbial biofilm.
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Biofilmes , Candida albicans , Curcumina , Biofilmes/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/efeitos dos fármacos , Candida albicans/fisiologia , Curcumina/farmacologia , Viabilidade Microbiana/efeitos dos fármacos , Luz , Ondas Ultrassônicas , Fármacos Fotossensibilizantes/farmacologia , FotoquimioterapiaRESUMO
Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a significant global health concern, being the third most diagnosed cancer in men and the second most diagnosed cancer in women, with alarming mortality rates. Natural phytochemicals have gained prominence among various therapeutic avenues explored due to their diverse biological properties. Curcumin, extracted from turmeric, and resveratrol, a polyphenol found in several plants, have exhibited remarkable anticancer activities. However, their limited solubility and bioavailability hinder their therapeutic efficacy. To enhance the bioavailability of these compounds, nanomaterials work as effective carriers with biogenic silica (BS) attracting major attention owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and high specific surface area. In this study, we developed Curcumin-resveratrol-loaded BS (Cur-Res-BS) and investigated their effects on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT-116 and Caco-2). Our results demonstrated significant concentration-dependent inhibition of cell viability in HCT-116 cells and revealed a complex interplay of crucial proto-onco or tumor suppressor genes, such as TP53, Bax, Wnt-1, and CTNNB1, which are commonly dysregulated in colorectal cancer. Notably, Cur-Res-BS exhibited a synergistic impact on key signaling pathways related to colorectal carcinogenesis. While these findings are promising, further investigations are essential to comprehensively understand the mechanisms and optimize the therapeutic strategy. Moreover, rigorous safety assessments and in vitro studies mimicking the in vivo environment are imperative before advancing to in vivo experiments, ensuring the potential of Cur-Res-BS as an efficient treatment for CRC.
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Obesity is a global health problem and is increasing in prevalence in most countries. Although obesity affects all age groups, children are the most vulnerable sector. Functional foods are novel formulated foods containing substances (i.e., nutrients, phytochemicals, probiotics, etc.) that have potential health-enhancing or disease-preventing value. The research objective was to study the possible beneficial effects of providing a functional food made with amaranth flour, chia seed, and curcumin extract on the metabolism and behavior of a rat model of childhood obesity. Male Wistar rat pups from two litters of different sizes, a normal litter (NL) (10 pups) and a small litter (SL) (4 pups), were used. After weaning, the rats were fed a hypercaloric diet (HD) or an HD supplemented with the functional food mixture. Body weight and energy intake were measured for seven weeks, and locomotor activity, learning, and memory tests were also performed. At the end of the experiment, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters were determined. The results showed that in this model of obesity produced by early overfeeding and the consumption of a hypercaloric diet, anxiety-like behaviors and metabolic alterations occurred in the rat offspring; however, the provision of the functional food failed to reduce or prevent these alterations, and an exacerbation was even observed in some metabolic indicators. Interestingly, in the NL rats, the provision of the functional food produced some of the expected improvements in health, such as significant decreases in body weight gain and liver cholesterol and non-significant decreases in adipose tissue and leptin and insulin serum levels.
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BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a dynamic, multifactorial disease that destroys teeth and can affect anyone's quality of life because it can cause tooth loss and make chewing difficult. Dental caries involves various factors, such as Streptococcus mutans and host factors. Currently, adjuvant therapies, such as curcumin, have emerged, but how they work has not been adequately described. Therefore, this work aims to identify the molecular mechanism of curcumin in caries and Streptococcus mutans. METHODS: We obtained differentially expressed genes from a GEO dataset, and curcumin targets were obtained from other databases. The common targets were analyzed according to gene ontology enrichment, key genes were obtained, and binding to curcumin was verified by molecular docking. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that curcumin presents 134 therapeutic targets in caries. According to the gene ontology analysis, these targets are mainly involved in apoptosis and inflammation. There are seven key proteins involved in the action of curcumin on caries: MAPK1, BCL2, KRAS, CXCL8, TGFB1, MMP9, and IL1B, all of which spontaneously bind curcumin. In addition, curcumin affects metabolic pathways related to lipid, purine, and pyrimidine metabolism in Streptococcus mutans. CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin affects both host carious processes and Streptococcus mutans.
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Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from Curcuma longa's roots. Low doses of curcumin are related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, while high doses are used for their lethality. This diversity of behaviors allows us to understand curcumin as a compound with hormetic action. Due to its strongly hydrophobic character, curcumin is often solubilized in organic compounds. In this way, we have recently reported the undesirable and occasionally irreversible effects of alcohol and DMSO on the viability of primary Schwann cell cultures. In this scenario, the use of nanoparticles as delivery systems has become a successful alternative strategy for these compounds. In the present work, we describe the structure of Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, loaded with a low dose of curcumin (Curc-PDA) without the use of additional organic solvents. We analyzed the curcumin released, and we found two different forms of curcumin. Small increased cell viability and proliferation were observed in endoneurial fibroblast and Schwann cell primary cultures when Curc-PDA was steadily supplied for 5 days. The increased bioavailability of this natural compound and the impact on cells in culture not only confirm the properties of curcumin at very low doses but also provide a glimpse of a possible therapeutic alternative for PNS conditions in which SCs are involved.
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COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects neuronal cells, causing several symptoms such as memory loss, anosmia and brain inflammation. Curcuminoids (Me08 e Me23) and curcumin (CUR) are derived from Curcuma Longa extract (EXT). Many therapeutic actions have been linked to these compounds, including antiviral action. Given the severe implications of COVID-19, especially within the central nervous system, our study aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of curcuminoids against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the effects of CUR, EXT, Me08 and Me23 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. We observed that Me23 significantly decreased the expression of plasma membrane-associated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and TMPRSS11D, consequently mitigating the elevated ROS levels induced by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, Me23 exhibited antioxidative properties by increasing NRF2 gene expression and restoring NQO1 activity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both Me08 and Me23 effectively reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing ACE2 (SH-ACE2). Additionally, all of these compounds demonstrated the ability to decrease proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17, while Me08 specifically reduced INF-γ levels. Our findings suggest that curcuminoid Me23 could serve as a potential agent for mitigating the impact of COVID-19, particularly within the context of central nervous system involvement.