Curcumin and chemokines: mechanism of action and therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases

Chitinase‑3 like‑protein‑1: A potential predictor of cardiovascular disease (Review)

Chitinase‑3 like‑protein‑1 (CHI3L1), a glycoprotein belonging to the glycoside hydrolase family 18, binds to chitin; however, this protein lacks chitinase activity. Although CHI3L1 is not an enzyme capable of degrading chitin, it plays significant roles in abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism, indicating its involvement in metabolic disorders. In addition, CHI3L1 is considered a key player in inflammatory diseases, with clinical data suggesting its potential as a predictor of cardiovascular disease. CHI3L1 regulates the inflammatory response of various cell types, including macrophages, vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. In addition, CHI3L1 participates in vascular remodeling and fibrosis, contributing to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. At present, research is focused on elucidating the role of CHI3L1 in cardiovascular disease. The present systematic review was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the effects of CHI3L1 on cardiovascular cells, and determine the potential implications in the occurrence and progression of cardiovascular disease. The present study may further the understanding of the involvement of CHI3L1 in cardiovascular pathology, demonstrating its potential as a therapeutic target or biomarker in the management of cardiovascular disease.

Unraveling the pathogenesis of myelosuppression and therapeutic potential of natural products

BACKGROUND

Myelosuppression is a serious and common complication of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients and is characterized by a reduction of peripheral blood cells. This condition not only compromises the efficacy of treatment but also increases the risk of patient death. Natural products are emerging as promising adjuvant therapies due to their antioxidant properties, ability to modulate immune responses, and capacity to stimulate haematopoietic stem cell proliferation. These therapies demonstrate significant potential in ameliorating myelosuppression.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed utilizing the search terms "natural products," "traditional Chinese medicine," and "myelosuppression" across prominent databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. All pertinent literature was meticulously analysed and summarized. The objective of this study was to perform a pertinent analysis to elucidate the mechanisms underlying myelosuppression and to categorize and synthesize information on natural products and traditional Chinese medicines employed for the therapeutic management of myelosuppression.

RESULTS

Myelosuppression resulting from drug and radiation exposure, viral infections, and exosomes is characterized by multiple underlying mechanisms involving immune factors, target genes, and the activation of diverse signalling pathways, including the (TGF-β)/Smad pathway. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine monomers and compounds, including more than twenty natural products, such as Astragalus and Angelica, have shown promising potential as therapeutics for ameliorating myelosuppression. These natural products exert their effects by modulating haematopoietic stem cells, immune factors, and critical signalling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the various mechanisms of myelosuppression facilitates the exploration of natural product therapies and biological target identification for evaluating herbal medicine efficacy. This study aimed to establish a foundation for the clinical application of natural products and provide methodologies and technical support for exploring additional treatments for myelosuppression.

The analgesic effect of curcumin and nano-curcumin in clinical and preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Chronic pain remains a treatment challenge. Curcumin, a natural plant product found in the Curcuma genus, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin and nano-curcumin for treating chronic pain in clinical and preclinical studies. A systematic search was performed through PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to April 1, 2023, using relevant keywords. Trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. We applied the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) in random or fixed-effects models to analyze the impact of combined trials. We also evaluated the potential risk of bias using the Higgins method for clinical studies and the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool for animal studies. Our meta-analysis included 59 studies, comprising 29 animal studies and 30 clinical studies. Curcumin strongly reduced pain in preclinical studies, and both the intraperitoneal (SMD = 1.48; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.14; p < 0.001, and I2 = 77.9%) and oral (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.55; p < 0.001, and I2 = 0.0%) administration method of curcumin had pain-relieving effects. However, the subcutaneous method (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI, - 0.89 to 1.38; p = 0.67) had no effect. The drug's efficacy within the 100-250 mg range (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI, 0.76 to 2.15; p < 0.001; and I2 = 73.4%) surpassed that observed above 250 mg (SMD = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.57; p < 0.001; and I2 = 0.0%). In clinical studies, nano-curcumin had a powerful effect on pain reduction compared to placebo (MD =  - 1.197; CI 95% (- 1.94 to - 0.45); p = 0.002; and I2 = 80.9%), and the effects of NSAIDs on pain were not significantly altered when used in combination with Curcuma longa extract (MD =  - 0.23; CI 95% (- 0.99 to 0.53); p = 0.554; and I2 = 92%). In addition, the effect of increased bioavailability of curcumin (MD =  - 1.54; CI 95% (- 2.06 to - 1.02); p < 0.001; and I2 = 89.6%), curcumin (MD =  - 1.35; CI 95% (- 2.451 to - 0.252); p = 0.016; and I2 = 90.8%), and nano-curcumin was greater than placebo. Our meta-analysis suggests that curcumin and nano-curcumin are effective in reducing chronic pain. These findings have important implications for pharmaceutical science and may lead to the development of new treatments for chronic pain. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

A network pharmacology-based study to investigate the mechanism of curcumin-regulated regenerative repair of quadriceps femoris muscle in KOA rats

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a very common musculoskeletal disorder, and patients with KOA often exhibit significant quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy. It is well established that curcumin (CUR) exerts protective effects on skeletal muscle. However, the efficacy of CUR in treating KOA-induced quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy and its underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. In this study, we employed network pharmacology to investigate the mechanism by which CUR promotes regenerative repair of the quadriceps femoris muscle in rats with KOA.

METHODS

The potential targets of CUR were obtained from Swiss Target Prediction. The targets of skeletal muscle regeneration were identified from GeneCard and OMIM. A Venn diagram was generated to visualize the intersection of CUR targets and skeletal muscle regeneration targets, and the core targets were identified using STRING. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted using DAVID. Finally, the network pharmacology results were further validated by establishing a KOA rat model using the Hulth method.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking results revealed that CUR affects skeletal muscle regeneration through multiple targets and pathways. In vivo experimental results were validated by demonstrating that KOA causes atrophy and induces apoptosis in the quadriceps femoris muscle. Furthermore, CUR was shown to inhibit apoptosis in the quadriceps femoris muscle by regulating STAT3 and FOS, as well as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed the apoptosis-inhibiting effects of CUR and its underlying mechanisms. Consequently, CUR has the potential to improve quadriceps femoris muscle atrophy caused by KOA.

Mechanisms of myocardial toxicity of antitumor drugs and potential therapeutic strategies: A review of the literature

With the successive development of chemotherapy drugs, good results have been achieved in clinical application. However, myocardial toxicity is the biggest challenge. Anthracyclines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and platinum drugs are widely used. Targeted drug delivery, nanomaterials and dynamic imaging evaluation are all emerging research directions. This article reviews the recent literature on the use of targeted nanodrug delivery and imaging techniques to evaluate the myocardial toxicity of antineoplastic drugs, and discusses the potential mechanisms.

Defining the mechanisms behind the hepatoprotective properties of curcumin

As a critical cause of human dysfunctionality, hepatic failure leads to approximately two million deaths per year and is on the rise. Considering multiple inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic mechanisms behind hepatotoxicity, it urges the need for finding novel multi-targeting agents. Curcumin is a phenolic compound with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic roles. Curcumin possesses auspicious health benefits and protects against several diseases with exceptional safety and tolerability. This review focused on the hepatoprotective mechanisms of curcumin. The need to develop novel delivery systems of curcumin (e.g., nanoparticles, self-micro emulsifying, lipid-based colloids, solid lipid nanoparticles, cyclodextrin inclusion, phospholipid complexes, and nanoemulsions) is also considered.

Transgenerational hormesis in healthy aging and antiaging medicine from bench to clinics: Role of food components

Neurodegenerative diseases have multifactorial pathogenesis, mainly involving neuroinflammatory processes. Finding drugs able to treat these diseases, expecially because for most of these diseases there are no effective drugs, and the current drugs cause undesired side effects, represent a crucial point. Most in vivo and in vitro studies have been concentrated on various aspects related to neurons (e.g. neuroprotection), however, there has not been focus on the prevention of early stages involving glial cell activation and neuroinflammation. Recently, it has been demonstrated that nutritional phytochemicals including polyphenols, the main active constituents of the Mediterranean diet, maintain redox balance and neuroprotection through the activation of hormetic vitagene pathway. Recent lipidomics data from our laboratory indicate mushrooms as strong nutritional neuronutrients with strongly activity against neuroinflammation in Meniere' diseaseas, a model of cochleovestibular neural degeneration, as well as in animal model of traumatic brain injury, or rotenone induced parkinson's disease. Moreover, Hidrox®, an aqueous extract of olive containing hydroxytyrosol, and Boswellia, acting as Nrf2 activators, promote resilience by enhancing the redox potential, and thus, regulate through hormetic mechanisms, cellular stress response mechanisms., Thus, modulation of cellular stress pathways, in particular vitagenes system, may be an innovative approach for therapeutic intervention in neurodegenerative disorders.

Curcumin as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Mitigating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Evidence from an Experimental Rat Study

BACKGROUND Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas and causes tissue damage through oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate the protective value of curcumin in CO poisoning. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-four female Spraque Dawley rats were divided into 4 subgroups: controls (n=6), curcumin group (n=6), CO group (n=6), and curcumin+CO group (n=6). The experimental group was exposed to 3 L/min of CO gas at 3000 ppm. Curcumin was administered intraperitoneally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg. Hippocampal tissues were removed and separated for biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, nitric oxide (NO) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were assayed spectrophotometrically, and serum asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured using the ELISA technique. Tissue Bcl-2 levels were detected by the immunohistochemistry method. RESULTS Tissue CAT and SOD activities and NO levels were significantly lower, and MDA and serum ADMA levels were higher in the CO group than in the control group (P<0.001). The curcumin+CO group had higher CAT activities (P=0.007) and lower MDA than the CO group (P<0.001) and higher ADMA levels than the control group (P=0.023). However, there was no significant difference observed for tissue SOD activity or NO levels between these 2 groups. In the curcumin+CO group, the Bcl-2 level was higher than that in the CO group (P=0.017). CONCLUSIONS The positive effect of curcumin on CAT activities, together with suppression of MDA levels, has shown that curcumin may have a protective effect against CO poisoning.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential: Bioactive Molecules and Dietary Interventions in Multiple Sclerosis Management

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, the etiology of which is still unclear. Its hallmarks are inflammation and axonal damage. As a disease primarily impacting younger individuals, the social cost of MS is high. It has been proposed that environmental factors, smoking, and dietary habits acting on a genetic susceptibility play a role in MS. Recent studies indicate that diet can significantly influence the onset and progression of MS. This review delves into the impact of natural bioactive molecules on MS development and explores the dietary interventions that hold promise in managing the disease. Dietary patterns, including ketogenic and Mediterranean diets, are discussed. Theories about the potential mechanistic associations beneath the noted effects are also proposed. Several dietary components and patterns demonstrated the potential for a significant impact on MS. However, extensive prospective clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the role of natural bioactive molecules as disease modifiers in MS.

Throat spray formulated with virucidal pharmaceutical excipients as an effective early prophylactic or treatment strategy against pharyngitis post-exposure to SARS-CoV-2

Our study aimed to develop a virucidal throat spray using bioactive compounds and excipients, focusing on the preparation of Curcumin (CUR) in a self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). Two molecular docking studies against SARS-CoV-2 targets guided the selection of proper oil, surfactant, co-surfactant, and natural bioactive that would maximize the antiviral activity of the throat spray. Two self-nanoemulsifying formulas that were diluted with different vehicles to prepare eight CUR-loaded SNESNS (self-nanoemulsifying self-nanosuspension) formulas. In vitro characterization studies and in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect revealed that the optimal formula, consisted of 20 % Anise oil, 70 % Tween 80, 10 % PEG 400, and 0.1 %w/w CUR, diluted with DEAE-Dx. Preclinical toxicity tests on male rats confirmed the safety of a mild throat spray dose (5 µg/mL CUR). In a rat model of acute pharyngitis induced by ammonia, post-treatment with the optimal formula of CUR loaded SNESNS for one week significantly reduced elevated proinflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL6, MCP1, and IL8). In conclusion, our CUR-loaded SNESNS formula, at 5 µg/mL concentration, shows promising effect as a prophylactic throat spray against SARS-CoV-2 and as a treatment for pharyngitis.

The intervention of curcumin on rodent models of hepatic fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin on hepatic fibrosis in rodent models through systematic review and meta-analysis, in order to provide meaningful guidance for clinical practice.

METHODS

A systematic retrieval of relevant studies on curcumin intervention in rats or mice hepatic fibrosis models was conducted, and the data were extracted. The outcome indicators included liver cell structure and function related indicators, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G), total bilirubin (TBIL), bax protein, bcl-2 protein and index of liver, as well as the relevant indicators for evaluating the degree of hepatic fibrosis, such as hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), type I collagen (Collagen I), type III collagen (Collagen III), type III procollagen (PCIII), type III procollagen amino terminal peptide (PIIINP), type IV collagen (IV-C), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), hydroxyproline (HYP), platelet derived factor-BB (PDGF-BB), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and oxidative stress-related indicators, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). These results were then analyzed by meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the syrcle's bias risk tool.

RESULTS

A total of 59 studies were included in the meta-analysis, and the results showed that curcumin can reduce the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, bax protein, and index of liver in hepatic fibrosis models. It can also reduce HA, LN, Collagen I, Collagen III, PCIII, PIIINP, IV-C, TNF-α, α-SMA, HYP, PDGF-BB, CTGF, TGF-β1 and MDA, and increase the levels of ALB, A/G, SOD, and GSH-Px in the hepatic fibrosis models. However, the effects of curcumin on bcl-2 protein, IL-6 in hepatic fibrosis models and index of liver in mice were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The analysis results indicate that curcumin can reduce liver cell apoptosis by maintaining the stability of liver cell membrane, inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells by reducing inflammatory response, and alleviate tissue peroxidation damage by clearing oxygen free radicals.

Targeting the autophagy-miRNA axis in prostate cancer: toward novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, a better understanding of the molecular pathways guiding its development is imperative. A key factor in prostate cancer is autophagy, a cellular mechanism that affects both cell survival and death. Autophagy is essential in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is a physiological mechanism wherein redundant or malfunctioning cellular constituents are broken down and recycled. It is essential for preserving cellular homeostasis and is implicated in several physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. Autophagy has been linked to metastasis, tumor development, and treatment resistance in prostate cancer. The deregulation of miRNAs related to autophagy appears to be a crucial element in the etiology of prostate cancer. These miRNAs influence the destiny of cancer cells by finely regulating autophagic mechanisms. Numerous investigations have emphasized the dual function of specific miRNAs in prostate cancer, which alter autophagy-related pathways to function as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Notably, miRNAs have been linked to the control of autophagy and the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration of prostate cancer cells. To create customized therapy approaches, it is imperative to comprehend the dynamic interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer. The identification of key miRNAs provides potential diagnostic and prognostic markers. Unraveling the complex network of lncRNAs, like PCA3, also expands the repertoire of molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. This review explores the intricate interplay between autophagy and miRNAs in prostate cancer, focusing on their regulatory roles in cellular processes ranging from survival to programmed cell death.

Chemical Composition of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Ethanol Extract and Its Antimicrobial Activities and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) and has been widely used in foods for thousands of years. The present study examined the ethanol extract of turmeric for its chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and free radical scavenging properties. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified eight compounds in the turmeric extract. Potential antimicrobial effects of 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg turmeric equivalents (TE)/mL were evaluated in vitro against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas sp.) and Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria innocua, and Staphylococcus aureus). Concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg TE/mL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and significantly suppressed that of Pseudomonas sp., E. faecalis, and L. innocua. The growth of all strains, including E. coli, was inhibited by 10 mg TE/mL. Moreover, free radical scavenging capacities were determined using HO●, ABTS●+, and DPPH● (HOSC, ABTS, and RDSC, respectively) radicals. The turmeric ethanol extract had a TPC value of 27.12 mg GAE/g, together with HOSC, RDSC, and ABTS values of 1524.59, 56.38, and 1.70 μmol TE/g, respectively. Our results suggest that turmeric extract has potential applications for use in functional foods to reduce microbial burdens and oxidative stress-related health problems.

Role of Nutraceuticals in Counteracting Inflammation in In Vitro Macrophages Obtained from Childhood Cancer Survivors

The advancement of anti-cancer therapies has markedly improved the survival rate of children with cancer, making them long-term childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Nevertheless, these treatments cause a low-grade inflammatory state, determining inflamm-aging and, thus, favoring the early onset of chronic diseases normally associated with old age. Identification of novel and safer therapeutic strategies is needed to counteract and prevent inflamm-aging. Macrophages are cells involved in immune and inflammatory responses, with a pivotal role in iron metabolism, which is related to inflammation. We obtained macrophages from CCS patients and evaluated their phenotype markers, inflammatory states, and iron metabolism by Western blotting, ELISA, and iron assays. We observed a strong increase in classically activated phenotype markers (M1) and iron metabolism alteration in CCS, with an increase in intracellular iron concentration and inflammatory markers. These results suggest that the prevalence of M1 macrophages and alteration of iron metabolism could be involved in the worsening of inflammation in CCS. Therefore, we propose macrophages and iron metabolism as novel therapeutic targets to counteract inflamm-aging. To avoid toxic regimens, we tested some nutraceuticals (resveratrol, curcumin, and oil-enriched lycopene), which are already known to exert anti-inflammatory properties. After their administration, we observed a macrophage switch towards the anti-inflammatory phenotype M2, as well as reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines and the intracellular iron concentration. Therefore, we suggest-for the first time-that nutraceuticals reduce inflammation in CCS macrophages through a novel anti-inflammatory mechanism of action, modulating iron metabolism.

Amplifying Curcumin's Antitumor Potential: A Heat-Driven Approach for Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Introduction

Peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer (CRC) present a significant clinical challenge with poor prognosis, often unresponsive to systemic chemotherapy. Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment approach for select patients. The use of curcumin, a natural compound with antitumor properties, in HIPEC is of interest due to its lower side effects compared to conventional drugs and potential for increased efficacy through direct delivery to the peritoneal cavity.

Methods

An in vitro hyperthermic model was developed to simulate clinical HIPEC conditions. Three colon cancer cell lines (SK-CO-1, COLO205, SNU-C1) representing different genetic mutations (p53, KRAS, BRAF) were treated with either curcumin (25 µM) or mitomycin-C (1 µM) for 1, 2, or 3 hours. Post-treatment, cells were incubated at 37°C (normothermia) or 42°C (hyperthermia). Cell viability and proliferation were assessed at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment using Annexin V/PI, MTT assay, trypan blue exclusion, and Hoffman microscopy.

Results

Hyperthermia significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of curcumin, evidenced by a two-fold reduction in cell viability compared to normothermia across all cell lines. In the SNU-C1 cell line, which harbors a p53 mutation, mitomycin-C failed to significantly impact cell viability, unlike curcumin, suggesting mutation-specific differences in treatment response.

Discussion

The findings indicate that hyperthermia augments the antitumor effects of curcumin in vitro, supporting the hypothesis that curcumin could be a more effective HIPEC agent than traditional drugs like mitomycin-C. Mutation-associated differences in response to treatments were observed, particularly in p53 mutant cells. While further studies are needed, these preliminary results suggest that curcumin in HIPEC could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC patients with peritoneal metastases. This approach may offer improved outcomes with fewer side effects, particularly in genetically distinct CRC subtypes.

Host-directed therapy against mycobacterium tuberculosis infections with diabetes mellitus

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and is one of the principal reasons for mortality and morbidity worldwide. Currently, recommended anti-tuberculosis drugs include isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. TB treatment is lengthy and inflicted with severe side-effects, including reduced patient compliance with treatment and promotion of drug-resistant strains. TB is also prone to other concomitant diseases such as diabetes and HIV. These drug-resistant and complex co-morbid characteristics increase the complexity of treating MTB. Host-directed therapy (HDT), which effectively eliminates MTB and minimizes inflammatory tissue damage, primarily by targeting the immune system, is currently an attractive complementary approach. The drugs used for HDT are repositioned drugs in actual clinical practice with relative safety and efficacy assurance. HDT is a potentially effective therapeutic intervention for the treatment of MTB and diabetic MTB, and can compensate for the shortcomings of current TB therapies, including the reduction of drug resistance and modulation of immune response. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art roles and mechanisms of HDT in immune modulation and treatment of MTB, with a special focus on the role of HDT in diabetic MTB, to emphasize the potential of HDT in controlling MTB infection.

Oral delivery of pectin-chitosan hydrogels entrapping macrophage-targeted curcumin-loaded liposomes for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

The oral delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs has been a promising strategy for enhancing the clinical efficacy of ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment strategies. However, achieving site specific drug delivery to colon tissues and target cells is a challenging task for formulation scientists. In this study, macrophages-targeted liposome-loaded pectin-chitosan hydrogels were developed for UC treatment via oral administration. Folate-functionalized cholesterol was synthesized as lipid membrane materials for the liposomes containing curcumin (CUR). The incorporation of the liposomal CUR within pectin-chitosan hydrogels resulted in a matrix that exhibited considerable sensitivity to colonic enzymes during in vitro release. The targeted delivery of hybrids was able to effectively reach macrophages. They also showed enhanced capability to downregulate TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the lipopolysaccharide-induced Raw 264.7 cells model. DSS-induced mice modelshowed improved anti-UC effects, including accelerated mucosal repair and decreased inflammation and modulate the immune balance in the intestinal tissue of mice with colitis, which may be attributable to increased drug accumulation in the colonic lumen and improved internalization to target cells. Therefore, the incorporation of folate-modified liposomes containing CUR and pectin-chitosan physical hydrogels could potentially serve as a favorable approach for treating UC through an oral colon-targeted drug delivery system.

Dietary Approaches from Moms, Farms, and Nature to Overcome Chronic Diseases and the Pharmacracy

Chronic diseases, previously called noncommunicable diseases, are the leading cause of global death and were recently estimated by the World Health Organization to account for 74% of all deaths [...].

The impact of curcumin on migraine: A comprehensive review

Migraine, a neurovascular condition, is a chronic and lifelong disease that affects about 15% of the population worldwide. Although the exact pathophysiology and etiology of migraine are still unclear, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroendocrine imbalances are identified as the critical risk factors for migraine attacks. Curcumin is an active component and a polyphenolic diketone compound extracted from turmeric. Curcumin is a promising candidate for preventing and controlling migraine due to its anti‑inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-protein aggregate, and analgesic effects. In the present review, we have evaluated experimental and clinical studies investigating the impact of liposomal curcumin and nano-curcumin on the frequency and severity of migraine attacks in patients. Although the results are promising, more studies should be conducted in this area to show the exact efficacies of curcumin on clinical symptoms of migraine and investigate its potential mechanisms.