Curcumin shows excellent therapeutic effect on psoriasis in mouse model

Curcumin as a regulator of Th17 cells: Unveiling the mechanisms

Curcumin, a polyphenol natural product derived from turmeric, possesses diverse pharmacological effects due to its interactions with various cells and molecules. Recent studies have highlighted its immunomodulatory properties, including its impact on immune cells and mediators involved in immune responses. Th17 cells play a crucial role in promoting immune responses against extracellular pathogens by recruiting neutrophils and inducing inflammation. These cells produce inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-21, IL-17A, IL-23, IL-17F, IL-22, and IL-26. Curcumin has been shown to significantly inhibit the proliferation of Th17 cells and reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-22, and IL-17. This review aims to assess the effectiveness of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms in modulating Th17 cells.

Novel effect of topical Roquinimex and its combination with Clobetasol on an imiquimod-induced model of psoriasis in mice

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting multiple systems and the skin, with topical therapy representing the fundamental treatment modality for psoriasis. Investigate the effect of topical Roquinimex (ROQ) alone and combined with Clobetasol propionate (CLO) on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model as a novel approach to treating psoriasis. Sixty male Swiss Albino mice were divided into six groups of ten mice; all groups except the negative control received IMQ cream 5% (62.5 mg) as a once-daily topical application for six days. On the seventh day, five groups (except negative control) received one of the following treatments for eight days: no treatment (positive control), Petrolatum gel 15% as a twice-daily topical application (Petrolatum control), CLO 0.05% ointment once daily, ROQ ointment 1% w/w twice daily topically, topical preparation of 0.025% CLO ointment combined with ROQ ointment 0.5% w/w twice daily; the total duration of the study is 14 days. The clinical, pathological, and laboratory effects were then measured. The use of ROQ ointment alone or combined with CLO resulted in significant improvement in psoriasis lesions (measured by Baker's and PASI scores) compared to positive control groups (2.15±1.08, 1.60±0.61, 9.00±0.00, and 7.60±0.84, respectively for Baker's score) (1.50±1.08, 1.30±0.95, 11.70±0.48, 9.30±0.67, respectively for PASI score), a similar improvement seen for various inflammatory markers, including interleukin (IL)-10 (140.53±60.68, 285.63±92.16, 31.83±3.03, and 92.50±27.13 pg/ml, respectively), IL-17 (126.58±40.98, 124.26±61.40, 553.04±141.32, and 278.52±100.27 pg/ml, respectively), tumor necrosis factor-α (72.34±23.40, 30.11±7.01, 807.13±500.06, and 281.79±240.17 pg/ml, respectively), and vascular endothelial growth factor (109.71±29.35, 80.96±24.58, 552.20±136.63, 209.56±73.31 pg/ml and respectively). Roquinimex exerts its antipsoriatic effect through multiple mechanisms; its combination treatment with Clobetasol is a promising therapy for managing psoriasis.

Voltage-gated potassium channel 1.3: A promising molecular target in multiple disease therapy

Voltage-gated potassium channel 1.3 (Kv1.3) has emerged as a pivotal player in numerous biological processes and pathological conditions, sparking considerable interest as a potential therapeutic target across various diseases. In this review, we present a comprehensive examination of Kv1.3 channels, highlighting their fundamental characteristics and recent advancements in utilizing Kv1.3 inhibitors for treating autoimmune disorders, neuroinflammation, and cancers. Notably, Kv1.3 is prominently expressed in immune cells and implicated in immune responses and inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, its aberrant expression in certain tumors underscores its role in cancer progression. While preclinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Kv1.3 inhibitors, their clinical translation remains pending. Molecular imaging techniques offer promising avenues for tracking Kv1.3 inhibitors and assessing their therapeutic efficacy, thereby facilitating their development and clinical application. Challenges and future directions in Kv1.3 inhibitor research are also discussed, emphasizing the significant potential of targeting Kv1.3 as a promising therapeutic strategy across a spectrum of diseases.

Potential of Curcumin in the Management of Skin Diseases

Curcumin is a polyphenolic molecule derived from the rhizoma of Curcuma longa L. This compound has been used for centuries due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. These make it ideal for preventing and treating skin inflammation, premature skin ageing, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral, antimutagenic, and antifungal effects. Curcumin provides protection against skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to UVB radiation. It reduces wound healing times and improves collagen deposition. Moreover, it increases fibroblast and vascular density in wounds. This review summarizes the available information on the therapeutic effect of curcumin in treating skin diseases. The results suggest that curcumin may be an inexpensive, well-tolerated, and effective agent for treating skin diseases. However, larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these observations due to limitations in its in vivo use, such as low bioavailability after oral administration and metabolism.

From Traditional Medicine to Advanced Therapeutics: The Renaissance of Phyto-nano Interventions in Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune systemic chronic inflammatory disease that exhibits characteristic detrimental effects on the skin, often leading to infections or comorbid conditions. The multifaceted nature of psoriasis has made it very challenging to treat, especially with current chemotherapy options. Therefore, it is essential to consider phytoconstituents as novel alternatives. However, despite demonstrating higher anti-inflammatory, anti-psoriasis, and immunomodulatory potential, their clinical usage is hindered due to their poor physicochemical properties. To address these drawbacks, nanoparticulate drug delivery systems have been developed, helping to achieve better permeation of phytoconstituents through topical administration. This has breathed new life into traditional systems of medicine, particularly in the context of treating psoriasis. In this current review, we present a detailed, comprehensive, and up-to-date analysis of the literature, which will contribute to affirming the clinical role of phyto-nano interventions against psoriasis.

Kv1.3 in the spotlight for treating immune diseases

INTRODUCTION

Kv1.3 is the main voltage-gated potassium channel of leukocytes from both the innate and adaptive immune systems. Channel function is required for common processes such as Ca2+ signaling but also for cell-specific events. In this context, alterations in Kv1.3 are associated with multiple immune disorders. Excessive channel activity correlates with numerous autoimmune diseases, while reduced currents result in increased cancer prevalence and immunodeficiencies.

AREAS COVERED

This review offers a general view of the role of Kv1.3 in every type of leukocyte. Moreover, diseases stemming from dysregulations of the channel are detailed, as well as current advances in their therapeutic research.

EXPERT OPINION

Kv1.3 arises as a potential immune target in a variety of diseases. Several lines of research focused on channel modulation have yielded positive results. However, among the great variety of specific channel blockers, only one has reached clinical trials. Future investigations should focus on developing simpler administration routes for channel inhibitors to facilitate their entrance into clinical trials. Prospective Kv1.3-based treatments will ensure powerful therapies while minimizing undesired side effects.

Methotrexate and electrostimulation cooperate to alleviate the relapse of psoriasiform skin inflammation by suppressing memory T cells

Methotrexate (MTX) is an immunosuppressant used to treat autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis. However, like other immunosuppressants, MTX alone does not prevent their recurrence. Electrostimulation (ES) has been utilized to treat some inflammatory disorders without any major side-effect. But it remains unknown if ES alone, or together with MTX, ameliorates autoimmune disease relapse: a sticky medical problem. In particular, the mechanisms underlying ES action remain unclear. The objective of this study was to determine an impact of ES and/or MTX on psoriasis relapse and their potential cooperation. We found that regional ES, but not MTX, ameliorated psoriasiform skin inflammation recurrence. Interestingly, treatment with both MTX and ES further prevented psoriasis recurrence compared to ES alone. Moreover, ES downregulated potassium channel Kv1.3 on T-cells and reduced CD4+/CD8+ effector memory (TEM) and CD8+ skin-resident memory T (TRM) cells, while ES plus MTX further decreased CD8+ TEM/TRM cells compared to ES alone. However, ES failed to further attenuate psoriasis recurrence or suppress T cell memory in Kv1.3-deficient mice, whereas lack of Kv1.3 itself ameliorated psoriasis relapse by shrinking T cell memory pool. Importantly, ES moderately inhibited T-cell proliferation in vitro. ES also reduced human CD8+ TRM cells and attenuated human skin lesions in humanized mice grafted with lesional skin from patients with recurrent psoriasis, with an enhanced efficacy in mice treated with both ES and MTX. Thus, ES and MTX cooperated to prevent psoriasis relapse by reducing T-cell memory via targeting potassium channel Kv1.3. Our studies may be implicated for treating human psoriasis.

Acalypha australis L. Extract Attenuates DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice by Regulating Inflammatory Factor Release and Blocking NF-κB Activation

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastroenteric inflammatory disease that may cause life-threatening complications. Currently available therapeutic drugs are not as effective as expected, necessitating the development of new targets and drugs. The etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms of UC are largely unclear; thus, the treatment effects are limited. The aqueous extract of Acalypha australis L. (AAL) has shown good therapeutic efficacy in treating UC. AAL is used in traditional Chinese medicine owing to its hemostasis, detoxification, and heat clearance effects. Although astragalus has such broad-spectrum biological activities closely related to inflammation, its therapeutic efficacy for UC treatment has not been reported, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. We studied the therapeutic effect of AAL on UC in mice and explored its potential mechanism. Mice were treated with AAL aqueous extract for 7 days (20 mg/kg), after which the colon tissue was assessed for damage (colon mucosal damage index [CMDI]), apoptosis (immunohistochemistry), and release of cytokines (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The concentration of AAL aqueous extract at 20 mg/kg significantly improved the CMDI score and colon injury of UC model. It also reduced the serum levels of IL-2, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, IFN-γ, and TNF-α, and decreased apoptosis in the colon. AAL water extract also significantly reduced the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins. In conclusion, AAL can protect against UC mainly by inhibiting the expression level of NF-κB pathway-related proteins and reducing the release of inflammatory factors.

Review of natural compounds for potential psoriasis treatment

Psoriasis represents an immune-mediated disease with an unclear cause that's marked by inflammation triggered by dysfunction in the immune system, which results in inflammation in various parts of the skin. There could be obvious symptoms, such as elevated plaques; these plaques may appear differently depending on the type of skin. This disease can cause inflammation in the elbows, lower back, scalp, knees, or other regions of the body. It can begin at any age, although it most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 60. Specific cells (such as T cells) have been observed to play an obvious role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, in addition to specific immunological molecules such as TNF-, IL-12, IL-23, IL-17, and other molecules that can aid in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. So, during the past two decades, biologists have created chemical drugs that target these cells or molecules and therefore prevent the disease from occurring. Alefacept, efalizumab, Adalimumab, Ustekinumab, and Secukinumab are a few examples of chemical drugs. It was discovered that these chemical drugs have long-term side effects that can cause defects in the patient's body, such as the development of the rare but life-threatening disorder progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PCL). Its rapidly progressive infection of the central nervous system caused by the JC virus and other drugs may cause increased production of neutralising anti-drug antibodies (ADA) and the risk of infusion reactions like pruritus, flushing, hypertension, headache, and rash. So, our context intends to talk in our review about natural products or plants that may have therapeutic characteristics for this disease and may have few or no side effects on the patient's body.

Niosomal Curcumin Suppresses IL17/IL23 Immunopathogenic Axis in Skin Lesions of Psoriatic Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Psoriasis (PS) is characterized by hyperplasia of epidermis and infiltration of immune cells in the dermis. A negligible susceptibility of hypodermic permeation for local anti-inflammatory remedies is one of the major causes of medication failures. Although curcumin (CUR) has indicated effectiveness in treatment of inflammation, its successful permeation through the stratum corneum is yet a challenging issue. Therefore, niosome (NIO) nanoparticles were used as curcumin carriers to enhance its delivery and anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin-niosome (CUR-NIO) formulations were constructed by the thin-film-hydration (TFH) technique and were added to hyaluronic acid and Marine-collagen gel-based formulation. Five mild-to-moderate PS patients (18-60 years) with PASI scores < 30 with symmetrical and similar lesions were included in the study. The prepared formulation (CUR 15 µM) was topically administered for 4 weeks on the skin lesions, in comparison to the placebo. Clinical skin manifestations were monitored and skin punches were obtained for further gene expression analyses. There was a significant reduction in redness, scaling, and an apparent improvement in CUR-NIO-treated group in comparison to the placebo-treated counterpart. The gene expression analyses resulted in significantly downregulation of IL17, IL23, IL22, and TNFα, S100A7, S100A12, and Ki67 in CUR-NIO-treated lesions. Consequently, CUR-NIO could provide therapeutic approaches for the patients with mild-to-moderate PS by suppressing the IL17/IL23 immunopathogenic axis.

Curcumin inhibits the pruritus in mice through mast cell MrgprB2 receptor

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is a diketone compound extracted from the rhizomes of some plants in the Zingiberaceae and Araceae family. It possesses a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, the cellular and molecular antipruritic mechanisms of curcumin remain to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study the role of curcumin in pruritus and determine whether its antipruritic effect is related to MrgprB2 receptor.

METHODS

The effect of curcumin on pruritus in mice was examined by scratching behavior test. The antipruritic mechanism of curcumin was explored by using transgenic mice (MrgprB2^-/- mice, MrgprB2Cre^Td/tomato mice), histological analysis, western blot and immunofluorescence. In addition, the relationship between curcumin and MrgprB2/X2 receptor was studied in vitro by using calcium imaging, plasmid transfection and molecular docking RESULTS: In the current study, we found that curcumin had obvious antipruritic effect. Its antipruritic effect was related to the regulation of MrgprB2 receptor activation and mast cells tryptase release. In vitro, mouse peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 could be inhibited by curcumin. In addition, curcumin was also found to suppress the calcium flux in MrgprX2 or MrgprB2-overexpression HEK cells induced by compound 48/80, substance P, and PAMP 9-20, displaying the specific relation with the MrgprB2/X2 receptor. Moreover, molecular docking results showed that curcumin had affinity to MrgprX2 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these results indicated that curcumin has the potential to treat pruritus induced by mast cell MrgprB2 receptor.

A double-edged sword: ROS related therapies in the treatment of psoriasis

In the onset and progression of psoriasis, redox imbalance is a vital factor. It's widely accepted that too much reactive oxygen species (ROS) always make psoriasis worse. Recent research, however, has shown that the accumulation of ROS is not entirely detrimental, as it helps reduce psoriasis lesions by inhibiting epidermal proliferation and keratinocyte death. As a result, ROS appears to have two opposing effects on the treatment of psoriasis. In this review, the current ROS-related therapies for psoriasis, including basic and clinical research, are presented. Additionally, the design and therapeutic benefits of various drug delivery systems and therapeutic approaches are examined, and a potential balance between anti-oxidative stress and ROS accumulation is also trying to be investigated.

Signaling pathways and targets of natural products in psoriasis treatment

Aim: Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder, which has adverse effects on patients’ quality of life. Natural products exhibit significant therapeutic capacities with small side effects and might be preferable alternative treatments for patients with psoriasis. This study summarizes the signaling pathways with the potential targets of natural products and their efficacy for psoriasis treatment. Methods: The literature for this article was acquired from PubMed and Web of Science, from January 2010 to December 2020. The keywords for searching included “psoriasis” and “natural product”, “herbal medicine”, “herbal therapy”, “medicinal plant”, “medicinal herb” or “pharmaceutical plant”. Results: Herbal extracts, natural compounds, and herbal prescriptions could regulate the signaling pathways to alleviate psoriasis symptoms, such as T helper 17 (Th17) differentiation, Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and other signaling pathways, which are involved in the inflammatory response and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. The anti-psoriatic effect of natural products in clinical trials was summarized. Conclusions: Natural products exerted the anti-psoriatic effect by targeting multiple signaling pathways, providing evidence for the investigation of novel drugs. Further experimental research should be performed to screen and characterize the therapeutic targets of natural products for application in psoriasis treatment.

Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of 10 Types of Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 31 Randomized Controlled Trials

Objective

To evaluate the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Methods

Databases such as Embase, Web of Science, PubMed and The Cochrane Library were searched from the database establishment to February 2022 to collect RCTs of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Then the literature was screened and the data were extracted. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

A total of 34 records were included, involving 31 RCTs and 10 types of autoimmune disease. Among them, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) involves one RCT, Behcet ‘s disease (BD) involves one RCT, Crohn ‘s disease involves two RCTs, multiple sclerosis (MS) involves two RCTs, oral lichen planus involves six RCTs, psoriasis involves two RCTs, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves five RCTs, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves two RCTs, arteritis involves one RCT, ulcerative colitis (UC) involves nine RCTs. Among them, most of the RCTs of ulcerative colitis (UC), oral lichen planus, RA showed that curcumin and curcumin extracts improved clinical or laboratory results. Crohn ‘ s disease, MS, SLE, psoriasis included two RCTs; they all showed improvements (at least one RCT reported improvements in clinical outcomes). AS, BD and arteritis included only one RCT, and the clinical results showed improvement. However, due to the small number of RCTs and the small number of patients involved in each disease, there is still a need for more high-quality RCTs.

Conclusion

Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract had good clinical efficacy in the treatment of Psoriasis, UC and RA, so Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract could be used in the treatment of the above diseases in the future. The results of Meta-analysis showed that Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract did not show efficacy in the treatment of oral lichen planus, while Takayasu arteritis, SLE, MS, AS, BD and CD did not report sufficient clinical data for meta-analysis. Therefore, large-sample, multi-center clinical trials are still needed for revision or validation.

Dual Nanostructured Lipid Carriers/Hydrogel System for Delivery of Curcumin for Topical Skin Applications

This work focuses on the development and evaluation of a dual nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)/Carbopol®-based hydrogel system as a potential transporter for the topical delivery of curcumin to the skin. Two populations of different sized negatively charged NLCs (P1, 70–90 nm and P2, 300–350 nm) were prepared and characterized by means of dynamic light scattering. NLCs presented an ovoid platelet shape confirmed by transmission electron microscopy techniques. Curcumin NLC entrapment efficiency and release profiles were assessed by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods. Preservation and enhancement of curcumin (CUR) antioxidant activity in NLCs (up to 7-fold) was established and cell viability assays on fibroblasts and keratinocytes indicated that CUR-NLCs are non-cytotoxic for concentrations up to 10 μM and exhibited a moderate anti-migration/proliferation effect (20% gap reduction). CUR-NLCs were then embedded in a Carbopol®-based hydrogel without disturbing the mechanical properties of the gel. Penetration studies on Franz diffusion cells over 24 h in CUR-NLCs and CUR-NLCs/gels demonstrated an accumulation of CUR in Strat-M® membranes of 22% and 5%, respectively. All presented data support the use of this new dual CUR-NLC/hydrogel system as a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment in topical dermal applications.

Transdermal Permeation Assays of Curcumin Aided by CAGE-IL: In Vivo Control of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a clinically heterogeneous skin disease with an important genetic component, whose pathophysiology is not yet fully understood and for which there is still no cure. Hence, alternative therapies have been evaluated, using plant species such as turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn.) in topical preparations. However, the stratum corneum is a barrier to be overcome, and ionic liquids have emerged as potential substances that promote skin permeation. Thus, the main objective of this research was to evaluate a biopolysaccharide hydrogel formulation integrating curcumin with choline and geranic acid ionic liquid (CAGE-IL) as a facilitator of skin transdermal permeation, in the treatment of chemically induced psoriasis in mice. The developed gel containing curcumin and CAGE-IL showed a high potential for applications in the treatment of psoriasis, reversing the histological manifestations of psoriasis to a state very close to that of normal skin.

Immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in systemic autoimmune diseases

Systemic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus represent various autoimmune conditions identified by immune system dysregulation. The activation of immune cells, auto-antigen outbreak, inflammation, and multi-organ impairment is observed in these disorders. The immune system is an essential complex network of cells and chemical mediators which defends the organism's integrity against foreign microorganisms, and its precise operation and stability are compulsory to avoid a wide range of medical complications. Curcumin is a phenolic ingredient extracted from turmeric and belongs to the Zingiberaceae, or ginger family. Curcumin has multiple functions, such as inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, tumor cell proliferation, cell death, and infection. Nevertheless, the immunomodulatory influence of curcumin on immunological reactions/processes remains mostly unknown. In the present narrative review, we sought to provide current information concerning the preclinical and clinical uses of curcumin in systemic autoimmune diseases.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Profiling of Polyherbal Divya-Kayakalp-Vati and Divya-Kayakalp-Oil and Their Combined Efficacy in Mouse Model of Atopic Dermatitis-Like Inflammation Through Regulation of Cytokines

Purpose

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease that varies in signs and symptoms in different individuals. General symptoms include dryness of the skin, itching, and development of red to brownish-gray patches. Divya-Kayakalp-Vati (DKV) and -Oil (DKO) are Indian polyherbal compositions prescribed for treating inflammatory skin diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV and DKO co-treatment (DKV-O) in ameliorating Oxazolone (OXA)-stimulated AD-like inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokine release in a Swiss albino mouse model.

Methods

Phytochemical profiling of the DKV and DKO were done using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) QToF. Swiss albino mice were sensitized for 7 days and treated with OXA in their ear region. Stimulated and control animals were orally treated with DKV and topically with DKO. Anti-inflammatory efficacy of DKV-O was determined in OXA-treated animals through physiological, histopathological, and biochemical parameter analysis.

Results

DKV and DKO formulations individually contained 39 and 59 phytochemicals, respectively. Many of the phytochemicals have been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities. In the OXA-sensitized Swiss albino mice, combined treatment with DKV-O, and separately with Dexamethasone (positive control) significantly reduced the OXA-stimulated ear edema, biopsy weight, and epidermal thickness. DKV-O further reduced OXA-stimulated induction of inflammatory lesions, neutrophil influx, and release of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase.

Conclusion

Finally, DKV-O co-treatment showed good pharmacological effects in ameliorating AD-like inflammation through the modulation of inflammatory cell influx and release of soluble mediators. Therefore, DKV-O treatment can be used as a suitable polyherbal therapeutic against AD-like inflammatory diseases.

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Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carrier-based nanotherapeutics for the treatment of psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is an auto-immune inflammatory skin disease affecting people worldwide. Its topical therapy via different nanoformulations prevents the long-term side-effects of conventional formulations. Nanocarriers, especially solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), pose extra benefits in topical drug delivery due to their lipid constituents. Although both natural and synthetic anti-psoriatic drugs have been successfully incorporated in these nanoformulations, yet further studies including dual drug-loadings are being carried out for assessing their efficacy.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims at describing the different aspects of SLNs and NLCs in psoriasis, including their skin permeation behavior and the various drug molecules incorporated. The recent studies with single- and dual drug-loaded SLNs and NLCs have also been discussed in the review.

EXPERT OPINION

SLNs and NLCs have been very effective in mitigating psoriasis when compared to commercial formulations. They have also shown promising results when loaded with two drugs, thus overcoming drawbacks of traditional combination therapy. Therefore, various drug/antibody/siRNA combinations can be selected in the upcoming research works to evaluate their synergistic performance against psoriasis. However, the conclusions drawn so far are only based on the pre-clinical studies and hence further investigations are required to obtain their clinical trial outcomes.

Biomedical Applications and Bioavailability of Curcumin-An Updated Overview

Curcumin, a yellow-colored molecule derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, has been identified as the bioactive compound responsible for numerous pharmacological activities of turmeric, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, etc. Nevertheless, the clinical application of curcumin is inadequate due to its low solubility, poor absorption, rapid metabolism and elimination. Advancements in recent research have shown several components and techniques to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Combining with adjuvants, encapsulating in carriers and formulating in nanoforms, in combination with other bioactive agents, synthetic derivatives and structural analogs of curcumin, have shown increased efficiency and bioavailability, thereby augmenting the range of applications of curcumin. The scope for incorporating biotechnology and nanotechnology in amending the current drawbacks would help in expanding the biomedical applications and clinical efficacy of curcumin. Therefore, in this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the plethora of therapeutic potentials of curcumin, their drawbacks in efficient clinical applications and the recent advancements in improving curcumin's bioavailability for effective use in various biomedical applications.

Curcumin and ustekinumab cotherapy alleviates induced psoriasis in rats through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease that affects 3% of people worldwide. Ustekinumab is a selective anti-IL-12/23 biologic that alleviates psoriasis, and curcumin is a natural, effective dietary turmeric extract applied to treat numerous diseases through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

OBJECTIVE

The current study evaluated the therapeutic effects of curcumin and ustekinumab cotherapy (CUC) on imiquimod (IQ)-induced psoriasis in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty rats were divided into four groups, G1 (control group), G2 (IQ-treated group), G3 (IQ + ustekinumab), and G4 (IQ + CUC). Clinical, histopathological (HP), immunohistochemical (IHC), antioxidant, and biochemical investigations evaluated the efficacy of these drugs for treating IQ induced-psoriasis.

RESULTS

Rats of G2 exhibited clinical signs of psoriatic skin lesions (erythema, scaling, and skin thickening) with epidermal changes (acanthosis and parakeratosis). Additionally, the biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in the levels of antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, GPx, and CAT) with significant (p < 0.05) elevations in psoriasis-related cytokines (TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12P40, and IL-23). In contrast, CUC alleviated the psoriatic changes in G4 better than ustekinumab monotherapy in G3.

CONCLUSIONS

Ustekinumab inhibits the inflammatory cytokines IL-12P40 and IL-23, while curcumin has antioxidant effects (increasing SOD, GPx, and CAT levels) with anti-inflammatory effects (decreasing the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and IL-17). Therefore, CUC could be an excellent cost-effective regimen that can improve the treatment of psoriasis by the synergistic effects of CUC.HighlightsIQ-induces psoriasis by elevating TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12, and IL-23 and decreasing GPx, SOD, and CATUstekinumab exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting IL-12 and IL-23Curcumin inhibits TNF-α and IL-17A, and increases GPx, SOD, and CAT levelsCUC mitigates psoriasis by synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effectsCUC inhibits TNF-α, IL-17A, IL-12, and IL-23 and increases GPx, SOD, and CAT levels.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Curcumin in the Inflammatory Diseases: Status, Limitations and Countermeasures

Curcumin is a natural compound with great potential for disease treatment. A large number of studies have proved that curcumin has a variety of biological activities, among which anti-inflammatory effect is a significant feature of it. Inflammation is a complex and pervasive physiological and pathological process. The physiological and pathological mechanisms of inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, COVID-19 and other research focus diseases are not clear yet, and they are considered to be related to inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin can effectively improve the symptoms of these diseases and is expected to be a candidate drug for the treatment of related diseases. This paper mainly reviews the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin, the inflammatory pathological mechanism of related diseases, the regulatory effect of curcumin on these, and the latest research results on the improvement of curcumin pharmacokinetics. It is beneficial to the further study of curcumin and provides new ideas and insights for the development of curcumin anti-inflammatory preparations.

Curcumin alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in progranulin-knockout mice

Recent advances have revealed that progranulin (PGRN) is related to the aetiology of psoriasis. Moreover, curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach in psoriasis-like dermatitis, but it is still unclear whether curcumin affects the development of psoriasis-like skin lesions under PGRN-deficient conditions. Therefore, in this study, we developed a mouse model of psoriatic skin lesions using topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) in both wild type and PGRN-knockout mice to test this possibility. We observed that PGRN deficiency not only increased proinflammatory cytokine IL-17A levels and aggravated psoriasis-like damaged appearance and epidermal thickening but also directly mediated changes in keratinocyte proliferation (Krt 14, cyclinD1 and c-Myc) and differentiation (Krt 10 and Filaggrin) associated gene expression following IMQ challenge, compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, curcumin treatment (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, intragastrically) for 21 consecutive days suppressed the IMQ exposure-induced increase in PGRN expression. Importantly, curcumin treatment significantly alleviated the PGRN deficiency-induced exacerbation of psoriatic appearance, histological features and keratinocyte proliferation after IMQ exposure. In summary, these results demonstrate the direct regulation of PGRN in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in psoriatic lesions and demonstrate the protective effect of curcumin on PGRN deficiency-induced psoriatic skin lesion exacerbation.

Nano-Derived Therapeutic Formulations with Curcumin in Inflammation-Related Diseases

Due to its vast therapeutic potential, the plant-derived polyphenol curcumin is utilized in an ever-growing number of health-related applications. Here, we report the extraction methodologies, therapeutic properties, advantages and disadvantages linked to curcumin employment, and the new strategies addressed to improve its effectiveness by employing advanced nanocarriers. The emerging nanotechnology applications used to enhance CUR bioavailability and its targeted delivery in specific pathological conditions are collected and discussed. In particular, new aspects concerning the main strategic nanocarriers employed for treating inflammation and oxidative stress-related diseases are reported and discussed, with specific emphasis on those topically employed in conditions such as wounds, arthritis, or psoriasis and others used in pathologies such as bowel (colitis), neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's or dementia), cardiovascular (atherosclerosis), and lung (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) diseases. A brief overview of the relevant clinical trials is also included. We believe the review can provide the readers with an overview of the nanostrategies currently employed to improve CUR therapeutic applications in the highlighted pathological conditions.

A Novel Curcumin-Mycophenolic Acid Conjugate Inhibited Hyperproliferation of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Induced Human Keratinocyte Cells

Curcumin (CUR) has been used as adjuvant therapy for therapeutic application in the treatment of psoriasis through several mechanisms of action. Due to the poor oral bioavailability of CUR, several approaches have been developed to overcome the limitations of CUR, including the prodrug strategy. In this study, CUR was esterified with mycophenolic acid (MPA) as a novel conjugate prodrug. The MPA-CUR conjugate was structurally elucidated using FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and MS techniques. Bioavailable fractions (BFs) across Caco-2 cells of CUR, MPA, and MPA-CUR were collected for further biological activity evaluation representing an in vitro cellular transport model for oral administration. The antipsoriatic effect of the BFs was determined using antiproliferation and anti-inflammation assays against hyperproliferation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The BF of MPA-CUR provided better antiproliferation than that of CUR (p < 0.001). The enhanced hyperproliferation suppression of the BF of MPA-CUR resulted from the reduction of several inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β. The molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory activity were mediated by an attenuated signaling cascade of MAPKs protein, i.e., p38, ERK, and JNK. Our results present evidence for the MPA-CUR conjugate as a promising therapeutic agent for treating psoriasis by antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory actions.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Curcumin in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Evidence from Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Outcomes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder characterized by the destruction of the joint and bone resorption. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, dysregulated functions of three important subtypes of T helper (T_H) cells including T_H1, T_H17, and regulator T (Treg) cells are major causes of the initiation and development of RA. Moreover, B cells as a source of the production of several autoantibodies play key roles in the pathogenesis of RA. The last decades have seen increasingly rapid advances in the field of immunopharmacology using natural origin compounds for the management of various inflammatory diseases. Curcumin, a main active polyphenol compound isolated from turmeric, curcuma longa, possesses a wide range of pharmacologic properties for the treatment of several diseases. This review comprehensively will assess beneficial immunomodulatory effects of curcumin on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and also dysregulated functions of immune cells including T_H1, T_H17, Treg, and B cells in RA. We also seek the clinical efficacy of curcumin for the treatment of RA in several recent clinical trials. In conclusion, curcumin has been found to ameliorate RA complications through modulating inflammatory and autoreactive responses in immune cells and synovial fibroblast cells via inhibiting the expression or function of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), activated protein-1 (AP-1), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Of note, curcumin treatment without any adverse effects can attenuate the clinical symptoms of RA patients and, therefore, has therapeutic potential for the treatment of the diseases.

Systematic Development and Characterization of Novel, High Drug-Loaded, Photostable, Curcumin Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Hydrogel for Wound Healing

The study aims to develop high drug-loaded (about 15% lipid matrix) curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs) for wound healing. CSLNs prepared by hot, high-pressure homogenization, without using organic solvents, were optimized using the Taguchi design followed by the central composite design. The optimized CSLNs exhibited a high assay/drug content (0.6% w/w), solubility (6 × 105 times), and EE (75%) with a particle size < 200 nm (PDI-0.143). The CSLNs were safe (in vitro and in vivo), photostable, autoclavable, stable up to one year at 30 °C and under refrigeration and exhibited a controlled release (zero-order; 5 days). XRD, FTIR, and DSC confirmed solubilization and entrapment of the curcumin within the SLNs. TEM and FESEM revealed a smooth and spherical shape. The CSLNs showed a significant antimicrobial effect (MIC of 64 µg/mL for planktonic cells; 512 µg/mL for biofilm formation; and 2 mg/mL for mature biofilm) against Staphylococcus aureus 9144, while free curcumin dispersion did not exhibit any effect. This is the first report on the disruption of mature biofilms by curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs). The cell proliferation potential of CSLNs was also evaluated in vitro while the wound healing potential of CSLNs (incorporated in a hydrogel) was assessed in vivo. In (i) nitrogen mustard gas and (ii) a full-thickness excision wound model, CSLNs exhibited (a) significantly faster wound closure, (b) histologically and immunohistochemically better healing, (c) lower oxidative stress (LPO) and (d) inflammation (TNFα), and (e) increased angiogenesis (VEGF) and antioxidant enzymes, i.e., catalase and GSH levels. CSLNs thus offer a promising modern wound therapy especially for infected wounds, considering their effects in mature biofilm disruption.

Potential herbal constituents for psoriasis treatment as protective and effective therapy

Psoriasis is a multifactorial and chronic skin disorder. It is a recurrent disease that requires incessant therapy. Psoriasis treatment includes topical and systemic routes using synthetic drugs that lead to severe unwanted adverse effects. Herbal therapy is widely used for thousands of years in countries like China and India. The use of herbal therapy in the developed region enhanced to a great extent and showed better efficacy towards psoriasis alone or as adjuvant to synthetic therapy. Herbal medicines have gained great attention in the treatment of psoriasis due to their lesser side effects compared to synthetic drugs. In this review, the various plant sources which have been found effective in psoriasis and can be used to develop novel therapeutics have been discussed. The mechanisms by which the phytoconstituents elicit anti-psoriatic activity and various research studies that have proven the effectiveness of these natural products have also been compiled in this review.

Advances in the Application of Natural Products and the Novel Drug Delivery Systems for Psoriasis

Psoriasis, an incurable autoimmune skin disease, is one of the most common immune-mediated disorders. Presently, numerous clinical research studies are underway, and treatment options are available. However, these treatments focus on improving symptoms of the disease and fail to achieve a radical cure; they also have certain toxic side effects. In recent years, natural products have increasingly gained attention because of their high efficiency and low toxicity. Despite their obvious therapeutic effects, natural products’ biological activity was limited by their instability, poor solubility, and low bioavailability. Novel drug delivery systems, including liposomes, lipospheres, nanostructured lipid carriers, niosomes, nanoemulsions, nanospheres, microneedles, ethosomes, nanocrystals, and foams could potentially overcome the limitations of poor water solubility and permeability in traditional drug delivery systems. Thus, to achieve a therapeutic effect, the drug can reach the epidermis and dermis in psoriatic lesions to interact with the immune cells and cytokines.

The Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Curcumin on Immune Cell Populations, Cytokines, and In Vivo Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a widespread chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the joints, causing irreversible cartilage, synovium, and bone degradation. During the course of the disease, many immune and joint cells are activated, causing inflammation. Immune cells including macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, as well as synovial tissue cells, like fibroblast-like synoviocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts secrete different proinflammatory factors, including many cytokines, angiogenesis-stimulating molecules and others. Recent studies reveal that curcumin, a natural dietary anti-inflammatory compound, can modulate the response of the cells engaging in RA course. This review comprises detailed data about the pathogenesis and inflammation process in rheumatoid arthritis and demonstrates scientific investigations about the molecular interactions between curcumin and immune cells responsible for rheumatoid arthritis development to discuss this herbal drug’s immunoregulatory role in RA treatment.

Self-Assembled Thermoresponsive Nanogel from Grafted Hyaluronic Acid as a Biocompatible Delivery Platform for Curcumin with Enhanced Drug Loading and Biological Activities

A hyaluronic acid-grafted poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (HA-pNIPAM) was synthesized as a polymeric nanogel platform for encapsulation and delivery of hydrophobic bioactive compounds using curcumin as a model drug. As demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques, the HA-pNIPAM was simply assembled into spherical nano-sized particles with the thermoresponsive behavior. The success of curcumin aqueous solubilization was confirmed by fluorescent spectroscopy. The resulting nanogel formulation enhanced the aqueous solubility and uptake into NIH-3T3 cells of curcumin. This nanogel formulation also demonstrates cytocompatibility against NIH-3T3 cells, which deems it safe as a delivery vehicle. Moreover, the formulation has a slight skin-protection effect using an artificial skin equivalence model. The curcumin-loaded HA-pNIPAM nanogel showed an anti-proliferative activity against MDA-MB-231, Caco-2, HepG2, HT-29, and TNF-α-induced hyperproliferation of keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The thermoresponsive HA-pNIPAM nanogel reported here could be further optimized as a platform for controlled-release systems to encapsulate pharmaceuticals for therapeutic applications.

Obstacles against the Marketing of Curcumin as a Drug

Among the extensive public and scientific interest in the use of phytochemicals to prevent or treat human diseases in recent years, natural compounds have been highly investigated to elucidate their therapeutic effect on chronic human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. Curcumin, an active principle of the perennial herb Curcuma longa, has attracted an increasing research interest over the last half-century due to its diversity of molecular targets, including transcription factors, enzymes, protein kinases, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, receptors, and it's interesting pharmacological activities. Despite that, the clinical effectiveness of the native curcumin is weak, owing to its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Preclinical data obtained from animal models and phase I clinical studies done in human volunteers confirmed a small amount of intestinal absorption, hepatic first pass effect, and some degree of intestinal metabolism, might explain its poor systemic availability when it is given via the oral route. During the last decade, researchers have attempted with new pharmaceutical methods such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, solid dispersions, emulsions, and microspheres to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. As a result, a significant number of bioavailable curcumin-based formulations were introduced with a varying range of enhanced bioavailability. This manuscript critically reviews the available scientific evidence on the basic and clinical effects and molecular targets of curcumin. We also discuss its pharmacokinetic and problems for marketing curcumin as a drug.

Topical Delivery of Curcumin by Choline-Calix[4]arene-Based Nanohydrogel Improves Its Therapeutic Effect on a Psoriasis Mouse Model

Curcumin (CUR) has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of skin diseases, but its effective transdermal delivery is still a major challenge and stimulates interest in the design of novel systems for CUR dispersion, preservation, and delivery facilitation to the deeper layers of the skin. The present work aimed to investigate the potential of a nanohydrogel, formed by a micellar choline-calix[4]arene amphiphile (CALIX) and CUR, in the treatment of skin diseases through an imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis model. Psoriasis plaques are associated with aberrant keratinization, abnormal distribution of tight junctions (TJs) proteins, and enhanced expression of inflammatory markers. The nanohydrogel restored the normal distribution of TJs proteins ZO1 and occludin and reduced the expression of TNF-α and inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS) compared to the untreated IMQ group. The novelty lies in the calix[4]arene-based nanohydrogel as a potential new soft material for the topical skin delivery of CUR. The nanohydrogel, due to its physicochemical and mechanical properties, enhances the drug water-solubility, preserves CUR from rapid degradation, and eases the local skin administration and penetration.

Design & development of nanosponge loaded topical gel of curcumin and caffeine mixture for augmented treatment of psoriasis

BACKGROUND

Combination of curcumin with anti-inflammatory drug like caffeine shows augmented antipsoriatic action compared to curcumin alone and reduce the time taken for treatment of Psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to develop nanosponge (NS) based topical gel of curcumin (CUR) and caffeine (CFN) combination that acts as a potential system for the treatment of psoriasis.

METHODS

NS composed of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as crosslinker and beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as polymer were prepared by hot melt method and incorporated in topical gels. Factorial design (3²) was constructed in a fully randomized manner to study all nine possible experimental runs. The gels were prepared by varying the content of carbopol-934 (gelling agent) (X1) and guar gum (polymer) (X2). The effect of these two independent variables on viscosity (Y1) and in vitro percent drug release (Y2) of prepared gels was evaluated. Other evaluation studies for NS and nanogels were conducted. In vivo animal studies were carried out for optimized formulation using mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis.

RESULTS

The physical and chemical characteristics exhibited by the prepared NS and gels (F1-F9) were found to be optimal. The optimization resulted in achieving formulation N10 with 69.72% in vitro drug release and 12,329.78cp viscosity. Histopathology studies revealed that prepared nanogel has promising anti-psoriatic activity. The results concluded that CUR and CFN combination has reduced the time required for showing anti-psoriatic activity to 10 days when compared to CUR alone that took around 20 days. Moreover, the nanogel has depicted sustained drug release till 12 h.

CONCLUSIONS

From the experimental findings it has been concluded that CUR and CFN combination significantly augmented the anti-psoriatic efficacy with respect to individual components and also reduced the time required for onset of effect. Thus, the proposed nanogel would be an imperative drug delivery system for more effective anti-psoriatic therapy. Graphical abstract.

Trends in nanotechnology-based delivery systems for dermal targeting of drugs: an enticing approach to offset psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is identified as an inflammatory, chronic, auto-immune disease requiring long-term treatment, imposing an unnecessary burden on the patient. A significant impediment for the treatment of dermatological disorders via transdermal route is the inability of drug molecules to cross the stratum corneum (SC), as the larger size of drug molecules inhibits them to pervade into the skin, thus hampering their absorption. Some drugs exhibit systemic side-effects, which curbs patient compliance, resulting in treatment discontinuation.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to describe the detailed study such as demographic status, molecular factors of psoriasis, treatment with emerging combination therapy and role of nanotechnology tools in the treatment of psoriasis.

EXPERT OPINION

To overcome problems related to the conventional drug delivery system, several nanotechnology-based formulations have been devised to enhance bioavailability, drug permeation and accumulation in the skin. Nano-formulations provide better permeation, targeted delivery and enhanced efficacy, thus gaining enormous popularity for cutaneous disorders. This pervasive review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of the disease, its molecular targets and the available herbal, synthetic and combination treatment modalities. The review also systematizes recent works utilizing nano-carriers to improve the treatment denouement of psoriasis.

Photodynamic Therapy of Psoriasis Using Photosensitizers of Vegetable Origin

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated, chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disease, prevalent worldwide, and represents an important burden in life quality of patients. The most common clinical variant is termed as psoriasis vulgaris or plaque psoriasis, which with an individualized and carefully monitored therapy can decrease the patients' morbidity and improving their life quality. The aim is to achieve disease control, minimize the adverse drug effects, and tailor the treatment to individual patient factors. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on local or systemic administration of a non-toxic photosensitizer followed by irradiation with a particular wavelength to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly highly cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2). The generation of these species results in the attack to substrates involved in biological cycles causing necrosis and apoptosis of affected tissues. Photosensitizers are found in natural products and also obtained by partial syntheses from abundant natural starting compounds. They can be isolated at low cost and in large amounts from plants or algae. Therefore, this manuscript reviews the use of molecules from vegetal sources as photosensitizer agents for the PDT of psoriasis. Psoriasis pathogenesis, management and treatment were reviewed. PDT principles, fundamentals and utilization for the treatment of psoriasis were also discussed. Photosensitizers for PDT of psoriasis are also reviewed focusing on those from vegetal sources. Despite the PDT is utilized for the treatment of psoriasis, very little amount of photosensitizers from plant sources are utilized, such as chlorophyll derivatives and hypericin; however, other natural photosensitizers such as curcumin, could also be investigated. They could constitute a very important, safe and cheap alternative for the successful photodynamic treatment of psoriasis.

Curcumin Attenuates Both Acute and Chronic Immune Nephritis

Curcumin is known to have immunomodulatory potential in addition to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects. The aim of the present study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of curcumin on immune-mediated renal disease in an anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) model (representing acute kidney Injury, AKI) and murine lupus model (representing chronic kidney disease, CKD). In the AKI model, female anti-GBM 129/svj mice were administered with curcumin right before disease induction. In the CKD model, female MRL.lpr mice at the age of 8-10 weeks old were treated with curcumin or placebo via oral gavage daily for two months. After treatment, serum autoantibody levels, splenomegaly and spleen cellularity were reduced in murine lupus. Collectively, curcumin ameliorated kidney disease in the two mouse models with either acute or chronic nephritis, as marked by reduced proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, glomerulonephritis, crescent formation, tubule-interstitial disease, and renal infiltration by lymphocytes. In addition, curcumin treatment reduced activation of the NFkB, MAPK, AKT and pBAD pathways either systemically, or within the inflamed kidneys. These findings suggest that natural food supplements could become an alternative approach to ameliorating immune-mediated kidney diseases.

Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders

Curcumin is a compound isolated from turmeric, a plant known for its medicinal use. Recently, there is a growing interest in the medical community in identifying novel, low-cost, safe molecules that may be used in the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that curcumin may represent an effective agent in the treatment of several skin conditions. We examined the most relevant in vitro and in vivo studies published to date regarding the use of curcumin in inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious skin diseases, providing information on its bioavailability and safety profile. Moreover, we performed a computational analysis about curcumin's interaction towards the major enzymatic targets identified in the literature. Our results suggest that curcumin may represent a low-cost, well-tolerated, effective agent in the treatment of skin diseases. However, bypass of limitations of its in vivo use (low oral bioavailability, metabolism) is essential in order to conduct larger clinical trials that could confirm these observations. The possible use of curcumin in combination with traditional drugs and the formulations of novel delivery systems represent a very promising field for future applicative research.

Effects of curcumin on ion channels and pumps: A review

Curcumin, an orange-yellow lipophilic polyphenolic molecule, is the active component of Curcuma longa, which is extensively used as a spice in most of the Asian countries. This natural compound is able to interact with a large number of molecular structures like proteins, enzymes, lipids, DNA, RNA, transporter molecules, and ion channels. It has been reported to possess several biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiangiogenic, antimutagenic, and antiplatelet aggregation properties. These beneficial effects of curcumin are because of its extraordinary chemical interactions such as extensive hydrogen and covalent bonding, metal chelation, and so on. Therefore, the aim of this review was to outline the evidence in which curcumin could affect different types of ion channels and ion channel-related diseases, and also to elucidate basic molecular mechanisms behind it. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 2019.