Curcumin suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclast precursor autophagy in osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANK signaling and downstream JNK-BCL2-Beclin1 pathway

The Effectiveness of Curcumin Nanoparticle-Coated Titanium Surfaces in Osteogenesis: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: This systematic review critically appraises and synthesizes evidence from in vitro studies investigating the effects of curcumin nanoparticles on titanium surface modification, focusing on cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization. (2) Methods: A comprehensive electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases, yielding six in vitro studies that met the inclusion criteria. The search strategy and study selection process followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A qualitative methodological assessment was performed using the SciRAP (Science in Risk Assessment and Policy) method, which evaluated the reporting and methodological quality of the included studies. (3) Results: All six studies consistently demonstrated that curcumin-coated titanium surfaces inhibited osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteogenic activity, evidenced by enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization. The mean reporting quality score was 91.8 (SD = 5.7), and the mean methodological quality score was 85.8 (SD = 10.50), as assessed by the SciRAP method. Half of the studies used hydroxyapatite-coated titanium as a control, while the other half used uncoated titanium, introducing potential variability in baseline comparisons. (4) Conclusions: This systematic review provides compelling in vitro evidence supporting the osteogenic potential of curcumin nanoparticle-coated titanium surfaces. The findings suggest that this surface modification strategy may enhance titanium implants' biocompatibility and osteogenic properties, potentially improving dental and orthopedic implant outcomes. However, the review highlights significant heterogeneity in experimental designs and a concentration of studies from a single research group. Further research, particularly in vivo studies and clinical trials from diverse research teams, is essential to validate these findings and comprehensively understand the translational potential of this promising surface modification approach.

Curcumin-loaded scaffolds in bone regeneration

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the development of engineered bone scaffolds intended for the repair of bone defects. While autografts and allografts have traditionally served as the primary methods in bone tissue engineering, their inherent limitations have spurred the exploration of novel avenues in biomedical implant development. The emergence of bone scaffolds not only facilitates bone reconstruction but also offers a platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. There exists a pervasive interest in leveraging various drugs, proteins, growth factors, and biomolecules with osteogenic properties to augment bone formation, as the enduring side effects associated with current clinical modalities necessitate the pursuit of safer alternatives. Curcumin, the principal bioactive compound found in turmeric, has demonstrated notable efficacy in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of bone cells while promoting bone formation. Nevertheless, its utility is hindered by restricted water solubility and poor bioavailability. Strategies aimed at enhancing the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of curcumin, including formulation techniques such as liposomes and nanoparticles or its complexation with metals, have been explored. This investigation is dedicated to exploring the impact of curcumin on the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts.

A Docking and Network Pharmacology Study on the Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in Dental Caries and Streptococcus mutans

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.

Recent advances of NFATc1 in rheumatoid arthritis-related bone destruction: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by inflammation of the synovial tissue and joint bone destruction, often leading to significant disability. The main pathological manifestation of joint deformity in RA patients is bone destruction, which occurs due to the differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts. The transcription factor nuclear factor-activated T cell 1 (NFATc1) plays a crucial role in this process. The regulation of NFATc1 in osteoclast differentiation is influenced by three main factors. Firstly, NFATc1 is activated through the upstream nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/RANK signaling pathway. Secondly, the Ca2+-related co-stimulatory signaling pathway amplifies NFATc1 activity. Finally, negative regulation of NFATc1 occurs through the action of cytokines such as B-cell Lymphoma 6 (Bcl-6), interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), MAF basic leucine zipper transcription factor B (MafB), and LIM homeobox 2 (Lhx2). These three phases collectively govern NFATc1 transcription and subsequently affect the expression of downstream target genes including TRAF6 and NF-κB. Ultimately, this intricate regulatory network mediates osteoclast differentiation, fusion, and the degradation of both organic and inorganic components of the bone matrix. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in understanding the mechanism of NFATc1 in the context of RA-related bone destruction and discusses potential therapeutic agents that target NFATc1, with the aim of offering valuable insights for future research in the field of RA. To assess their potential as therapeutic agents for RA, we conducted a drug-like analysis of potential drugs with precise structures.