Comprehensive and critical view on the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role of natural phenolic antioxidants

The immune response encompasses innate and adaptive immunity, each with distinct and specific activities. The innate immune system is constituted by phagocytic cells, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils, the cascade system, and different classes of receptors such as toll-like receptors that are exploited by the innate immune cells. The adaptive immune system is antigen-specific, encompassing memory lymphocytes and the corresponding specific receptors. Inflammation is understood as an activation of different signaling pathways such as toll-like receptors or nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, with an increase in nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Increased oxidative stress has been identified as main source of chronic inflammation. Phenolic antioxidants modulate the activities of lymphocytes and macrophages by impacting cytokines and nitric oxide release, exerting anti-inflammatory effect. The nuclear-factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells signaling pathway and the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are targeted, alongside an increase in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor mediated antioxidant response, triggering the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The inhibitive potential on phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase in the arachidonic acid pathway, and the subsequent reduction in prostaglandin and leukotriene generation, reveals the potential of phenolics as inflammation antagonists. The immunomodulative potential encompasses the capacity to interfere with proinflammatory cytokine synthesis and with the expression of the corresponding genes. A diet rich in antioxidants can result in prevention of inflammation-related pathologies. More investigations are necessary to establish the role of these antioxidants in therapy. The appropriate delivery system and the prooxidant effects exhibited at large doses, or in the presence of heavy metal cations should be regarded.

Selected Phytochemicals to Combat Lungs Injury: Natural Care

The human has two lungs responsible for respiration and drug metabolism. Severe lung infection caused by bacteria, mycobacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites may lead to lungs injury. Smoking and tobacco consumption may also produce lungs injury. Inflammatory and pain mediators are secreted by alveolar macrophages. The inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, neutrophils, and fibroblasts are accumulated in the alveoli sac, which becomes infected. It may lead to hypoxia followed by severe pulmonary congestion and the death of the patient. There is an urgent need for the treatment of artificial respiration and ventilation. However, the situation may be the worst for patients suffering from lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and acute pneumonia caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Re-urgency has been happening in the case of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Therefore, it is needed to protect the lungs with the intake of natural phytomedicines. In the present review, several selected phyto components having the potential role in lung injury therapy have been discussed. Regular intake of natural vegetables and fruits bearing these constituents may save the lungs even in the dangerous attack of SARS-CoV-2 in lung cancer, pulmonary TB, and pneumatic patients.

Pharmacologic therapies of ARDS: From natural herb to nanomedicine

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common critical illness in respiratory care units with a huge public health burden. Despite tremendous advances in the prevention and treatment of ARDS, it remains the main cause of intensive care unit (ICU) management, and the mortality rate of ARDS remains unacceptably high. The poor performance of ARDS is closely related to its heterogeneous clinical syndrome caused by complicated pathophysiology. Based on the different pathophysiology phases, drugs, protective mechanical ventilation, conservative fluid therapy, and other treatment have been developed to serve as the ARDS therapeutic methods. In recent years, there has been a rapid development in nanomedicine, in which nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles have been extensively studied in the treatment of ARDS. This study provides an overview of pharmacologic therapies for ARDS, including conventional drugs, natural medicine therapy, and nanomedicine. Particularly, we discuss the unique mechanism and strength of nanomedicine which may provide great promises in treating ARDS in the future.

Relationship Between the In Vitro Efficacy, Pharmacokinetics and In Vivo Efficacy of Curcumin

Considerable interest continues to be focused on the development of curcumin either as an effective stand-alone therapeutic or as an adjunct therapy to established therapies. Curcumin (1, 7-bis (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1, 6-heptadiene-3, 5- dione; also called diferuloylmethane) is a polyphenolic phytochemical extracted from the root of curcuma longa, commonly called turmeric. Despite evidence from in vitro (cell culture) and preclinical studies in animals, clinical studies have not provided strong evidence for a therapeutic effect of curcumin. The relevance of curcumin as a drug has been questioned based on its classification as a compound with pan assay interference and invalid metabolic panaceas properties bringing into question the relevance of the therapeutic targets identified for curcumin. To some extent this is due to the lack of a complete understanding of the link between the in vitro (cell culture activity), pharmacokinetics and in vivo activity of curcumin. In this review and using NF-κB as a cellular target for curcumin, we have investigated the relationship between the potency of curcumin as an inhibitor of NF-κB in cell culture, the pharmacokinetics of curcumin and curcumin's anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models of cancer and inflammation. Plausible explanations and rationale are provided to link these activities together and suggest that both curcumin and its more soluble Phase II metabolite curcumin glucuronide may play a key role in the treatment effects of curcumin in vivo mediated at NF-κB.

Plant-Derived Natural Products as Lead Agents against Common Respiratory Diseases

Never has the world been more challenged by respiratory diseases (RDs) than it has witnessed in the last few decades. This is evident in the plethora of acute and chronic respiratory conditions, ranging from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, pneumonia, influenza, and more recently, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. Unfortunately, the emergence of drug-resistant strains of pathogens, drug toxicity and side effects are drawbacks to effective chemotherapeutic management of RDs; hence, our focus on natural sources because of their unique chemical diversities and novel therapeutic applications. This review provides a summary on some common RDs, their management strategies, and the prospect of plant-derived natural products in the search for new drugs against common respiratory diseases.

Curcuma longa and curcumin affect respiratory and allergic disorders, experimental and clinical evidence: A comprehensive and updated review

Curcuma longa and its constituents, mainly curcumin, showed various of pharmacological effects in previous studies. This review article provides updated and comprehensive experimental and clinical evidence regarding the effects of C. longa and curcumin on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders. Using appropriate keywords, databases including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus were searched until the end of October 2021. C. longa extracts and its constituent, curcumin, showed the relaxant effect on tracheal smooth muscle, which indicates their bronchodilatory effect in obstructive pulmonary diseases. The preventive effects of extracts of C. longa and curcumin were shown in experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases through antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. C. longa and curcumin also showed preventive effects on some lung disorders in the clinical studies. It was shown that the effects of C. longa on pulmonary diseases were mainly due to its constituent, curcumin. Pharmacological effects of C. longa extracts and curcumin on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders indicate the possible therapeutic effect of the plant and curcumin on these diseases.

Effect of Curcumin in Experimental Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Antimycobacterial Activity in the Lungs and Anti-Inflammatory Effect in the Brain

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the ten leading causes of death worldwide. Patients with TB have been observed to suffer from depression and anxiety linked to social variables. Previous experiments found that the substantial pulmonary inflammation associated with TB causes neuroinflammation, neuronal death, and behavioral impairments in the absence of brain infection. Curcumin (CUR) is a natural product with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. In this work, we evaluated the CUR effect on the growth control of mycobacteria in the lungs and the anti-inflammatory effect in the brain using a model of progressive pulmonary TB in BALB/c mice infected with drug-sensitive mycobacteria (strain H37Rv). The results have shown that CUR decreased lung bacilli load and pneumonia of infected animals. Finally, CUR significantly decreased neuroinflammation (expression of TNFα, IFNγ and IL12) and slightly increased the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related to factor 2 (Nrf2) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, improving behavioral status. These results suggest that CUR has a bactericidal effect and can control pulmonary mycobacterial infection and reduce neuroinflammation. It seems that CUR has a promising potential as adjuvant therapy in TB treatment.

Inhibition of CL-11 reduces pulmonary inflammation in a mouse model of Klebsiella pneumoniae lung infection

Infection caused by K. pneumoniae is associated with severe inflammation due to stimulation of the innate immune components including the complement system, which is the main player of the innate immune response. Excessive complement-mediated inflammation may cause severe lung injury. Here we clearly show that K. pneumoniae binds to different lectin pathway carbohydrate recognition molecules and activates the complement cascade via the LP. Administration of anti-CL-11 antibodies 6 h before the infection impairs LP functional activity but it shows no effect on the survival time of mice infected with K. pneumoniae. Similarly, no significant difference in bacterial load in blood and lung tissues was observed between mice that received anti-CL-11 and control group treated with an isotype antibody. Interestingly, treatment of mice with anti-CL-11 prior to infection significantly improved histopathological changes and lung injury score induced by K. pneumoniae. Moreover, administration of anti-CL-11 reduced leukocytes infiltration into lung tissues and decreased the levels of the inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the infected mice. These findings indicate that inhibition of the LP could secure a significant level of protection against lung injury during the infection caused by K. pneumoniae.

The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects of Ionophores for the treatment of human infection

Ionophores are a diverse class of synthetic and naturally occurring ion transporter compounds which demonstrate both direct and in-direct antimicrobial properties against a broad panel of bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic pathogens. In addition, ionophores can regulate the host-immune response during communicable and non-communicable disease states. Although the clinical use of ionophores such as Amphotericin B, Bedaquiline and Ivermectin highlight the utility of ionophores in modern medicine, for many other ionophore compounds issues surrounding toxicity, bioavailability or lack of in vivo efficacy studies have hindered clinical development. The antimicrobial and immunomodulating properties of a range of compounds with characteristics of ionophores remain largely unexplored. As such, ionophores remain a latent therapeutic avenue to address both the global burden of antimicrobial resistance, and the unmet clinical need for new antimicrobial therapies. This review will provide an overview of the broad-spectrum antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties of ionophores, and their potential uses in clinical medicine for combatting infection.

Pharmacologic Activities of Plant-Derived Natural Products on Respiratory Diseases and Inflammations

Respiratory inflammation is caused by an air-mediated disease induced by polluted air, smoke, bacteria, and viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic is also a kind of respiratory disease, induced by a virus causing a serious effect on the lungs, bronchioles, and pharynges that results in oxygen deficiency. Extensive research has been conducted to find out the potent natural products that help to prevent, treat, and manage respiratory diseases. Traditionally, wider floras were reported to be used, such as Morus alba, Artemisia indica, Azadirachta indica, Calotropis gigantea, but only some of the potent compounds from some of the plants have been scientifically validated. Plant-derived natural products such as colchicine, zingerone, forsythiaside A, mangiferin, glycyrrhizin, curcumin, and many other compounds are found to have a promising effect on treating and managing respiratory inflammation. In this review, current clinically approved drugs along with the efficacy and side effects have been studied. The study also focuses on the traditional uses of medicinal plants on reducing respiratory complications and their bioactive phytoconstituents. The pharmacological evidence of lowering respiratory complications by plant-derived natural products has been critically studied with detailed mechanism and action. However, the scientific validation of such compounds requires clinical study and evidence on animal and human models to replace modern commercial medicine.

Phytopharmaceuticals mediated Furin and TMPRSS2 receptor blocking: can it be a potential therapeutic option for Covid-19?

BACKGROUND

Currently, novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak creates global panic across the continents, as people from almost all countries and territories have been affected by this highly contagious viral disease. The scenario is deteriorating due to lack of proper & specific target-oriented pharmacologically safe prophylactic agents or drugs, and or any effective vaccine. drug development is urgently required to back in the normalcy in the community and to combat this pandemic.

PURPOSE

Thus, we have proposed two novel drug targets, Furin and TMPRSS2, as Covid-19 treatment strategy. We have highlighted this target-oriented novel drug delivery strategy, based on their pathophysiological implication on SARS-CoV-2 infection, as evident from earlier SARS-CoV-1, MERS, and influenza virus infection via host cell entry, priming, fusion, and endocytosis. STUDY DESIGN &  METHODS: An earlier study suggested that Furin and TMPRSS2 knockout mice had reduced level of viral load and a lower degree of organ damage such as the lung. The present study thus highlights the promise of some selected novel and potential anti-viral Phytopharmaceutical that bind to Furin and TMPRSS2 as target.

RESULT

Few of them had shown promising anti-viral response in both preclinical and clinical study with acceptable therapeutic safety-index.

CONCLUSION

Hence, this strategy may limit life-threatening Covid-19 infection and its mortality rate through nano-suspension based intra-nasal or oral nebulizer spray, to treat mild to moderate SARS-COV-2 infection when Furin and TMPRSS2 receptor may initiate to express and activate for processing the virus to cause cellular infection by replication within the host cell and blocking of host-viral interaction.

Synergistic Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Curcumin-C3 Encapsulated Chitosan Nanoparticles

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have focused on the nanoformulations of curcumin to enhance its solubility and bioavailability. The medicinal properties of curcumin-C3 complex, which is a combination of three curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) is less explored.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to prepare curcumin-C3 encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles, characterize and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial potential.

METHODS

Ionic gelation method was used to prepare curcumin-C3 nanoparticles and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. In vitro assays were performed to assess drug release, antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

RESULTS

Curcumin-C3-chitosan nanoparticle showed an increased entrapment efficiency of >90%, drug release and improved antioxidant potential. Moreover, curcumin-C3-chitosan nanoparticle showed stronger inhibition of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

CONCLUSION

Chitosan is a suitable carrier for curcumin-C3 nanoparticle and can be used as a drug delivery system in the treatment of inflammatory and bacterial diseases.

Ethnobotany and the Role of Plant Natural Products in Antibiotic Drug Discovery

The crisis of antibiotic resistance necessitates creative and innovative approaches, from chemical identification and analysis to the assessment of bioactivity. Plant natural products (NPs) represent a promising source of antibacterial lead compounds that could help fill the drug discovery pipeline in response to the growing antibiotic resistance crisis. The major strength of plant NPs lies in their rich and unique chemodiversity, their worldwide distribution and ease of access, their various antibacterial modes of action, and the proven clinical effectiveness of plant extracts from which they are isolated. While many studies have tried to summarize NPs with antibacterial activities, a comprehensive review with rigorous selection criteria has never been performed. In this work, the literature from 2012 to 2019 was systematically reviewed to highlight plant-derived compounds with antibacterial activity by focusing on their growth inhibitory activity. A total of 459 compounds are included in this Review, of which 50.8% are phenolic derivatives, 26.6% are terpenoids, 5.7% are alkaloids, and 17% are classified as other metabolites. A selection of 183 compounds is further discussed regarding their antibacterial activity, biosynthesis, structure-activity relationship, mechanism of action, and potential as antibiotics. Emerging trends in the field of antibacterial drug discovery from plants are also discussed. This Review brings to the forefront key findings on the antibacterial potential of plant NPs for consideration in future antibiotic discovery and development efforts.

Effects of Curcumin and Its Analogues on Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases (IDs) are life-threatening illnesses, which result from the spread of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. IDs are a major challenge for the healthcare systems around the world, leading to a wide variety of clinical manifestations and complications. Despite the capability of frontline-approved medications to partially prevent or mitigate the invasion and subsequent damage of IDs to host tissues and cells, problems such as drug resistance, insufficient efficacy, unpleasant side effects, and high expenses stand in the way of their beneficial applications. One strategy is to evaluate currently explored and available bioactive compounds as possible anti-microbial agents. The natural polyphenol curcumin has been postulated to possess various properties including anti-microbial activities. Studies have shown that it possess pleiotropic effects against bacterial- and parasitic-associating IDs including drug-resistant strains. Curcumin can also potentiate the efficacy of available anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic drugs in a synergistic fashion. In this review, we summarize the findings of these studies along with reported controversies of native curcumin and its analogues, alone and in combination, toward its application in future studies as a natural anti-bacterial and anti-parasitic agent.

Proteomic and mechanistic study of Qingxuan Tongluo formula and curcumin in the treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is the only pathogen in the Mycoplasma family that can cause respiratory symptoms, including acute upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis, which are often attributed to Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). MPP is one of the diseases that commonly affects the pediatric respiratory system, but its pathogenesis is unclear. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Qingxuan Tongluo formula and its main component, curcumin, on MPP.

METHODS

A mouse model of MPP was obtained by nasal drip of the MP strain. The effects of Qingxuan Tongluo formula and curcumin on the treatment of MPP were studied. The proteomic profiles of the alveolar lavage fluid of mice in the model group, Qingxuan Tongluo formula group and curcumin group were evaluated by LC-MS/MS. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to verify the possible presence of MP infection biomarkers and drug target proteins.

RESULTS

Compared with the mice in the model group, the MPP mice in the Qingxuan Tongluo formula group had significantly reduced fever and cough and prolonged the cough incubation period. Moreover, the pulmonary pathology of the MPP mice was significantly improved, and the lung histopathological score was decreased. After treatment with Qingxuan Tongluo formula and curcumin, the functional and pathway abnormalities caused by MP were mainly inhibited. Levels of HSP90AA1, GRP94, ENO1 and PLG expression were verified by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

Qingxuan Tongluo formula significantly reduced fevers and cough and prolonged the cough incubation period of MPP mice. Qingxuan Tongluo formula and curcumin significantly improved the pathological changes in lung tissue caused by MP infection. Proteomics analyses indicated that Qingxuan Tongluo formula and curcumin may have therapeutic effects on MPP by regulating energy metabolism, relieving oxidative stress and activating the fibrinolytic system. ENO1 and PLG were found to be potential drug targets.

The biofilm inhibition and eradication activity of curcumin againts polymicrobial biofilm

Curcumin is a polyphenol compound that is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which has potential as an antibacterial, antifungal, and polymicrobial antibiofilm on the catheter. Still, its inhibitory activity and eradication of non-catheter polymicrobial antibiotics against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albicans have never been reported. The discovery of a candidate polymicrobial anti-biofilm drug is indispensable for overcoming infections associated with biofilms. This study aims to determine the inhibitory activity and eradication of curcumin on polymicrobial biofilms. Inhibition testing and eradication activity of polymicrobial biofilms were performed using the microtiter broth method. The effectiveness of curcumin on polymicrobial biofilms was analyzed using minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC50) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC50). The mechanism of action of curcumin against polymicrobial biofilms is tested using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Curcumin 1 % b/v gives biofilm inhibition activity in the mid-phase and maturation of 62.23 % ± 0.01, 59.43 % ± 0.01, and can eradicate polymicrobial biofilms by 55.79 % ± 0.01 and not much different with nystatin drug control activity. The results also provide evidence that curcumin can damage the extracellular polymeric matrix (EPS) polymicrobial biofilms of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albicans and damage the morphology of polymicrobial biofilms. Therefore, curcumin can be developed as a candidate for new antibiofilm drugs against polymicrobial biofilms S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli dan C albicabs.

Evaluation of the effect of curcumin on pneumonia: A systematic review of preclinical studies

Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and causes a significant burden on the healthcare systems. Curcumin is a natural phytochemical with anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic characteristics. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies on the effect of curcumin on preclinical models of pneumonia. A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception up to March 1, 2020 to recognize experimental or clinical trials assessing the effects of curcumin on pneumonia. We identified 17 primary citations that evaluated the effects of curcumin on pneumonia. Ten (58.8%) studies evaluated the effect of curcumin on mouse models of pneumonia, generated by intranasal inoculation of viruses or bacteria. Seven (41.2%) studies evaluated the inhibitory effects of curcumin on the pneumonia-inducing bacteria. Our results demonstrated that curcumin ameliorated the pneumonia-induced lung injury, mainly through a reduction of the activity and infiltration of neutrophils and the inhibition of inflammatory response in mouse models. Curcumin ameliorates the severity of pneumonia through a reduction in neutrophil infiltration and by amelioration of the exaggerated immune response in preclinical pneumonia models.

Effects of Bronchoalveolar Lavage with Ambroxol Hydrochloride on Treating Pulmonary Infection in Patients with Cerebral Infarction and on Serum Proinflammatory Cytokines, MDA and SOD

Objective

This paper was aimed at investigating the effects of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) with ambroxol hydrochloride (AH) on treating pulmonary infection and on serum proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress responses in patients with cerebral infarction (CI).

Methods

One hundred and two patients with cerebral infarction complicated with pulmonary infection (CIPI) who were treated in our hospital were enrolled as research objects, divided into an observation group (52 cases; AH combined with BAL) and a control group (50 cases; single AH) based on therapeutic schemes. They were compared in terms of the therapeutic effect and pre- and posttreatment serum inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function, and serum indices of oxidative stress. Their adverse reactions during treatment were also recorded and compared.

Results

The therapeutic effect in the observation group was remarkably better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the serum inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function, and serum indices of oxidative stress were remarkably improved in the two groups (P < 0.05), but the improvement was remarkably better in the observation group (P < 0.05). The differences were not significant in intratreatment adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

For CIPI patients, BAL with AH has a better therapeutic effect and higher safety and can control the patients' systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative stress responses, so it is worthy of further promotion in clinical practice.

The Inhibitory Effect of Curcumin on Virus-Induced Cytokine Storm and Its Potential Use in the Associated Severe Pneumonia

Coronavirus infection, including SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV2, causes daunting diseases that can be fatal because of lung failure and systemic cytokine storm. The development of coronavirus-evoked pneumonia is associated with excessive inflammatory responses in the lung, known as "cytokine storms," which results in pulmonary edema, atelectasis, and acute lung injury (ALI) or fatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). No drugs are available to suppress overly immune response-mediated lung injury effectively. In light of the low toxicity and its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activity, it is plausible to speculate that curcumin could be used as a therapeutic drug for viral pneumonia and ALI/ARDS. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the mounting evidence obtained from preclinical studies using animal models of lethal pneumonia where curcumin exerts protective effects by regulating the expression of both pro- and anti-inflammatory factors such as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and COX-2, promoting the apoptosis of PMN cells, and scavenging the reactive oxygen species (ROS), which exacerbates the inflammatory response. These studies provide a rationale that curcumin can be used as a therapeutic agent against pneumonia and ALI/ARDS in humans resulting from coronaviral infection.

Curcumin Prevents Cyclophosphamide-Induced Lung Injury in Rats by Suppressing Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Curcumin (CUR) has been used since ancient times to treat several ailments as it possesses many pharmacological activities. This study intended to explore the mechanism underlying the protective effects of CUR in remodeling oxidative stress and apoptotic signals in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced pulmonary injury in albino rats. CUR was administered at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day for 7 days and on the seventh day a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg) was given. Histopathological and ultrastructural examinations of CP-intoxicated rats showed complete alveolar obstruction, thickened inter-alveolar septa, enlarged blood vessels, severe inflammatory edema with pyknotic nuclei, and disappearance of cytoplasmic organelles. Significant increases in caspase-3, malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PCO) and significant decreases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were observed. In contrast, rats that received CUR showed clear and empty lumina with single row of pneumocytes, disappearance of edema, and no interstitial electron dense bodies in rats’ lung tissues. Additionally, CUR significantly reduced caspase-3, MDA, and PCO and increased SOD and GPx. In conclusion, these findings revealed the protective effects of CUR against CP-induced pulmonary injury in rats through suppressing oxidative damage and apoptosis.

Curcumin Management of Myocardial Fibrosis and its Mechanisms of Action: A Review

Myocardial fibrosis is implicated as a leading risk factor for heart failure, arrhythmia, and sudden death after cardiac injury, as the excessive interstitial extracellular matrix impedes heart contraction and electrical conduction. Complicated mechanisms involving oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokine families, NLRP3 inflammasomes, growth factors, and non-coding RNAs participate in cardiac fibrogenesis and make it difficult to designate specific and effective therapies. Oriental herbs have been popular for thousands of years in the health care of Asian residents, due to their multi-targeted, multi-faceted approaches and their multi-functional effects in fighting difficult and complicated diseases, including cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial fibrosis. Curcumin, a natural polyphenol and yellow pigment obtained from the spice turmeric, was found to have strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Increasing evidence has shown that curcumin can be used to prevent and treat myocardial fibrosis, when the myocardium suffers pathological pro-fibrotic changes in vivo and in vitro. The present review focuses on recent studies elucidating the mechanisms of curcumin in treating different pathologic conditions, including ischemia, hypoxia/reoxygenation, pressure or volume overload, and hyperglycemia or high-fat-induced cardiac fibrosis. Novel analogs such as C66, B2BrBC, Y20, and J17 have been designed to maximize the therapeutic potentials of curcumin. These optimized curcumin analogs with improved bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profiles need to be clinically verified before curcumin could be recommended for the treatment of myocardial fibrosis.

Clinically relevant model of pneumococcal pneumonia, ARDS, and nonpulmonary organ dysfunction in mice

Pneumonia is responsible for more deaths in the United States than any other infectious disease. Severe pneumonia is a common cause of acute respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite the introduction of effective antibiotics and intensive supportive care in the 20th century, death rates from community-acquired pneumonia among patients in the intensive care unit remain as high as 35%. Beyond antimicrobial treatment, no targeted molecular therapies have yet proven effective, highlighting the need for additional research. Despite some limitations, small animal models of pneumonia and the mechanistic insights they produce are likely to continue to play an important role in generating new therapeutic targets. Here we describe the development of an innovative mouse model of pneumococcal pneumonia developed for enhanced clinical relevance. We first reviewed the literature of small animal models of bacterial pneumonia that incorporated antibiotics. We then did a series of experiments in mice in which we systematically varied the pneumococcal inoculum and the timing of antibiotics while measuring systemic and lung-specific end points, producing a range of models that mirrors the spectrum of pneumococcal lung disease in patients, from mild self-resolving infection to severe pneumonia refractory to antibiotics. A delay in antibiotic treatment resulted in ongoing inflammation and renal and hepatic dysfunction despite effective bacterial killing. The addition of fluid resuscitation to the model improved renal function but worsened the severity of lung injury based on direct measurements of pulmonary edema and lung compliance, analogous to patients with pneumonia and sepsis who develop ARDS following fluid administration.

Hydro-ethanolic extract of Curcuma longa affects tracheal responsiveness and lung pathology in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Anti-inflammatory effect of Curcuma longa (C. longa) was shown previously. In the present study, the effect of the plant on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological features in ovalbumin-sensitized rats was evaluated. Six groups of rats including control (C), ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized (S), S groups treated with C. longa (CL; 0.75, 1.50, and 3.00 mg/ml equal to 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (D; 1.25 μg/ml) were studied (n=8 in each group). The extract of C. longa and dexamethasone were administered with daily drinking water of animals during sensitization period (for 21 days). Following the treatment period, tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and ovalbumin and lung pathological features was investigated. Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and OVA and lung pathological scores were increased in group S compared to controls (p<0.01 to p<0.001); however, these parameters in groups treated with dexamethasone and two higher concentrations of C. longa were significantly decreased compared to group S (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Tracheal responsiveness to methacholine was decreased from 50 to 400% due to the extract treatment. All concentrations of C. longa significantly decreased interstitial fibrosis compared to group S (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Treatment with the extract resulted to improvement of pathological changes from 20 to 70%. These results showed a preventive effect for C. longa extract on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological insults in sensitized rats which were similar or even more than those of dexamethasone at used concentrations.

Nanocurcumin ameliorates Staphylococcus aureus-induced mastitis in mouse by suppressing NF‑κB signaling and inflammation

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary glands caused by bacteria. It causes severe economic loss to dairy industry. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from turmeric, has considerable anti-inflammatory effect. Since it is rapidly eliminated from the body, its oral bioavailability is low. However, nanoformulation of curcumin significantly enhances its therapeutic efficiency by improving its oral bioavailability. We evaluated whether nanocurcumin could be more effective than normal curcumin against bovine Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in mouse model. Curcumin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (CUR-NP) were prepared by solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion method. The mouse model of mastitis was induced by inoculation of a field strain of S. aureus (bovine mastitis isolate) on the 9th day of parturition through the duct of the mammary gland. CUR-NP and curcumin were given orally for 7 days (day 2 to day 8 of parturition) prior to S. aureus inoculation. We determined the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the mRNA expression of NF‑κB. S. aureus infection increased the levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α, interleukin‑1β and myeloperoxidase in mammary tissues and C-reactive protein in serum. Both CUR-NP and curcumin significantly attenuated the levels of these cytokines. However, comparatively, the ameliorative efficiency of CUR-NP was better than normal curcumin. S. aureus infection-induced NF‑κB mRNA expression was significantly reduced to the healthy control level by CUR-NP. Our study demonstrates that the nanoformulation of curcumin can reduce pro-inflammatory mediators in S. aureus-infected mammary tissues by improving NF‑κB signaling. Besides, compared to normal curcumin, this nanoformulation appears to be a better alternative against murine mastitis.

Immunomodulators Inspired by Nature: A Review on Curcumin and Echinacea

The immune system is an efficient integrated network of cellular elements and chemicals developed to preserve the integrity of the organism against external insults and its correct functioning and balance are essential to avoid the occurrence of a great variety of disorders. To date, evidence from literature highlights an increase in immunological diseases and a great attention has been focused on the development of molecules able to modulate the immune response. There is an enormous global demand for new effective therapies and researchers are investigating new fields. One promising strategy is the use of herbal medicines as integrative, complementary and preventive therapy. The active components in medical plants have always been an important source of clinical therapeutics and the study of their molecular pharmacology is an enormous challenge since they offer a great chemical diversity with often multi-pharmacological activity. In this review, we mainly analysed the immunomodulatory/antinflammatory activity of Echinacea spp. and Curcuma longa, focusing on some issues of the phytochemical research and on new possible strategies to obtain novel agents to supplement the present therapies.

Curcumin affects tracheal responsiveness and lung pathology in asthmatic rats

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has shown various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the effects of curcumin on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological features were evaluated in a rat model of asthma.

METHODS

Tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological features were evaluated in control rats (C), ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats (as an animal model of asthma; A), A rats treated with curcumin (Cu, 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 mg/ml) and dexamethasone (D, 1.25 μg/ml), (n = 8 in curcumin-treated groups and n = 6 in other groups). Curcumin and dexamethasone were added to animals' drinking water during the sensitization period.

RESULTS

Asthmatic group showed increased lung pathological score and tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and OVA compared to control group (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Pathological features including interstitial inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, bleeding, and emphysema as well as tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and OVA, were significantly decreased in treated groups with dexamethasone and all concentrations of curcumin compared to group A (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Epithelial damage was also significantly decreased in treated groups with the two higher concentrations of curcumin (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Curcumin showed preventive effects on tracheal responsiveness and lung pathological features in asthmatic rats.

Efficacy of thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate hydrogel loaded with β-cyclodextrin-curcumin for the treatment of cutaneous wound infection in rats

Wound infection has been a persistent problem that is common and costly. Thermosensitive hydrogel has been demonstrated to be a suitable dressing candidate due to its high moldability, easy administration and ability to maintain a moist topical environment at the wound bed. In the present study, a novel thermosensitive hydrogel was successfully prepared and characterized to have a porous inner structure and a sustained curcumin-releasing profile. The wound healing ability of the hydrogel was investigated in a wound infection model in rats. On analysis, it was observed that the hydrogel complex-dressed wounds exhibited a faster wound closure rate compared with gauze-covered wounds, which was paralleled with improved histological outcomes that were observed. Additionally, the results of in vitro antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, western blot analysis and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays indicated that the hydrogel complex had distinct anti-oxidative, antimicrobial and anti-nuclear factor-κB-signaling capacities. These results suggest that this novel hydrogel may be a suitable candidate for facilitating the healing of infected cutaneous wounds in rats.

The Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Curcumin in Middle Ear Infection

AIM

To investigate and analyze the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy of curcumin in experimentally induced middle ear infection.

METHOD

Twenty-four Wistar albino rats with otomicroscopic examination findings within normal limits were included in the study. Study groups were established after Streptococcus pneumoniae was inoculated into the middle ear cavity of all rats. No medication was administered to Group 1, the control group. Group 2 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin intraperitoneally. Group 3 was administered 50 mg/kg/day amoxicillin together with 30 mg/kg/day curcumin intraperitoneally. Blood specimens and temporal bones were collected on the 10th day of medication from the 22 rats in which acute otitis media developed. Serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities and malondialdehyde levels were measured. Inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular proliferation, and epithelial proliferation were assessed histopathologically in middle ear mucosa specimens, and the results were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Malondialdehyde levels in the group given curcumin were significantly lower than those of the control group, while serum glutathione peroxidase activity was also lower compared to that of the control group. No significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of superoxide dismutase activity. Although there were no significant findings in terms of histopathological data, epithelial proliferation in the groups receiving antibiotherapy was suppressed compared to the control group. Similarly, curcumin was observed to have a positive effect on inflammatory cell infiltration. No significant changes were observed in terms of vascular proliferation.

CONCLUSION

With its wide and safe dose range, curcumin represents grounds for optimism in terms of anti-inflammatory treatment in acute otitis media.

Curcumin use in pulmonary diseases: State of the art and future perspectives

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a yellow pigment present in the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa). It has been used for centuries in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) for the treatment of several diseases. Over the last several decades, the therapeutic properties of curcumin have slowly been elucidated. It has been shown that curcumin has pleiotropic effects, regulating transcription factors (e.g., NF-kB), cytokines (e.g., IL6, TNF-alpha), adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1), and enzymes (e.g., MMPs) that play a major role in inflammation and cancerogenesis. These effects may be relevant for several pulmonary diseases that are characterized by abnormal inflammatory responses, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, and acute lung injury. Furthermore, some preliminary evidence suggests that curcumin may have a role in the treatment of lung cancer. The evidence for the use of curcumin in pulmonary disease is still sparse and has mostly been obtained using either in vitro or animal models. The most important issue with the use of curcumin in humans is its poor bioavailability, which makes it necessary to use adjuvants or curcumin nanoparticles or liposomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the available evidence on curcumin's effectiveness in pulmonary diseases, including lung cancer, and to provide our perspective on future research with curcumin so as to improve its pharmacological effects, as well as provide additional evidence of curcumin's efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.

Antibacterial Action of Curcumin against Staphylococcus aureus: A Brief Review

Curcumin, the major constituent of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae family) or turmeric, commonly used for cooking in Asian cuisine, is known to possess a broad range of pharmacological properties at relatively nontoxic doses. Curcumin is found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). As demonstrated by in vitro experiment, curcumin exerts even more potent effects when used in combination with various other antibacterial agents. Hence, curcumin which is a natural product derived from plant is believed to have profound medicinal benefits and could be potentially developed into a naturally derived antibiotic in the future. However, there are several noteworthy challenges in the development of curcumin as a medicine. S. aureus infections, particularly those caused by the multidrug-resistant strains, have emerged as a global health issue and urgent action is needed. This review focuses on the antibacterial activities of curcumin against both methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). We also attempt to highlight the potential challenges in the effort of developing curcumin into a therapeutic antibacterial agent.

Protective Effect of Curcumin on Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli–Induced Lung Injury in Rats

Curcumin has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of curcumin on a rat model of carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli–induced acute lung injury (ALI). Thirty-two rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups to induce an ALI: negative control group (rats not infected with E coli with no antibiotic treatment), positive control group (rats infected with E coli with no antibiotic treatment), imipenem group (rats infected with E coli that received intraperitoneal injection of imipenem), and the imipenem+curcumin group (rats infected with E coli that received intraperitoneal injection of imipenem and were fed on curcumin).The rats were killed, and lung tissues samples were harvested for biochemical analyses and histopathologic examination. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 (IL6) were measured. TOS increased in the positive control group (P &lt; 0.001) and decreased in the imipenem and imipenem+curcumin groups (P &lt; 0.001 and P &lt; 0.001, respectively). TAS decreased in the positive control group (P = 0.005). Imipenem treatment did not increase TAS, but the imipenem+curcumin group increased TAS (P = 0.014). TNFα and IL6 increased in the positive control group compared with the negative control group (P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). Imipenem decreased TNFα (P &lt; 0.001), but did not decrease IL6 (P = 0.418). Imipenem+curcumin decreased TNFα (P &lt; 0.001); this decrease was more pronounced compared with the imipenem group (P = 0.008). IL6 decreased in the curcumin group compared with the positive control group (P = 0.011). Curcumin combined with imipenem can be an alternative therapeutic agent to overcome the resistance of E coli strains.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure differently affects allergic asthma exacerbations and its amelioration by intranasal curcumin in mice

AIM

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is ubiquitous in the environment and can therefore, exacerbate allergic responses. Studies have suggested immunoregulatory effects of LPS according to route, dose and stage of exposure. Present study has examined whether dose and stage of LPS exposure (during sensitization and challenge with OVA) exacerbates airway inflammations, antigen specific-IgE level, histamine release, Th1/Th2 cytokine response. Further, anti-asthmatic potential of curcumin, through intranasal route has been evaluated for the first time in LPS induced airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged mouse asthma model.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were first sensitized with OVA on 1st and 8th day and exposed to two LPS doses (0.1/1.0 μg) separately on 2nd day and then further exposed to LPS with OVA-aerosol (from 9 to 14 day). Further, lower LPS dose (0.1 μg) was chosen for OVA exposed mouse model of asthma exacerbation study. Intranasal curcumin was administered from 9th to 14th day before every LPS exposure.

RESULTS

Exposure to LPS (0.1 μg) exacerbates airway inflammations in terms of IgE level, Th2-cytokine response (IL-4 and IL-5), histamine release, EPO and MPO activities and oxidative stress. Intranasal curcumin has effectively ameliorated airway exacerbations whereas dexamethasone, a known glucocorticosteroid, was not promising as compared to intranasal curcumin.

CONCLUSION

Schedule and dose of LPS exposure determines asthma exacerbations and intranasal curcumin could be better immunomodulatory agent in LPS exposed asthma exacerbations.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of semi-conservative mono-carbonyl analogs of curcumin as anti-inflammatory agents against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI), one of a few severe diseases with high mortality, cannot be tackled by any effective therapies so far.

Potential effects of medicinal plants and secondary metabolites on acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening syndrome that causes high morbidity and mortality worldwide. ALI is characterized by increased permeability of the alveolar-capillary membrane, edema, uncontrolled neutrophils migration to the lung, and diffuse alveolar damage, leading to acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Although corticosteroids remain the mainstay of ALI treatment, they cause significant side effects. Agents of natural origin, such as medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites, mainly those with very few side effects, could be excellent alternatives for ALI treatment. Several studies, including our own, have demonstrated that plant extracts and/or secondary metabolites isolated from them reduce most ALI phenotypes in experimental animal models, including neutrophil recruitment to the lung, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, edema, and vascular permeability. In this review, we summarized these studies and described the anti-inflammatory activity of various plant extracts, such as Ginkgo biloba and Punica granatum, and such secondary metabolites as epigallocatechin-3-gallate and ellagic acid. In addition, we highlight the medical potential of these extracts and plant-derived compounds for treating of ALI.

Curcumin: an orally bioavailable blocker of TNF and other pro-inflammatory biomarkers

TNFs are major mediators of inflammation and inflammation-related diseases, hence, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of blockers of the cytokine, TNF-α, for the treatment of osteoarthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis and ankylosis. These drugs include the chimeric TNF antibody (infliximab), humanized TNF-α antibody (Humira) and soluble TNF receptor-II (Enbrel) and are associated with a total cumulative market value of more than $20 billion a year. As well as being expensive ($15 000-20 000 per person per year), these drugs have to be injected and have enough adverse effects to be given a black label warning by the FDA. In the current report, we describe an alternative, curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a component of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that is very inexpensive, orally bioavailable and highly safe in humans, yet can block TNF-α action and production in in vitro models, in animal models and in humans. In addition, we provide evidence for curcumin's activities against all of the diseases for which TNF blockers are currently being used. Mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits the production and the cell signalling pathways activated by this cytokine are also discussed. With health-care costs and safety being major issues today, this golden spice may help provide the solution.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Emerging Therapeutic Aspects in Oncology. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2013.169.issue-8.

The effect of curcumin on sepsis-induced acute lung injury in a rat model through the inhibition of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway

Curcumin has the potential to treat inflammatory diseases. This study investigated its effect on sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in a rat model. 125 healthy rats were randomly divided into five groups, including normal group, sham-operated group, sepsis group, dimethyl sulfoxide group, and curcumin-treated group (25 rats in each subgroup). Sepsis-induced acute lung injury was affected by cecal ligation and puncture surgery. At 0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after treatment, the lungs were harvested for histological and protein expression examinations. 24h after the initial treatment, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD3-dependent signaling pathway was significantly decreased in the curcumin-treated group than other control groups (P<0.05). Therefore, curcumin played a protective role in sepsis-induced ALI, possibly through the inhibition of the expression of TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway which may provide a new strategy for the treatment of sepsis-induced ALI.

Curcumin modulates the inflammatory response and inhibits subsequent fibrosis in a mouse model of viral-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by diffuse alveolar damage usually secondary to an intense host inflammatory response of the lung to a pulmonary or extrapulmonary infectious or non-infectious insult often leading to the development of intra-alveolar and interstitial fibrosis. Curcumin, the principal curcumoid of the popular Indian spice turmeric, has been demonstrated as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in a broad spectrum of diseases. Using our well-established model of reovirus 1/L-induced acute viral pneumonia, which displays many of the characteristics of the human ALI/ARDS, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of curcumin. Female CBA/J mice were treated with curcumin (50 mg/kg) 5 days prior to intranasal inoculation with 10(7)pfu reovirus 1/L and daily, thereafter. Mice were evaluated for key features associated with ALI/ARDS. Administration of curcumin significantly modulated inflammation and fibrosis, as revealed by histological and biochemical analysis. The expression of IL-6, IL-10, IFNγ, and MCP-1, key chemokines/cytokines implicated in the development of ALI/ARDS, from both the inflammatory infiltrate and whole lung tissue were modulated by curcumin potentially through a reduction in the phosphorylated form of NFκB p65. While the expression of TGFß1 was not modulated by curcumin, TGFß Receptor II, which is required for TGFß signaling, was significantly reduced. In addition, curcumin also significantly inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and Tenascin-C, key markers of myofibroblast activation. This data strongly supports a role for curcumin in modulating the pathogenesis of viral-induced ALI/ARDS in a pre-clinical model potentially manifested through the alteration of inflammation and myofibroblast differentiation.

Epithelial proinflammatory response and curcumin-mediated protection from staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome toxin-1

Staphylococcus aureus initiates infections and produces virulence factors, including superantigens (SAgs), at mucosal surfaces. The SAg, Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1 (TSST-1) induces cytokine secretion from epithelial cells, antigen presenting cells (APCs) and T lymphocytes, and causes toxic shock syndrome (TSS). This study investigated the mechanism of TSST-1-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from human vaginal epithelial cells (HVECs) and determined if curcumin, an anti-inflammatory agent, could reduce TSST-1-mediated pathology in a rabbit vaginal model of TSS. TSST-1 caused a significant increase in NF-κB-dependent transcription in HVECs that was associated with increased expression of TNF- α, MIP-3α, IL-6 and IL-8. Curcumin, an antagonist of NF-κB-dependent transcription, inhibited IL-8 production from ex vivo porcine vaginal explants at nontoxic doses. In a rabbit model of TSS, co-administration of curcumin with TSST-1 intravaginally reduced lethality by 60% relative to 100% lethality in rabbits receiving TSST-1 alone. In addition, TNF-α was undetectable from serum or vaginal tissue of curcumin treated rabbits that survived. These data suggest that the inflammatory response induced at the mucosal surface by TSST-1 is NF-κB dependent. In addition, the ability of curcumin to prevent TSS in vivo by co-administration with TSST-1 intravaginally suggests that the vaginal mucosal proinflammatory response to TSST-1 is important in the progression of mTSS.

Protective mechanism of curcumin against Vibrio vulnificus infection

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic flavonoid extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., has many beneficial biological activities. However, there are relatively few reports of the effects of curcumin on pathogen infections. This study examined the effect of curcumin on a Vibrio vulnificus infection. The cytotoxicity of V. vulnificus to HeLa cells was significantly inhibited by curcumin (at 10 or 30 μM). To further examine the inhibitory mechanism of curcumin against V. vulnificus-mediated cytotoxicity, the level of bacterial growth, bacterial motility, cell adhesion, RTX toxin expression and host cell reactions were evaluated. Curcumin inhibited V. vulnificus growth in HI broth. Curcumin inhibited both bacterial adhesion and RTX toxin binding to the host cells, which can be considered the major protective mechanisms for the decrease in V. vulnificus cytotoxicity. Curcumin also inhibited host cell rounding and actin aggregation, which are the early features of cell death caused by V. vulnificus. In addition, curcumin decreased the V. vulnificus-induced NF-κB translocation in HeLa cells. Finally, curcumin protected mice from V. vulnificus-induced septicemia. In conclusion, curcumin may be an alternative antimicrobial agent against fatal bacterial infections.