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Hajimirzaei P, Eyni H, Razmgir M, Abolfazli S, Pirzadeh S, Ahmadi Tabatabaei FS, Vasigh A, Yazdanian N, Ramezani F, Janzadeh A, Butler AE, Sahebkar A. The analgesic effect of curcumin and nano-curcumin in clinical and preclinical studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03369-0. [PMID: 39186190 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain remains a treatment challenge. Curcumin, a natural plant product found in the Curcuma genus, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin and nano-curcumin for treating chronic pain in clinical and preclinical studies. A systematic search was performed through PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane, and Google Scholar up to April 1, 2023, using relevant keywords. Trials that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. We applied the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) in random or fixed-effects models to analyze the impact of combined trials. We also evaluated the potential risk of bias using the Higgins method for clinical studies and the SYRCLE Risk of Bias tool for animal studies. Our meta-analysis included 59 studies, comprising 29 animal studies and 30 clinical studies. Curcumin strongly reduced pain in preclinical studies, and both the intraperitoneal (SMD = 1.48; 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.14; p < 0.001, and I2 = 77.9%) and oral (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.55; p < 0.001, and I2 = 0.0%) administration method of curcumin had pain-relieving effects. However, the subcutaneous method (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI, - 0.89 to 1.38; p = 0.67) had no effect. The drug's efficacy within the 100-250 mg range (SMD = 1.46; 95% CI, 0.76 to 2.15; p < 0.001; and I2 = 73.4%) surpassed that observed above 250 mg (SMD = 1.23; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.57; p < 0.001; and I2 = 0.0%). In clinical studies, nano-curcumin had a powerful effect on pain reduction compared to placebo (MD = - 1.197; CI 95% (- 1.94 to - 0.45); p = 0.002; and I2 = 80.9%), and the effects of NSAIDs on pain were not significantly altered when used in combination with Curcuma longa extract (MD = - 0.23; CI 95% (- 0.99 to 0.53); p = 0.554; and I2 = 92%). In addition, the effect of increased bioavailability of curcumin (MD = - 1.54; CI 95% (- 2.06 to - 1.02); p < 0.001; and I2 = 89.6%), curcumin (MD = - 1.35; CI 95% (- 2.451 to - 0.252); p = 0.016; and I2 = 90.8%), and nano-curcumin was greater than placebo. Our meta-analysis suggests that curcumin and nano-curcumin are effective in reducing chronic pain. These findings have important implications for pharmaceutical science and may lead to the development of new treatments for chronic pain. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Hajimirzaei
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Eyni
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Razmgir
- Department of Medical Library and Information, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sajad Abolfazli
- Student Research Committee, School of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Simin Pirzadeh
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ayda Vasigh
- International Campus of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nafiseh Yazdanian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Atousa Janzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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2
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Li J, Sun Y, Li G, Cheng C, Sui X, Wu Q. The Extraction, Determination, and Bioactivity of Curcumenol: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules 2024; 29:656. [PMID: 38338400 PMCID: PMC10856406 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Curcuma wenyujin is a member of the Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary, Zingiberaceae) family, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its abundant biologically active constituents. Curcumenol, a component of Curcuma wenyujin, has several biological activities. At present, despite different pharmacological activities being reported, the clinical usage of curcumenol remains under investigation. To further determine the characteristics of curcumenol, the extraction, determination, and bioactivity of the compound are summarized in this review. Existing research has reported that curcumenol exerts different pharmacological effects in regard to a variety of diseases, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bactericidal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activity, and also ameliorates osteoporosis. This review of curcumenol provides a theoretical basis for further research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China
| | - Yitian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Guohua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Chunsong Cheng
- Lushan Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jiujiang 332900, China
| | - Xinbing Sui
- College of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Qibiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Faculty of Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau 999078, China; (J.L.)
- Zhuhai M.U.S.T. Science and Technology Research Institute, Zhuhai 519031, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangzhou 510006, China
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3
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Kong Y, Shi W, Zheng L, Zhang D, Jiang X, Liu B, Xue W, Kuss M, Li Y, Sorgen PL, Duan B. In situ delivery of a curcumin-loaded dynamic hydrogel for the treatment of chronic peripheral neuropathy. J Control Release 2023; 357:319-332. [PMID: 37028453 PMCID: PMC10164707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Patients with peripheral nerve injuries would highly likely suffer from chronic neuropathic pain even after surgical intervention. The primary reasons for this involve sustained neuroinflammatory and dysfunctional changes in the nervous system after the nerve injury. We previously reported an injectable boronic ester-based hydrogel with inherent antioxidative and nerve protective properties. Herein, we first explored the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of Curcumin on primary sensory neurons and activated macrophages in vitro. Next, we incorporated thiolated Curcumin-Pluronic F-127 micelles (Cur-M) into our boronic ester-based hydrogel to develop an injectable hydrogel that serves as sustained curcumin release system (Gel-Cur-M). By orthotopically injecting the Gel-Cur-M to sciatic nerves of mice with chronic constriction injuries, we found that the bioactive components could remain on the nerves for at least 21 days. In addition, the Gel-Cur-M exhibited superior functions compared to Gel and Cur-M alone, which includes ameliorating hyperalgesia while simultaneously improving locomotor and muscular functions after the nerve injury. This could stem from in situ anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and nerve protection. Furthermore, the Gel-Cur-M also showed extended beneficial effects for preventing the overexpression of TRPV1 as well as microglial activation in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion and spinal cord, respectively, which also contributed to its analgesic effects. The underlying mechanism may involve the suppression of CC chemokine ligand-2 and colony-stimulating factor-1 in the injured sensory neurons. Overall, this study suggests that orthotopic injection of the Gel-Cur-M is a promising therapeutic strategy that especially benefits patients with peripheral neuropathy who require surgical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfan Kong
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wen Shi
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Li Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Dongze Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiping Jiang
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Bo Liu
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wen Xue
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mitchell Kuss
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yulong Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Paul L Sorgen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA.
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Hirano-Kusuda M, Setoguchi S, Koga M, Goto S, Yamada A, Watase D, Nagata-Akaho N, Karube Y, Matsunaga K, Takata J. Cationic Ester Prodrugs of Curcumin with N,N-dimethyl Amino Acid Promoieties Improved Poor Water Solubility and Intestinal Absorption. Pharm Res 2023; 40:1299-1310. [PMID: 37081301 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03500-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although curcumin (Cur) has powerful pharmacological effects, its use in medicine has not been established yet. The oral bioavailability (BA) of Cur is limited because of its poor water solubility. The purpose of this study was to confirm whether cationic N,N-dimethyl amino acid esters of Cur could act as prodrugs and improve its water solubility and oral bioavailability. METHODS Two N,N-dimethyl amino acid esters of Cur were synthesized. The hydrolysis profile of the esters was evaluated using rat and human microsomes. A pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of the Cur ester derivatives was performed in rats and compared to the administration of suspended or dissolved Cur formulation. The anti-inflammatory effects of the Cur derivatives were evaluated using macrophage RAW 264.7 stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. RESULTS Cur ester derivatives showed > 200 mM water solubility. The derivatives were reconverted to the parent compound (Cur) after cleavage of the ester bonds by microsomal esterase, indicating that the compounds could act as Cur prodrugs. The Cur prodrugs enhanced the absolute oral bioavailability of Cur by a 9- and threefold increase of suspended and dissolved Cur administration, respectively, thereby improving intestinal absorption. Cur prodrugs strongly attenuated COX2, iNOS, and ERK phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS The cationic N,N-dimethyl amino acid ester prodrugs of Cur improved the water solubility of Cur and enhanced oral bioavailability in rats. These Cur prodrugs may be good candidates for developing medicinal options previously unavailable due to the poor water solubility and oral BA of Cur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Hirano-Kusuda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shuichi Setoguchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Mitsuhisa Koga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shotaro Goto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Ayano Yamada
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Daisuke Watase
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Nami Nagata-Akaho
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Karube
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Matsunaga
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Jiro Takata
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fukuoka University, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
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Jongjitphisut N, Thitikornpong W, Wichitnithad W, Thanusuwannasak T, Vajragupta O, Rojsitthisak P. A Stability-Indicating Assay for Tetrahydrocurcumin-Diglutaric Acid and Its Applications to Evaluate Bioaccessibility in an In Vitro Digestive Model. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041678. [PMID: 36838664 PMCID: PMC9966976 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A simple and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) method was developed and validated for determination of tetrahydrocurcumin diglutaric acid (TDG) and applied for evaluation of its bioaccessibility. The analytical method was validated to demonstrate as a stability-indicating assay (SIA) according to the ICH Q2(R1) guidelines under various force degradation conditions including thermal degradation, moisture, acid and base hydrolysis, oxidation, and photolysis. The developed chromatographic condition could completely separate all degradants from the analyte of interest. The method linearity was verified in the range of 0.4-12 μg/mL with the coefficient of determination (r2) > 0.995. The accuracy and precision of the method provided %recovery in the range of 98.9-104.2% and %RSD lower than 4.97%, respectively. The limit of detection and quantitation were found to be 0.25 μg/mL and 0.40 μg/mL, respectively. This method has been successfully applied for the bioaccessibility assessment of TDG with the bioaccessibility of TDG approximately four fold greater than THC in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. The validated SIA method can also benefit the quality control of TDG raw materials in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nattapong Jongjitphisut
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Worathat Thitikornpong
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +66-2-218-8315; Fax: +66-2-254-5195
| | - Wisut Wichitnithad
- Department of Analytical and Clinical Development, Pharma Nueva Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Thanundorn Thanusuwannasak
- CU Drug and Health Products Innovation Promotion Center, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Opa Vajragupta
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Molecular Probes for Imaging Research Network, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Foudah AI, Alqarni MH, Devi S, Singh A, Alam A, Alam P, Singh S. Analgesic Action of Catechin on Chronic Constriction Injury–Induced Neuropathic Pain in Sprague–Dawley Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:895079. [PMID: 36034867 PMCID: PMC9403238 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.895079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuropathy is a common and debilitating problem that poses a significant challenge to health care worldwide. Natural compounds have received considerable attention as potential sources of new drugs for the treatment of neuropsychiatric pain. Catechin is a well-known novel flavonoid with several therapeutic properties, notably in neurodegenerative diseases. The current study is designed to investigate the role of catechin in neuroprotective activity in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Apparently, healthy adult male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 160–190 g (8 weeks old) were selected and grouped into the following: sham (distilled water), CCI group (CCI), standard [CCI + pregabalin (10 mg/kg, p.o.)], and test catechin [CCI + catechin (50 and 100 μg/kg p.o.)] for 28 days. Behavioral, thermal, and mechanical changes were evaluated. The results showed that mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were reduced in the catechin-treated group when compared with the CCI group. In addition, the relationship between the analgesic effect of catechin and the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β was established. The results showed that catechin reversed the signs of neuropathic pain. It also decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-β in the rat brain. Therefore, the results suggested that catechin has promising potential in the treatment and management of neuropathic pain by decreasing the levels of NF-κβ–regulated inflammatory cytokines in the chronic constriction injury model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed I. Foudah
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H. Alqarni
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sushma Devi
- Guru Nanak Institute, Hema Majra Road, Mullana, Ambala, India
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Prin, K. M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Rambhau Salgaonkar Marg, Cuffe Parade, Mumbai, India
| | - Aftab Alam
- College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- *Correspondence: Aftab Alam, ,
| | - Pravej Alam
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sima Singh
- IES Institute of Pharmacy, IES University Campus, Kalkheda, Ratibad Main Road, Bhopal, India
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Yang L, Ren Z, Liu Z, Peng Z, Song P, Zhou J, Wang L, Chen J, Dong Q. Curcumin slow-release membrane promotes erectile function and penile rehabilitation in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2022; 16:836-849. [PMID: 35716353 DOI: 10.1002/term.3334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Male erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by cavernous nerve injury is a common complication of pelvic surgery, radiotherapy, transurethral surgery or other operations. However, clinical treatment for iatrogenic or traumatic male ED is difficult and not satisfactory. Many studies have shown that curcumin can promote the repair and regeneration of peripheral nerves; however, whether curcumin can rescue cavernous nerve injury is unknown, and the poor bioavailability of curcumin limits its application in vivo. Hence, the study was conducted. A curved slow-release membrane was produced, and the properties were examined. In addition, the effects of the curcumin slow-release membrane on cavernous nerve-injured SD rats were studied. We found that polylactic acid-glycolic acid-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) can be used as a good carrier material for curcumin, and curcumin-loaded PLGA-PEG membranes can effectively rescue the cavernous nerve in SD rats, restore the continuity of the cavernous nerve, and increase the expression of nNOS mRNA and proteins in penile tissue, which can improve the penile erectile function of injured SD rats, reduce the degree of penile tissue fibrosis, and effectively promote penis rehabilitation. The curcumin slow-release membrane is proposed to be a new therapeutic approach for penile rehabilitation of cavernous nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luchen Yang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhengju Ren
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenghuan Liu
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhufeng Peng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Linchun Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junhao Chen
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Zhao L, Tao X, Song T. Astaxanthin alleviates neuropathic pain by inhibiting the MAPKs and NF-κB pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174575. [PMID: 34673033 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a complex condition that usually lasts a lifetime and has a major negative impact on life after injury. Improving pain management is an important and unmet need. Astaxanthin (AST) is a natural marine medicine with effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and neuroprotective effects. However, few mechanisms can explain the role of AST in the treatment of neuropathic pain. In the present study, we examined its potential to eliminate spinal nerve ligation (SNL) damage by inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 and the inflammatory response. The results of behavior tests indicated the promising role of AST in analgesic effect in SNL mice. AST decreased the neuronal and non-neuronal activation, the levels of the inflammatory signaling mediators (p-ERK1/2 p-p38 MAPK and NF-κB p65) and inflammatory cytokine expression (interleukin [IL]-1, IL-17, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]. These results suggest that AST is a promising candidate to reduce nociceptive hypersensitization after SNL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhao
- Department of Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital to China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Xueshu Tao
- Department of Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital to China Medical University, Shen Yang, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Pain, The First Affiliated Hospital to China Medical University, Shen Yang, China.
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Mechanistic Insight into the Effects of Curcumin on Neuroinflammation-Driven Chronic Pain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14080777. [PMID: 34451874 PMCID: PMC8397941 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a persistent and unremitting condition that has immense effects on patients' quality of life. Studies have shown that neuroinflammation is associated with the induction and progression of chronic pain. The activation of microglia and astrocytes is the major hallmark of spinal neuroinflammation leading to neuronal excitability in the projection neurons. Excessive activation of microglia and astrocytes is one of the major contributing factors to the exacerbation of pain. However, the current chronic pain treatments, mainly by targeting the neuronal cells, remain ineffective and unable to meet the patients' needs. Curcumin, a natural plant product found in the Curcuma genus, improves chronic pain by diminishing the release of inflammatory mediators from the spinal glia. This review details the role of curcumin in microglia and astrocytes both in vitro and in vivo and how it improves pain. We also describe the mechanism of curcumin by highlighting the major glia-mediated cascades in pain. Moreover, the role of curcumin on inflammasome and epigenetic regulation is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the strategies used to improve the efficacy of curcumin. This review illustrates that curcumin modulating microglia and astrocytes could assure the treatment of chronic pain by suppressing spinal neuroinflammation.
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10
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Effects of Curcumin and Its Different Formulations in Preclinical and Clinical Studies of Peripheral Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094666. [PMID: 33925121 PMCID: PMC8125634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lesion or disease of the somatosensory system leads to the development of neuropathic pain. Peripheral neuropathic pain encompasses damage or injury of the peripheral nervous system. On the other hand, 10–15% of individuals suffer from acute postoperative pain followed by persistent pain after undergoing surgeries. Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, baclofen, and clonidine are used to treat peripheral neuropathy, whereas opioids are used to treat postoperative pain. The negative effects associated with these drugs emphasize the search for alternative therapeutics with better efficacy and fewer side effects. Curcumin, a polyphenol isolated from the roots of Curcuma longa, possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the low bioavailability and fast metabolism of curcumin have led to the advent of various curcumin formulations. The present review provides a comprehensive analysis on the effects of curcumin and its formulations in preclinical and clinical studies of neuropathic and postoperative pain. Based on the positive outcomes from both preclinical and clinical studies, curcumin holds the promise of mitigating or preventing neuropathic and postoperative pain conditions. However, more clinical studies with improved curcumin formulations are required to involve its use as adjuvant to neuropathic and postoperative drugs.
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Limcharoen T, Muangnoi C, Dasuni Wasana PW, Hasriadi, Vajragupta O, Rojsitthisak P, Towiwat P. Improved antiallodynic, antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory response achieved through potential prodrug of curcumin, curcumin diethyl diglutarate in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 899:174008. [PMID: 33705800 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic pain condition, and its treatment remains a clinical challenge. Curcumin, a naturally occurring phenolic compound, possesses diverse biological and pharmacological effects but has not yet been approved as a drug due to its low bioavailability. In order to overcome this limitation, we synthesized a potential ester prodrug of curcumin, curcumin diethyl diglutarate (CurDDG). In this study, we evaluated the pharmacological advantages of CurDDG over curcumin in a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI), and the anti-inflammatory effect of CurDDG in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells was accessed to clarify the underline mechanism. Mice were treated with various oral doses of curcumin (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, daily for 14 days) or equimolar doses of CurDDG. CurDDG at all doses tested significantly attenuated CCI-induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia compared with the CCI-control group. CurDDG at 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg demonstrated significantly greater efficacy on both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities compared to that of curcumin. The effect of CurDDG correlated well with the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in both the sciatic nerve and the spinal cord, as compared to its respective control groups. Similarly, in the in vitro study, CurDDG significantly reduced the LPS-induced expression of TNF-α and IL-6. Moreover, CurDDG significantly decreased COX-2 and iNOS levels and attenuated p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation as compared to the curcumin-treated cells. Altogether, this study demonstrated the improved pharmacological effects of curcumin by its diglutarate conjugate, CurDDG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanchanok Limcharoen
- Inter-Department Program of Pharmacology, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chawanphat Muangnoi
- Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Peththa Wadu Dasuni Wasana
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Hasriadi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology Program, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Opa Vajragupta
- Research Affairs, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pornchai Rojsitthisak
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pasarapa Towiwat
- Natural Products for Ageing and Chronic Diseases Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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