Nanoencapsulated Curcumin: Enhanced Efficacy in Reversing Memory Loss in An Alzheimer Disease Model

Investigating new drugs or formulations that target Alzheimer disease (AD) is critical for advancing therapeutic interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nanoencapsulated curcumin (NC Curc) in alleviating memory impairment, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in a validated AD model. Male Wistar rats were given bilateral intracerebroventricular injections of either saline or streptozotocin (STZ) (3 mg/3 µL/site) to establish the AD model (day 0). On day 22, daily oral administrations of curcumin (6 mg/kg), NC Curc (6 mg/kg), or a vehicle (unloaded NC) were initiated and continued for 14 days. NC Curc significantly reversed memory deficits in object recognition and inhibitory avoidance tests induced by STZ. Both formulations of curcumin attenuated elevated acetylcholinesterase activity caused by STZ. Importantly, NC Curc alone effectively mitigated STZ-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, NC Curc treatment normalized GFAP levels, suggesting a potential reduction in neuroinflammation in STZ-treated rats. Our findings indicate that NC Curc improves memory in an AD rat model, highlighting its enhanced therapeutic effects compared to unencapsulated curcumin. This research significantly contributes to understanding the therapeutic and neurorestorative potential of NC Curc in AD, particularly in reversing pathophysiological changes.

The Importance of Skin Health Promotion for Children: Care with Makeup Use and Skin Cancer Prevention

BACKGROUND

Numerous pathogenic complications affect the skin and are preventable, such as skin cancer, microbial diseases, dermal irritations, and anaphylaxis. In this context, the correct use of skin products, including sunscreens and child makeup, is important for promoting skin health and preventing adverse health conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to use educational and playful activities to promote skin health for students.

METHODS

This project was development in a municipal elementary school (Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil). The interventions were divided into three moments. In the first day, a questionnaire was applied to find out the students' previous knowledge about photoprotection. On the second day, an intervention lecture was held addressing issues related to photoprotection and the use of makeup. Finally, we played educational and ludic games and after, the questionnaire was reapplied. This was done to evaluate these actions' effectiveness regarding photoprotection and record their habits by applying a structured questionnaire at the beginning and end of the activities.

RESULTS

Students received positively and interacted significantly during all activities performed. Regarding the impact of this study, we observed that ten times more students considered using sunscreen as something important at the end of the project, as only 8.16% of participants knew what skin cancer was at the beginning of the experiment. After the educational activities, this number rose to 72.37%, and 92.86% of girls reported wearing makeup, with more than half being expired or unlabeled and only 21.6% being appropriate for child use.

CONCLUSION

The measures demonstrated effectively improve students' level of information regarding skin cancer prevention and indicated that inappropriate habits concerning makeup use in childhood are quite common, demonstrating the importance of educational interventions for children, since can improve your health.

Surface-functionalized curcumin-loaded polymeric nanocapsules could block apomorphine-induced behavioral changes in rats

BACKGROUND

Surface functionalization enhances the properties and characteristics of polymeric nanocapsules (NCs) mainly due to the surface charge, surfactants, and polymer coating type. Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive compound with several proven pharmacological properties and low bioavailability. This study aimed to develop anionic (poly-ɛ-caprolactone; PCL) and cationic (Eudragit^® RS100 (EUD)) NCs prepared with sorbitan monostearate (Span 60^®) or sorbitan monooleate (Span 80^®), coated with d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and optimized using 2³ factorial analysis. Subsequently, the biological activity was evaluated.

METHODS

A two-level, three-factor design (polymer, Span type, and TPGS concentration) was used. The biological effects of CUR-loaded TPGS-coated cationic and anionic NCs were assessed in apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior in rats.

RESULTS

The type of polymer (anionic or cationic) and Span^® had a factorial influence on the physical and chemical characteristics of NCs according to the changes in TPGS concentrations. Both cationic and anionic CUR-NCs could block apomorphine-induced behavioral changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The CUR-loaded TPGS-coated NCs proved to be a promising brain delivery system.