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β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD)—functionalized carbon quantum dots (CDs) loaded with curcumin (CCM) were used for ClO– sensing with high sensitivity and selectivity. This fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based sensor was created through attaching CCM to the CDs via β-CD linker. CCM could get into the interior of β-CD triggering the FRET from CDs to CCM, providing an 'off' state of the CDs. However, the effect of FRET was weakened by the ClO–, because the o-methoxyphenol structure from CCM was oxidized to be benzoquinone. The fluorescence intensity of CDs@β-CD@CCM at 440 nm can be heightened and 520 nm from CCM can decrease along with the increased ClO–. Therefore, a ratiometric fluorescence probe for ClO– sensing is successfully constructed. It conforms to a polynomial curve equation which is I440/I520 = −0.0268 + 0.0315 CClO–+ 0.0055[CClO–]2 (R 2 = 0.9958) between 0 and 18.4 μ M ClO–. Furthermore, we also obtain excellent results using this spectrophotometric method for ClO–-sensing in pure water and commercial disinfectants, which afford potential in the environment monitoring area. We expect this sensing platform could be helpful in other analogous probes in relevant fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel study on the water-splitting behavior of organic curcumin (C), based on its photoelectrochemical activity. The photodynamics and the kinetics, transfer mechanism, and generation of charges are evaluated for organic curcumin in 0.1 M NaOH electrolyte under visible irradiation. A charge-transfer resistance of 30.03 Ω and induced photocurrent density of 0.9 mA cm−2 are achieved from curcumin nanosheets. The metal-sandwich effect on the kinetics, transfer mechanism, current generation, and potentiodynamics of organic curcumin is explored with Au/C, C/Au, and Au/C/Au photoelectrodes. The Au/C/Au photoelectrodes exhibit extraordinary enhancements in the kinetics, transfer mechanism, current generation, and potentiodynamics, owing to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Au. The Au/C/Au photoelectrode exhibits the lowest charge-transfer resistance of 8.18 Ω and the highest photocurrent density of 3.5 mAcm−2, among the electrodes considered in this work. The obtained photocurrent density of Au/C/Au is 3.9 times higher than that of the pristine organic curcumin photoelectrode. Hence, organic curcumin can be utilized for photoelectrochemical water splitting, instead of the toxic chemicals used in the synthesis of photoelectrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A delivery system was developed according to maillard reaction using mung bean protein and maltodextrin for encapsulation and sustain release of curcumin. The ultrasound assisted (150 W, 80 °C, 10 min) and classic wet heating (80 °C, 60 min), were used to prepare conjugates at three different ratios of Mung bean protein isolate to maltodextrin. Degree of conjugation was measured using OPA method Uv-visible spectroscopy was used to estimate the final products of maillard reaction. Different amounts of curcumin (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 mg. mL-1 was loaded using ethanol and change in pH. Primary analysis showed that the optimized samples were obtained when 0. 4 mg. mL-1 of curcumin was encapsulated using pH change method. FTIR spectra confirmed the conjugation of the MPI and MD and showed the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions as well as hydrogen bonding are the main reasons of conjugates stability and curcumin encapsulation. The prepared curcumin containing conjugates under optimized method showed the higher DPPH radical scavenging activity. Our results showed that the release rate of encapsulated curcumin under simulated condition of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was controlled and lower than that which encapsulated in mung bean protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a red seaweed (Solieria robusta) containing ι‐carrageenan (Carr) was used for nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis using silver (Ag) ions. Initially, the ι‐Carr was extracted from S. robusta using the alkali method. The Carr extracted was fractionated into 3 fractions and > 14 kDa fraction showing high yield with maximum sulfate content characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) as ι‐Carr was used for AgNPs synthesis. The synthesized CarrAgNPs were again used for curcumin (Cur) encapsulation. The cytotoxicity of Carr, Cur, CarrAgNPs, and CurCarrAgNPs was evaluated using HeLa cell lines by MTT assay. The CarrAgNPs and CurCarrAgNPs were characterized using UV‐visible spectroscopy, as well as FT‐IR and XRD analysis. The UV‐visible spectrum confirms the CarrAgNPs showing characteristic SPR bands recorded between 344 and 490 nm with broad peak at 430 nm. The shape of the NPs is spherical, arranged in order of seven per chain. The XRD and FT‐IR characteristics confirm the orthorhombic crystal structure of these NPs. Remarkably, Cur‐loaded CarrAgNPs demonstrate potent anticancer properties by maximum reduction of HeLa cell viability after 24 h at 200 μg/mL in pH 7.4 in an MTT assay medium. A significant increase in the cancer cell viability was recorded at high concentrations of CurCarrAgNPs, confirming its less diffusion and dissolution properties and bioavailability due to lipophilic Cur encapsulation, whereas cytotoxicity was increased proportionately by increasing concentrations of Cur, Carr, and CarrAgNPs that confirm a direct relation with size, dissolution, and bioavailability recorded on the basis of cell death in 24 h of introduction at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity results suggest the potential of Cur, Carr, CarrAgNPs, and CurCarrAgNPs for drug delivery in selective biomedical product developments. This study highlights the versatility and effectiveness of CurCarrAgNPs in cancer therapy by enhancing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions and targeted drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current denture base resins lack adequate strength and antimicrobial properties, necessitating the exploration of alternative solutions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin incorporation on the physico-mechanical properties of heat-cured denture base resin, filling a gap in the literature regarding this correlation. Methods: Heat-cured denture base resin was supplemented with increasing concentrations of curcumin (CR). Groups were designated as CR-0 (0%), CR-0.05 (0.05%), CR-0.10 (0.10%), CR-0.50 (0.50%), and CR-1 (1%), based on the increasing concentrations of curcumin incorporated into the material. Physico-mechanical properties, including flexural strength, surface roughness, fracture toughness, impact strength, and color difference, were evaluated following the testing standards. Statistical analysis involved Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA followed by Dunn's test for multiple comparisons, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05 and Bonferroni's correction applied to p-values. Results: Flexural strength peaked at 153.80 MPa in the CR-0.10 group, while surface roughness was lowest at 0.14 micrometers in the CR-0.50 group. Fracture toughness reached its highest value at 1.80 kJ/m^2 in the CR-0.05 group, and impact strength was greatest at 6.52 Joules in the CR-0.05 group. Additionally, color difference was least pronounced in the CR-0.50 group. Flexural strength, surface roughness, fracture toughness, impact strength, and color difference varied significantly among the control group and different curcumin concentrations (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Incorporating curcumin into denture base resin alters both optical and mechanical properties. Further research is required to validate the findings and determine the optimal curcumin concentration without compromising the material efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractConsidering cellular uptake promotion of lecithin and high expression of phospholipase in S. aureus, we designed curcumin (Cur)-loaded soy lecithin-based mPEG-PVL copolymer micelles (MPPC). The effect of soy lecithin on the anti-S. aureus activity of the formulation was studied with cur-loaded mPEG-PVL micelles (MPC without soy lecithin) as control. It was found that MPPC enhanced the water-solubility of Cur, and showed slow and sustained release behavior of Cur. Although MPPC had the same anti-S. aureus activity as Cur, its activity was significantly higher than MPC due to the cellular uptake promotion of soybean lecithin. It was noted that MPPC had good inhibition or destruction effect on biofilm, significant cell membrane damage, strong inhibition effect on protease or lipase production, and obvious induction effect on ROS expression when compared with Cur and MPC. So, the introduction of soy lecithin could improve the antibacterial activity of Cur. The lecithin-based micelles would offer potential to deliver antibacterial drugs for improved therapeutic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often accompanies impairment of motor function, yet there is currently no highly effective treatment method specifically for this condition. Oxidative stress and inflammation are pivotal factors contributing to severe neurological deficits after SCI. In this study, a type of curcumin (Cur) nanoparticle (HA-CurNPs) was developed to address this challenge by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. Through non-covalent interactions, curcumin (Cur) and poly (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (pEGCG) are co-encapsulated within hyaluronic acid (HA), resulting in nanoparticles termed HA-CurNPs. These nanoparticles gradually release curcumin and pEGCG at the SCI site. The released pEGCG and curcumin not only scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and prevents apoptosis, thereby improving the neuronal microenvironment, but also regulate CD74 to promote microglial polarization toward an M2 phenotype, and inhibits M1 polarization, thereby suppressing the inflammatory response and fostering neuronal regeneration. Moreover, in vivo experiments on SCI mice demonstrate that HA-CurNPs effectively protect neuronal cells and myelin, reduce glial scar formation, thereby facilitating the repair of damaged spinal cord tissues, restoring electrical signaling at the injury site, and improving motor functions. Overall, this study demonstrates that HA-CurNPs significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammation following SCI, markedly improving motor function in SCI mice. This provides a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imaging biomarkers have changed the way we study Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, develop new therapeutics to treat the disease, and stratify patient populations in clinical trials. With respect to protein aggregates comprised of amyloid-b plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has become the gold standard imaging modality for quantitative visualization. Due to high infrastructural costs, the availability of PET remains limited to large urban areas within high income nations. This limits access to leading edge medical imaging, and potentially access to new treatments, by millions of rural and remote residents in those regions as well as billions of people in middle- and low-income countries. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) is a more widely available imaging alternative with lower infrastructural costs and decades of familiarity amongst nuclear medicine professionals. Recent technological advances have closed the gap in spatial resolution and quantitation between SPECT and PET. If effective SPECT radiotracers were available to visualize amyloid-b plaques, geographic barriers to imaging could be circumvented. In this review, we will discuss past efforts to develop SPECT radiotracers targeting amyloid-b plaques which incorporate the most used radionuclide in nuclear medicine: technetium-99m (99mTc; t1/2 = 6.01 h; g = 140 keV). While reviewing the various chemical scaffolds and chelates employed, the focus will be upon the impact to the pharmacological properties of putative 99mTc-based amyloid-targeting radiotracers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIt is aimed to determine the effects of naphthoquinones as juglone and curcumin application on cell viability and expression analyzes of CYP3A4 and MTATP6 genes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cell lines. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were incubated, were replaced with containing various concentrations of 5, 10, 15 μM curcumin and 5, 10, 15 μM juglone for MCF-7 and 1, 5, 10 μM curcumin and 1, 2, 3 μM juglone for MDA-MB-231 for 24 h. CYP3A4 and MTATP6 gene expression levels in both cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method and western blot method. IC50 values for 24 h were found as 22.41 μM for curcumin, and 16.27 μM for juglone in MCF-7, and 10.43 μM for curcumin, and 3.42 μM for juglone in MDA-MB-231 cells. Curcumin showed anti-proliferative, and antioxidant effects. CYP3A4 and MTATP6 gene expressions were decreased in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line when the cells treated with juglone or curcumin. CYP3A4 and MTATP6 gene expressions were decreased at all application doses of juglone in MDA-MB-231 cells whereas CYP3A4 and MTATP6 protein levels were only decreased at 10 μM curcumin compared with the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the effects of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin, as a final irrigant on the fracture resistance of irradiated root that obturated with an epoxy resin sealer. Methodology: Eighty mandibular premolars were randomly divided into non-irradiated (NIR) and irradiated (IR) groups. The teeth were irradiated at 2 Gy per fraction, 5 times a week for a total dose of 60 Gy over 6 weeks. All specimens were decoronated, remaining 13±1 mm root length. Two groups were subdivided into four groups (n = 10): 1) non-instrumented; the intact root served as control. The other roots were instrumented with a pro-taper NiTi rotary system. The final irrigation used was 17% EDTA, followed by three irrigation solution groups; 2) 2.5% NaOCl, 3) 0.02% EGCG, and 4) 0.1% curcumin. Root canals were filled with gutta-percha and AH plus. All specimens were embedded in self-curing acrylic resin and loaded vertically at 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. Also, sealer penetration was assessed by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The data were evaluated statistically using two-way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05). Results: In irradiated roots, fracture resistance of EGCG and curcumin groups did not differ from non-instrumented roots, but they were higher than the NaOCl group (P = 0.006). However, NaOCl, EGCG, and curcumin in irradiated roots had comparable strength that was higher than in the non-instrumented group (p<0.001). Difference between irradiated and non-irradiated roots was observed only for NaOCl and non-instrumented groups (P≤0.004). In irradiated roots, a higher sealer penetration was observed in EGCG and curcumin groups compared to NaOCl. Conclusion: EGCG and curcumin could be promising final irrigants to reverse the adverse effect of radiotherapy on the strength of irradiated roots obturated with AH Plus sealer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the widely used spice Curcuma longa, has shown anti-atherosclerotic effects in animal models and cultured vascular cells. Inflammation is a major contributor to atherosclerosis development and progression. We previously reported that the induction of the proinflammatory molecule TRAF3IP2 (TRAF3 Interacting Protein 2) or inhibition of the matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) regulator RECK (REversion Inducing Cysteine Rich Protein with Kazal Motifs) contributes to pro-oxidant, proinflammatory, pro-mitogenic and pro-migratory effects in response to external stimuli in vascular smooth muscle cells. Here we hypothesized that EF24, a curcumin analog with a better bioavailability and bioactivity profile, reverses interleukin (IL)-18-induced TRAF3IP2 induction, RECK suppression and the proinflammatory phenotype of primary human aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMC). The exposure of ASMC to functionally active recombinant human IL-18 (10 ng/mL) upregulated TRAF3IP2 mRNA and protein expression, but markedly suppressed RECK in a time-dependent manner. Further investigations revealed that IL-18 inhibited both miR-30a and miR-342 in a p38 MAPK- and JNK-dependent manner, and while miR-30a mimic blunted IL-18-induced TRAF3IP2 expression, miR-342 mimic restored RECK expression. Further, IL-18 induced ASMC migration, proliferation and proinflammatory phenotype switching, and these effects were attenuated by TRAF3IP2 silencing, and the forced expression of RECK or EF24. Together, these results suggest that the curcumin analog EF24, either alone or as an adjunctive therapy, has the potential to delay the development and progression of atherosclerosis and other vascular inflammatory and proliferative diseases by differentially regulating TRAF3IP2 and RECK expression in ASMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most severe bone tumor in children. A chemotherapy regimen includes a combination of high-dose Methotrexate (MTX), doxorubicin, and cisplatin. These drugs cause acute and chronic side effects, such as infections, thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, DNA damage, and inflammation. Therefore, to identify new therapeutic strategies, effective and with a safety profile, is necessary. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway involved in tumorigenesis is active in OS. Hh components Patched receptor 1 (PTCH1), Smoothened (SMO), and glioma-associated oncogene homolog transcription factors (GLI1 and GLI2) are overexpressed in OS cell lines and patient samples. Curcumin (CUR)—with antioxidant and anti-cancer properties—downregulates Hh components in cancer, inhibiting progression. This study investigates CUR effects on the MG-63 OS cell line, alone and combined with MTX, to propose a novel therapeutic approach. Our study suggests CUR as a novel therapeutic agent in OS, particularly when combined with MTX. Targeting the Hh signaling pathway, CUR and MTX showed significant pro-apoptotic effects, increasing the BAX/Bcl-2 ratio and total apoptotic cell percentage. They reduced the expression of Hh pathway components (PTCH1, SMO, GLI1, and GLI2), inhibiting OS cell proliferation, survival, and invasion. CUR and MTX combined determined a β-Catenin decrease and a trend toward reducing NF-kB and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Our findings suggest CUR as a support to OS treatment, improving outcomes and reducing the adverse effects of current therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glioblastoma, a fatal brain cancer with limited treatments and poor prognosis, could benefit from targeting the L-type amino acid transporter I (LAT1). LAT1 is essential for cancer cells to acquire necessary amino acids. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a key curcumin derivative, shows potential for glioblastoma treatment. However, its effectiveness is hindered by poor physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Therefore, this study aims to improve the therapeutic efficacy of THC against glioblastoma by chemically modifying it to target LAT1. A novel series of THC-amino acid conjugates were synthesized by conjugating five amino acids: glycine, leucine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine to THC via carbamate bonds. The therapeutic efficacy of THC-amino acid conjugates was further examined in C6 glioma cells, including the role of LAT1 in their therapeutic effects. Among the conjugates tested, THC conjugated with two phenylalanines (THC-di-Phe) showed remarkably higher cytotoxicity against C6 glioma cells (35.8 μM) compared to THC alone (110.7 μM). THC-di-Phe induced cellular death via necrosis and apoptosis, outperforming THC. Additionally, THC-di-Phe inhibited C6 cell proliferation and migration more effectively than THC. Co-incubation of THC-di-Phe with the LAT1 inhibitor 2-Aminobicyclo-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) further increased cellular death. THC-di-Phe also significantly inhibited the P70SK/S6 pathway, regulated by LAT1 inhibitors, more effectively than THC and displayed a similar binding mode with both JX-075 and BCH to the active site of LAT1. Findings suggest the potential role of THC-di-Phe as a LAT1 inhibitor and provide novel insight into its use as a potent antitumor agent in glioma with increased therapeutic efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Curcumin is a polyphenol compound with anticancer effects. We aimed to review the anti‐neoplastic effects of curcumin on urogenital cancers, by regulating different microRNA expressions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to the end of August 2024. All English, in vitro, and observational studies that evaluated the effect of curcumin on preventing or treating urogenital cancers through its impact on microRNA expression were included. In vivo or silico studies were excluded. Result: A total of 2549 records were found. Finally, 25 studies were included. Twelve studies assessed the effect of curcumin on prostate cancer, six studies on ovarian cancer, three studies on cervical cancer, three studies on bladder cancer, and one study on renal cancer. MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate the post‐transcriptional pathways. They possess pivotal roles in different fundamental mechanisms in cells such as differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and proliferation. Curcumin exerts its anticancer effects on urogenital neoplasms by upregulating tumor suppressor microRNAs (miR‐143, miR‐145, miR‐Let‐7, miR‐101, miR‐3127, miR‐3178, miR‐1275, miR‐3198, miR‐1908, miR‐770, miR‐1247, miR‐411, miR‐34a, miR‐383, miR‐708, miR‐483, miR‐199a, miR‐335, miR‐503, miR‐10b, miR‐551a, miR‐9, miR‐203, miR‐7110, miR‐29b, and miR‐126) and downregulating oncogenic microRNAs (miR‐21, miR‐210, miR‐382, miR‐654, miR‐494, miR‐193b, miR‐671, miR‐222, miR‐23b, miR‐664, miR‐183, miR‐214, miR‐320a, miR‐23a, miR‐30a, miR‐320d, miR‐1285, miR‐32, miR‐181a, miR‐205, miR‐216a, miR‐1246, and miR‐106b). Conclusion: Cell proliferation is inhibited, and cell apoptosis is induced by curcumin in different urogenital cancers through suppressing oncogenic microRNAs or provoking tumor suppressor microRNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complex formation in aqueous solutions of human serum albumin (HSA) was studied with the medical drug curcumin, using the methods of UV absorption, emission, and excitation of fluorescence, the Stern equation (Vollmer, Hill, Foerster, and Van-Hoff), and computer modeling. It was established that the heteroassociation in the HSA-Cur system is realized due to the formation of stable complexes in the ground state, mainly due hydrophobic interaction in binding sites I and II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionConsidering the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin and the evidence indicating the role of chronic inflammation in the pathophysiology of fatigue, this meta-analysis aimed to determine the significant effect of curcumin in reducing fatigue.Four main databases, including ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, were searched from inception to July 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of curcumin on fatigue scale. Meta-analysis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V2 and OpenMeta [Analyst] softwares. The overall estimate of effect size was measured using a random-effects model. To assess the presence of publication bias, funnel plots and Egger's regression test were utilized. The quality of each selected study was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Moreover, the GRADEpro tool was used in order to check the quality of evidence across studies.The meta-analysis of 13 trials, involving 763 subjects, demonstrated a significant decrease in fatigue following curcumin administration (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −1.267 (95% CI: −2.453 to −0.081), p = 0.036). The incidence of fatigue was not affected by curcumin administration. Improvement in fatigue was found to be associated with the time following intervention (≤8 weeks; SMD = −2.156; 95% CI: −3.955 to −0.358; p = 0.019 vs. >8 weeks; SMD = −0.092 (95% CI: −0.663–0.479), p = 0.753) and the health status of the participants. However, the dosage of curcumin did not show a significant correlation with the fatigue score.Curcumin supplementation presents a promising approach for managing fatigue due to its multifaceted mechanisms of action as a phytochemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibrous membranes were developed by combining chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and calcium chloride (CC) to incorporate curcumin (CCM) through a co‐axial electro‐spinning method to improve CCM bioavailability. The optimal parameters were PVA/CS ratio of 7:3 v/v, PVA/CCM ratio of 8:2 v/v, CC amount of 0.5 g, fiber collection distance of 15 cm, voltage value of 18 kV, and injection flow of 0.1 mL/h (both core and shell layer). The prepared PVA/CCM@CS/PVA/CC nanofiber showed smooth surfaces and uniform bead‐free morphology with core‐shell structure. The average fiber diameter was 301.55 ± 76.77 nm with a narrow distribution. Using the Korsmeyer‐Peppas kinetic release model, the nanofiber membrane effectively released ∼85% CCM at pH 7.4 over 96 h via Fickian diffusion transport mechanism. In vitro antibacterial tests demonstrated that the membrane was efficient against both Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. When compared to free CCM, the membrane improved cell survival due to its nontoxic and cytobiocompatible features. In vivo tests found that the membrane significantly improved healing in incised‐wound rats, reducing inflammation, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen deposition. These findings indicate that the novel PVA/CCM@CS/PVA/CC nanofiber membrane, which has numerous biological functions, could be a promising candidate for wound dressing therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]