Curcumin’s membrane localization and disruptive effects on cellular processes - insights from neuroblastoma, leukemic cells, and Langmuir monolayers

Abstract In therapies, curcumin is now commonly formulated in liposomal form, administered through injections or creams. This enhances its concentration at the cellular level compared to its natural form ingestion. Due to its hydrophobic nature, curcumin is situated in the lipid part of the membrane, thereby modifying its properties and influencing processes The aim of the research was to investigate whether the toxicity of specific concentrations of curcumin, assessed through biochemical tests for the SK-N-SH and H-60 cell lines, is related to structural changes in the membranes of these cells, caused by the localization of curcumin in their hydrophobic regions. Biochemical tests were performed using spectrophotometric methods. Langmuir technique were used to evaluate the interaction of the curcumin with the studied lipids. Direct introduction of curcumin into the membranes alters their physicochemical parameters. The extent of these changes depends on the initial properties of the membrane. In the conducted research, it has been demonstrated that curcumin may exhibit toxicity to human cells. The mechanism of this toxicity is related to its localization in cell membranes, leading to their dysfunction. The sensitivity of cells to curcumin presence depends on the saturation level of their membranes; the more rigid the membrane, the lower the concentration of curcumin causes its disruption.