Human-Induced Neural and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy Combined with a Curcumin Nanoconjugate as a Spinal Cord Injury Treatment

We currently lack effective treatments for the devastating loss of neural function associated with spinal cord injury (SCI). In this study, we evaluated a combination therapy comprising human neural stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-NSC), human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and a pH-responsive polyacetal–curcumin nanoconjugate (PA-C) that allows the sustained release of curcumin. In vitro analysis demonstrated that PA-C treatment protected iPSC-NSC from oxidative damage in vitro, while MSC co-culture prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in iPSC-NSC. Then, we evaluated the combination of PA-C delivery into the intrathecal space in a rat model of contusive SCI with stem cell transplantation. While we failed to observe significant improvements in locomotor function (BBB scale) in treated animals, histological analysis revealed that PA-C-treated or PA-C and iPSC-NSC + MSC-treated animals displayed significantly smaller scars, while PA-C and iPSC-NSC + MSC treatment induced the preservation of β-III Tubulin-positive axons. iPSC-NSC + MSC transplantation fostered the preservation of motoneurons and myelinated tracts, while PA-C treatment polarized microglia into an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Overall, the combination of stem cell transplantation and PA-C treatment confers higher neuroprotective effects compared to individual treatments.     

一种吲哚基姜黄素类似物的合成及其抗氧化活性研究

吲哚-3-甲醛与2-羟基-5-甲氧基苯乙酮进行羟醛缩合反应,生成一种吲哚基姜黄素类似物1-(2-羟基-5-甲氧基苯基)-3-(3-吲哚基)-2-烯-1-酮,在不同的催化剂、温度、溶剂等条件下,探索研究合成反应所需的最优工艺条件,采用合适的方法分离提纯得到纯净产品。通过熔点测定、氢核磁共振分析法、质谱分析法等对合成产物进行分析,并研究其抗氧化生物活性。结果表明,该化合物均具有清除DPPH自由基、羟基自由基的能力,表现出明显的抗氧化活性。     

Exploitation of the Antibacterial Properties of Photoactivated Curcumin as ‘Green’ Tool for Food Preservation

In the search for non-chemical and green methods to counteract the bacterial contamination of foods, the use of natural substances with antimicrobial properties and light irradiation at proper light waves has been extensively investigated. In particular, the combination of both techniques, called photodynamic inactivation (PDI), is based on the fact that some natural substances act as photosensitizers, i.e., produce bioactive effects under irradiation. Notably, curcumin is a potent natural antibacterial and effective photosensitizer that is able to induce photodynamic activation in the visible light range (specifically for blue light). Some practical applications have been investigated with particular reference to food preservation from bacterial contaminants.     

等离子体辅助处理对鹰嘴豆淀粉-姜黄素复合物结构和功能性质的影响

目的 探究等离子体辅助处理对鹰嘴豆淀粉-姜黄素复合物结构及功能性质的影响。方法 采用介质阻挡等离子体技术辅助制备了鹰嘴豆淀粉-姜黄素复合物,运用扫描电子显微镜、傅里叶红外光谱仪与X-射线衍射仪等仪器手段表征了复合物微观结构、淀粉双螺旋结构和晶体结构,采用体外模型研究了淀粉消化特性。结果 随着等离子体改性时间的增加,淀粉与姜黄素的复合指数逐渐升高,在等离子体处理90 s(电压60.0 V、电流1.0 A)时二者的复合指数最高为28.69%±2.51%,远高于对照组(8.50%±0.78%)。红外光谱显示改性后的淀粉与姜黄素之间氢键作用力增强,且随着等离子体改性时间的延长,特定波数出峰比值R1022/995由0.98降低至0.88,表明改性淀粉与姜黄素复合后的淀粉双螺旋结构有序性逐渐增加;并且复合物的结晶度略有上升,预示着姜黄素的晶体结构在复合物中的占比增加。淀粉体外消化实验表明,与对照组相比,等离子体辅助制备的复合物中淀粉消化速率和程度明显降低,且随着姜黄素复合指数逐渐升高,一阶动力学拟合的消化速率k值由0.085大幅度下降至0.029,快消化淀粉含量下降,慢消化淀粉含量显著升高。结论 ...     

Curcumin and Weight Loss: Does It Work?

Obesity is a global health problem needing urgent research. Synthetic anti-obesity drugs show side effects and variable effectiveness. Thus, there is a tendency to use natural compounds for the management of obesity. There is a considerable body of knowledge, supported by rigorous experimental data, that natural polyphenols, including curcumin, can be an effective and safer alternative for managing obesity. Curcumin is a is an important compound present in Curcuma longa L. rhizome. It is a lipophilic molecule that rapidly permeates cell membrane. Curcumin has been used as a pharmacological traditional medicinal agent in Ayurvedic medicine for ∼6000 years. This plant metabolite doubtless effectiveness has been reported through increasingly detailed in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials. Regarding its biological effects, multiple health-promoting, disease-preventing and even treatment attributes have been remarkably highlighted. This review documents the status of research on anti-obesity mechanisms and evaluates the effectiveness of curcumin for management of obesity. It summarizes different mechanisms of anti-obesity action, associated with the enzymes, energy expenditure, adipocyte differentiation, lipid metabolism, gut microbiota and anti-inflammatory potential of curcumin. However, there is still a need for systematic and targeted clinical studies before curcumin can be used as the mainstream therapy for managing obesity.     

Curcumin Loaded Nanocarriers with Varying Charges Augmented with Electroporation Designed for Colon Cancer Therapy

(1) Background: The size and surface charge are the most significant parameters of nanocarriers that determine their efficiency and potential application. The poor cell uptake of encapsulated drugs is the main limitation in anticancer treatment. The well-defined properties of nanocarriers will enable to target specific tissue and deliver an active cargo. (2) Methods: In the current study, poly(D,L -lactide) (PLA) nanocarriers loaded with curcumin (CUR) and differing surface charge were evaluated for transport efficacy in combination with electroporation (EP) in dependence on the type of cells. The obtained CUR-loaded nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 195 to 334 nm (derived from dynamic light scattering (DLS)) were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) (morphology and shape) and Doppler electrophoresis (ζ-potential) as well as UV-vis spectroscopy (CUR encapsulation efficiency (about 90%) and photobleaching rate). The drug delivery properties of the obtained PLA nanocarriers enhanced by electroporation were assessed in human colon cancer cells (LoVo), excitable normal rat muscle cells (L6), and free of voltage-gated ion channels cells (CHO-K1). CLSM studies, viability, and ROS release were performed to determine the biological effects of nanocarriers. (3) Results: The highest photodynamic activity indicated anionic nanocarriers (1a) stabilized by C₁₂(COONa)₂ surfactant. Nanocarriers were cytotoxic for LoVo cells and less cytotoxic for normal cells. ROS release increased in cancer cells with the increasing electric field intensity, irradiation, and time after EP. Muscle L6 cells were less sensitive to electric pulses. (4) Conclusions: EP stimulation for CUR-PLA nanocarriers transport was considered to improve the regulated and more effective delivery of nanosystems differing in surface charge.     

Injurious Effects of Curcumin on Maturation of Mouse Oocytes, Fertilization and Fetal Development via Apoptosis

Curcumin, a common dietary pigment and spice, is a hydrophobic polyphenol derived from the rhizome of the herb Curcuma longa. Previously, we reported a cytotoxic effect of curcumin on mouse embryonic stem cells and blastocysts and its association with defects in subsequent development. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of curcumin on oocyte maturation and subsequent pre- and post-implantation development, both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, curcumin induced a significant reduction in the rate of oocyte maturation, fertilization, and in vitro embryonic development. Treatment of oocytes with curcumin during in vitro maturation (IVM) led to increased resorption of postimplantation embryos and decreased fetal weight. Experiments with an in vivo mouse model disclosed that consumption of drinking water containing 40 μM curcumin led to decreased oocyte maturation and in vitro fertilization as well as early embryonic developmental injury. Finally, pretreatment with a caspase-3-specific inhibitor effectively prevented curcumin-triggered injury effects, suggesting that embryo impairment by curcumin occurs mainly via a caspase-dependent apoptotic process.     

Chemical grafting of curcumin at polyethylene terephthalate woven fabric surface using a prior surface activation with ultraviolet excimer lamp

Durable curcumin‐treated antibacterial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics (against Staphylococcus aureus) were produced by dyeing with curcumin after surface activation using vacuum ultraviolet excimer lamp at 172 nm. Surface change properties of the exposed fabrics were characterized by surface analysis methods such as wettability, atomic force microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results show an increase in surface hydrophilicity with a water contact angle of the PET fabric reaching 24° after 10 min excimer irradiation, which could be attributed to an increase in carboxyl group formation as confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. Varying concentrations of curcumin were immobilized onto untreated and vacuum ultraviolet‐irradiated PET samples using diffusion method at 90°C, and the treated fabrics characterized using K/S (color strength) values at 440 nm. K/S values increased when the PET surface was subjected to a prior excimer irradiation, because of grafting of curcumin at the PET surface. Increased excimer irradiation time increased grafting of curcumin because the inner fabric fiber surfaces were also more thoroughly treated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

姜黄素的生物学活性研究进展

姜黄素是一种从姜科植物姜黄等的根茎中提取得到的黄色色素,具有广泛的生物学活性。本文对姜黄素生物学活性等方面的研究进展做一综述,为姜黄素的进一步深入研究和开发利用提供参考。