Curcumin protects BEAS‑2B cells from PM_2.5‑induced oxidative stress and inflammation by activating NRF2/antioxidant response element pathways

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) with an average aerodynamic diameter of <2.5 µm can cause severe lung injury. Oxidative stress and inflammation are considered the main outcomes of PM 2.5 exposure. curcumin is a well-known antioxidant; however, its effect on PM 2.5 -induced oxidative injury in airway epithelial cells remains unclear. In the present study, it was demonstrated that pre-treatment with curcumin significantly reduced the PM 2.5 -induced apoptosis of BEAS-2B human bronchial epithelial cells by decreasing the level of intercellular reactive oxygen species. Western blot analysis revealed that curcumin increased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and regulated the transcription of downstream genes, particularly those encoding antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, curcumin reduced the PM 2.5 -induced expression and production of inflammatory factors, and induced the expression of the anti-inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that curcumin protects BEAS-2B cells against PM 2.5 -induced oxidative damage and inflammation, and prevents cell apoptosis by increasing the activation of NRF2-related pathways. It is thus suggested that curcumin may be a potential compound for use in the prevention of PM 2.5 -induced tissue injury.

A Dietary Antioxidant Formulation Ameliorates DNA Damage Caused by γ-Irradiation in Normal Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells In Vitro

“…Furthermore, quercetin reduces the lipopolysaccharide-induced release of inflammatory mediators in BEAS-2B cells by increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level [ 57 ]. As well, curcumin can protect BEAS-2B cells from fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 )-induced oxidative damage and inflammation by activation of NRF2-related pathways to prevent apoptosis [ 58 ]. Similarly, the combination of eucalyptol (EUC) and curcumin reduced cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation to promote cell survival in BEAS-2B cells [ 59 ].…”

Vitamin D3 Protects Mice from Diquat‐Induced Oxidative Stress through the NF‐κB/Nrf2/HO‐1 Signaling Pathway

“…Nrf2 is a crucial protein playing a key role in cellular defense against oxidative stress as the transcription factor [30]. It could effectively enhance the expression of antioxidant-related genes through binding to the antioxidant response elements (ARE) [31,32]. The downstream functional proteins include SOD, GSH-Px, GST, and HO-1.…”

The Potential Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Stahlianthus involucratus

“…Similarly, afzelin acts as the oxidants to scavenge free radicals, superoxide anion, and reactive oxygen species [46]. Additionally, curcumin is widely found in the Zingiberaceae family plants, such as C. longa [47], which is well known for its numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antiosteoporosis, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties [48][49][50][51].…”