Nanoparticle curcumin ameliorates experimental colitis via modulation of gut microbiota and induction of regulatory T cells

Abstract

Background and AimsCurcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol derived from turmeric, a traditional Indian spice. Curcumin exhibits various biological functions, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor absorbability after oral administration. A newly developed nanoparticle curcumin shows improved absorbability in vivo. In this study, we examined the effects of nanoparticle curcumin (named Theracurmin) on experimental colitis in mice.MethodsBALB/c mice were fed with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in water. Mucosal cytokine expression and lymphocyte subpopulation were analyzed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The profile of the gut microbiota was analyzed by real-time PCR.ResultsTreatment with nanoparticle curcumin significantly attenuated body weight loss, disease activity index, histological colitis score and significantly improved mucosal permeability. Immunoblot analysis showed that NF-κB activation in colonic epithelial cells was significantly suppressed by treatment with nanoparticle curcumin. Mucosal mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was significantly suppressed by treatment with nanoparticle curcumin. Treatment with nanoparticle curcumin increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and fecal butyrate level. This was accompanied by increased expansion of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and CD103+ CD8α− regulatory dendritic cells in the colonic mucosa.ConclusionsTreatment with nanoparticle curcumin suppressed the development of DSS-induced colitis potentially via modulation of gut microbial structure. These responses were associated with induction of mucosal immune cells with regulatory properties. Nanoparticle curcumin is one of the promising candidates as a therapeutic option for the treatment of IBD.

Natural agents inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and alter microbial diversity in mice

“…[15] Earlier studies also demonstrated that treatment with Curcumin or dietary polyphenols causes alterations in microbial composition accompanied by induction of mucosal immune cells. [6,43,48,49] Our current data also demonstrate that administration of ETO-Cur-TRF modulates fecal microbial composition and increases microbial OTU biodiversity.…”

Nanosphere Loaded With Curcumin Inhibits the Gastrointestinal Cell Death Signaling Pathway Induced by the Foodborne Pathogen Vibrio vulnificus

“…Recently, we developed a nanotechnology-based delivery system for curcumin which uses lecithin, a vegetable-based phospholipid that is a major component of all cell membranes [11]. This active nanosphere, when loaded with curcumin, designated as CN, has the ability to improve the aqueous-phase solubility and bioavailability, showing many biological functions in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and in the mouse gut [12,13]. While CN has been shown to have attractive therapeutic efficiency in gastrointestinal diseases, its role in the pathogenesis of a Gram-negative V. vulnificus infection remains unclear.…”

Mutual Two-Way Interactions of Curcumin and Gut Microbiota

“…Positive results of these studies led to the development of Phase II trials for chemoprevention of colon cancer [25]. Another study investigated the effect of nanoparticle curcumin on colitis in mice by modulating intestinal microflora and induction of regulatory T cells [26]. Nanoparticle curcumin inhibited mRNA expression on the mucosa of inflammatory mediators and activation of NF-κB in colon epithelial cells.…”

“…Nanoparticle curcumin inhibited mRNA expression on the mucosa of inflammatory mediators and activation of NF-κB in colon epithelial cells. These effects were accompanied by an increase in butyrate-producing bacteria and fecal butyrate levels [26]. Therefore, the authors concluded that supplementation with curcumin nanoparticles induced a remission of colitis by modulating the structure of the intestinal microflora [26].…”