Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (Jan 2022)

Phytosomal curcumin alleviates collagen-induced arthritis by downregulating Th17 and upregulating Treg cell responses in rats

  • Mahnaz Ramezani,
  • Nahid Zainodini,
  • Reza Nosratabadi,
  • Yaser Yousefpoor,
  • Zahra Taghipour,
  • Mitra Abbasifard,
  • Mohammad Reza Rahmani

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/2221-1691.360562
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 12, no. 11
pp. 466 – 474

Abstract

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Objective: To explore the effects of a nano-formulation of curcumin (phytosomal curcumin) on the clinical and pathological symptoms of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were immunized with an emulsion containing bovine type II collagen and incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then administered phytosomal curcumin post-immunization. Clinical symptoms and histological analysis of the synovial tissues were performed. The effect of phytosomal curcumin on Th17 and Treg parameters was also evaluated. Results: Phytosomal curcumin reduced the clinical severity and paw swelling in CIA-induced rats, which was accompanied by a reduction in the number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the synovial tissue. Additionally, treatment with phytosomal curcumin significantly inhibited CIA-associated mediators as well as increased the anti-inflammatory mediators in comparison to the control groups. Conclusions: Phytosomal curcumin could improve CIA autoimmune responses and can be considered a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

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