Abstract:

India is the third most polluted nation after Bangladesh and Pakistan in PM2.5 concentration. The average 24-hour PM2.5 concentration in India is 51.90 µg/m3, indicating'very bad' air quality. Air pollution is mostly caused by fine particulate matter (FPM). FPM exposure increases chronic and allergic rhinitis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of curcumin protect organs against harmful substances that alter homeostasis. Curcumin protects against PM-induced lung inflammation, however its mechanism has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we investigated different formulations of curcumin (Curcumin 17% powder, Curcumin 17% formulation & Curcumin 95%) on cell viability in preliminary cytotoxicity study using ‘A549’ lung epithelial cell line. The most effective formulation was further evaluated for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity in human U266B1 multiple myeloma cells against FPM treatment. A significant reduction by Curcumin 95% in the IgE in human U266B1 multiple myeloma cells was demonstrated, and a significant reduction in the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in A549 cells was observed. Finally, malonaldehyde, a clinically significant oxidative stress biomarker, was also potently decreased. The treatment with Curcunan® protected the cells from FPM-induced cytotoxicity and helped revert the cell morphology. The treatment even helped lessen the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-8). The treatment showed anti-allergic activity, evident by the decreasing secretion of IgE levels. These results suggest that Curcunan^® can be an excellent therapeutic agent for preventing pulmonary disorders caused by air pollution.

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