Sustained Wound Healing Activity of Curcumin Loaded Oleic Acid Based Polymeric Bandage in a Rat Model

Abstract

Wound healing is an intricate multistage process that includes inflammation, cell proliferation, matrix deposition and remodeling phases. It is often associated with oxidative stress and consequent prolonged inflammation, resulting in impaired wound healing. Curcumin has been reported to improve wound healing in different animal models. In order to increase the efficacy of curcumin in the healing arena a curcumin loaded oleic acid based polymeric (COP) bandage was formulated. The in vivo wound healing potency was compared with void bandage and control (cotton gauze treatment) in a rat model. Biochemical parameters and histological analysis revealed increased wound reduction and enhanced cell proliferation in COP bandage treated groups due to its efficient free radical scavenging properties. Comparative acceleration in wound healing was due to early implementation of fibroblasts and its differentiation (increased level of α-smooth muscle actin). Western blotting and semiquantitative PCR analysis clearly indicate that COP bandage can efficiently quench free radicals leading to reduced antioxidative enzyme activity. Further evidence at mRNA and protein level indicates that our system is potent enough to reduce the inflammatory response mediated by the NFκB pathway during wound healing. With this background, we anticipate that such a versatile approach may seed new arena for topical wound healing in the near future.

Multiple Biological Actions of Curcumin in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Complications: A Systematic Review

“…A transcription factor NFκB, that modulates many genes which are suspected in the commencement of inflammatory responses can be inhibited equally with the help of curcumin. This transcription factor is provoked by numerous kinases (Protein kinase B (PKB), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), I kappa B kinase (IKK)) and curcumin disturbs a variety of the pathways occurred in this event [44]. The down regulation of the assertion of P13K and Protein kinase B (PKB/AKT kinases) are also shown which in turn leads to reduced activation of the NFκB gene and decreases inflammation.…”

“…It was noticed that the prohibition of NFκB pathway is due to the up regulation in IκB-α protein. Hence, Mohanty et al [44] revealed that curcumin decreases inflammation at wound sites caused by the stimulation of the NFκB pathway. Conflicting to Mohanty's conclusion, an in vivo study of Kulac et al reported an increase in inflammatory cell infiltration to burn wounds on rats in curcumintreated groups compared to untreated groups [45].…”

“…Free radicals are contemplated to be the prime basis of inflammation in the wound healing process of DFUs [44]. ROS are the products of aerobic respiration which are important in biochemical and cellular processes, including cell progression, apoptosis, intracellular messaging, differentiation, and immunity [46].…”

“…ROS as a free radical can result in oxidative damage, DNA breakage and enzyme inactivation, leading to lipid peroxidation, all of which inhibit optimum wound healing. ROS is the major cause of inflammation during wound healing activity [44]. Free radicals also mark and spoil proteins in tissues and for this reason they must be satisfactorily tramped.…”

EGF and curcumin co-encapsulated nanoparticle/hydrogel system as potent skin regeneration agent

“…46 Furthermore, it induces down-regulation of NFκB pathway to inhibit the oxidative damage in human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. 47 However, the hydrophobicity of Cur has limited its use in clinical practice. 48 And nanotechnology has been widely used to improve the water solubility of hydrophobic drugs through encapsulation in polymer micelles, NPs, and liposomes.…”