New insights into the cytoprotective mechanism of nano curcumin on neuronal damage in a vincristine-induced neuropathic pain rat model

Pak J Pharm Sci. 2023 Jan;36(1):149-157.

Abstract

Vincristine is a frequently used antineoplastic drug for treating a variety of malignancies, although its usage has been restricted by the painful neuropathy it induces. A more profound comprehension of the pathogenesis of vincristine-induced painful neuropathy (VIPN) is crucial for developing efficient preventive and therapeutic approaches. With its well-established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions, curcumin (nanoemulsion form) was utilized in our work as a protective and therapeutic tool for VIPN. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms behind curcumin's neuroprotective effects against vincristine-induced neurotoxicity. For painful neuropathy induction, rats were injected with vincristine sulfate (150µg/kg/i.p.: once every two days) for five injections. For treatment, pregabalin (30 mg/kg/p.o.), curcumin (30mg/kg/p.o.) and curcumin nanoemulsion (30mg/kg/p.o.) were administered daily for 14 consecutive days. Our results showed that curcumin nanoemulsion significantly reduced cold allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. It also increased the sciatic nerve levels of [CAT, SOD and IL-10] and the spinal cord PPAR-γ. Additionally, immunostaining of the sciatic nerve revealed a reduction in NF-κB expression and an increase in HSP70 expression. These findings suggest that curcumin has neuroprotective effects against VIPN, which might be attributed to its interference with the PPAR-γ, HSP70 and IL-10 signaling pathways.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Curcumin* / pharmacology
  • Curcumin* / therapeutic use
  • Hyperalgesia / chemically induced
  • Hyperalgesia / drug therapy
  • Hyperalgesia / prevention & control
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism
  • Neuralgia* / chemically induced
  • Neuralgia* / drug therapy
  • Neuroprotective Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Pain
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Sciatic Nerve
  • Vincristine / toxicity

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Interleukin-10
  • Curcumin
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors

Supplementary concepts

  • Neuropathy, Painful