Potential of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles on osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC)

• Grant number: 18/00825-3
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): May 01, 2018
• Effective date (End): April 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Periodontology
• Principal researcher: Morgana Rodrigues Guimarães Stabili
• Grantee: Flavia Gullo
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FOAr). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Curcumin is the active compound in the extract of Curcuma longa rhizomes with multiple biological activities. Literature reports promising effects of curcumin as a therapeutic adjuvant in different conditions, including psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Results of our group and recent studies have suggested that in addition anti-inflammatory effects, curcumin has demonstrated stimulating the osteogenesis, favoring the repair and the bone markers expression. Taking into account recent studies demonstrating that bioactive compounds possess the ability to modulate self-renewal and differentiation potential of adult stem cells, targeting a broad range of intracellular signal transduction pathways, the primary hypothesis of this proposal is that curcumin-loaded nanoparticle can stimulate the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through activation of Wnt signaling pathway. The hypothesis will be tested by experiments included in the following specific aims: 1) Assess the effect of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles on ALP activity and mineralization (red alizarin staining) on BMSCs. These effects will be compared with those obtained from synthetic stimulants; 2) Determine the role of Wnt signaling on osteogenic ability of BMSCs treated with curcumin. The same experiments will be evaluated after stimulus with Wnt antagonist (DKK1) and treatment with curcumin. (AU)