Application of curcumin-carrying nanosubstances in an animal model of intestinal damage caused by indomethacin

• Grant number: 22/12823-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Lizziane Kretli Winkelströter Eller
• Grantee: Maria Eduarda Ferraz Mendes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde (FCSA). Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel diseases are increasingly affecting a greater number of people worldwide. One of the causes associated with inflammation of the intestinal mucosa is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, one of the most used class of drugs. Linked to expensive therapies, and with significant side effects, alternatives are being sought for the treatment of these patients. The use of nutraceutical compounds has been studied as an alternative therapeutic approach in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases. In this context, the nanoformulation of these compounds has been adopted as an allied strategy in order to improve their physicochemical properties for absorption. In view of the above, this project aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and intestinal modulation effect of curcumin-carrying nanosubstances in an animal model of indomethacin-induced intestinal damage. In the animal experiment, 54 male mice of the Mus musculus strain (C57BL/6) will be used, which will receive indomethacin (1.5mg/kg) for 14 days to induce intestinal damage. The nanosubstances containing curcumin will be synthesized by the ionic gelation method and in the nanoemulsion, being used in the animal experiment at a final concentration of 200mg/kg. Its impact on intestinal inflammation will be evaluated from macroscopic, histopathological and inflammatory markers analysis. Intestinal modulation will be evaluated by metagenomic analysis. The results will be compiled in graphs and tables; the statistical analysis will be performed considering a significance level of 0.05. The use of nutraceuticals in the treatment and prevention of diseases is a very current topic and presents itself as a very interesting therapeutic possibility since they can be useful tools in the promotion of human health.