Antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin and curcuminoids in SH-SY5Y cells infected by SARS-CoV-2

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Nicoliche, Tiago ; Bartolomeo, Cynthia Silva ; Lemes, Robertha Mariana Rodrigues ; Pereira, Gabriela Cruz ; Nunes, Tamires Alves ; Oliveira, Rafaela Brito ; Nicastro, Arthur Luiz Miranda ; Soares, Erica Novaes ; Lima, Brenno Fernandes da Cunha ; Rodrigues, Beatriz Moreira ; Maricato, Juliana Terzi ; Okuda, Liria Hiromi ; de Sairre, Mirela Ines ; Prado, Carla Maximo ; Ureshino, Rodrigo Portes ; Stilhano, Roberta Sessa

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS; v. 14, n. 1, p. 14-pg., 2024-05-10.

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, affects neuronal cells, causing several symptoms such as memory loss, anosmia and brain inflammation. Curcuminoids (Me08 e Me23) and curcumin (CUR) are derived from Curcuma Longa extract (EXT). Many therapeutic actions have been linked to these compounds, including antiviral action. Given the severe implications of COVID-19, especially within the central nervous system, our study aims to shed light on the therapeutic potential of curcuminoids against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in neuronal cells. Here, we investigated the effects of CUR, EXT, Me08 and Me23 in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y. We observed that Me23 significantly decreased the expression of plasma membrane-associated transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and TMPRSS11D, consequently mitigating the elevated ROS levels induced by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, Me23 exhibited antioxidative properties by increasing NRF2 gene expression and restoring NQO1 activity following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both Me08 and Me23 effectively reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing ACE2 (SH-ACE2). Additionally, all of these compounds demonstrated the ability to decrease proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-17, while Me08 specifically reduced INF-gamma levels. Our findings suggest that curcuminoid Me23 could serve as a potential agent for mitigating the impact of COVID-19, particularly within the context of central nervous system involvement. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/13480-4 - Virtual screening and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of nicotinic receptors as a therapeutic target for SARS-CoV-2: focus on interaction with ACE2.
• Grantee: Carla Máximo Prado
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/10922-9 - Gene and cell therapy via alginate microgels for muscle injuries
• Grantee: Roberta Sessa Stilhano Yamaguchi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 20/04709-8 - Evaluation of potential therapeutically compounds for SARS-CoV-2: focus on estrogen-related compounds, autophagy modulators and ACE2
• Grantee: Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/20796-2 - Study of estrogen receptors mediated autophagy against tau toxicity in cell and zebrafish models
• Grantee: Rodrigo Portes Ureshino
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants