Title Curcumin modulates airway remodelling-contributing genes-the significance of transcription factors.
Author Wieczfinska, Joanna; Sitarek, Przemyslaw; Kowalczyk, Tomasz; Rieske, Piotr; Pawliczak, Rafal
Journal J Cell Mol Med Publication Year/Month 2022-Feb
PMID 34939316 PMCID PMC8817128
Affiliation + expend 1.Department of Immunopathology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.

Bronchial epithelial cells and fibroblasts play an essential role in airway remodelling, due to their protective and secretory functions. There are many studies proving that infection caused by human rhinovirus may contribute to the process of airway remodelling. The beneficial properties of curcumin, the basic ingredient of turmeric, have been proved in many studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was the evaluation of curcumin immunomodulatory properties in development of airway remodelling. Fibroblasts (WI-38 and HFL1) and epithelial cells (NHBE) were incubated with curcumin. Additionally, remodelling conditions were induced with rhinovirus (HRV). Airway remodelling genes were determined by qPCR and immunoblotting. Moreover, NF-kappaB, c-Myc and STAT3 were silenced to analyse the pathways involved in airway remodelling. Curcumin reduced the expression of the genes analysed, especially MMP-9, TGF-beta and collagen I. Moreover, curcumin inhibited the HRV-induced expression of MMP-9, TGF-beta, collagen I and LTC4S (p < 0.05). NF-kappaB, c-Myc and STAT3 changed their course of expression. Concluding, our study shows that curcumin significantly downregulated gene expression related to the remodelling process, which is dependent on NF-kappaB and, partially, on c-Myc and STAT3. The results suggest that the remodelling process may be limited and possibly prevented, however this issue requires further research.

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