Curcumin-Loaded Long-Circulation Liposomes Ameliorate Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) involves insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and inflammation, with oxidative stress exacerbating progression.
• Curcumin (CUR) possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and insulin-sensitizing properties beneficial for T2DM, but its therapeutic use is hindered by poor solubility and bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop long-circulating curcumin-loaded liposomes (CUR-LPs) to enhance curcumin's stability, solubility, and circulation time.
• To evaluate the efficacy of CUR-LPs in improving insulin resistance in a murine model of T2DM.

Main Methods:

• CUR-LPs were prepared and characterized for physical properties, encapsulation efficiency, and drug-loading capacity.
• In vitro cell viability was assessed. In vivo studies involved a high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced T2DM mouse model treated with CUR-LPs.
• Key markers of hepatic inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6) and oxidative stress (GSH, SOD) were quantified.

Main Results:

• CUR-LPs demonstrated spherical morphology, optimal particle size, high encapsulation efficiency (99.2%), and drug-loading capacity (1.63%).
• CUR-LPs significantly improved blood glucose and insulin levels compared to free CUR in T2DM mice.
• Treatment with CUR-LPs led to reduced hepatic inflammation, enhanced antioxidant capacity (GSH, SOD), and attenuated liver injury.

Conclusions:

• CUR-LPs effectively improved glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in a T2DM mouse model.
• The therapeutic benefits of CUR-LPs are likely attributed to their ability to mitigate liver inflammation and reduce oxidative stress.