Curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles ameliorates poly (I:C)-induced exacerbation of allergic asthma

Virus-mediated asthma exacerbations represent a major clinical burden, characterized by neutrophilic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and oxidative stress leading to the worsening of asthma symptoms. Recently, we have reported that poly (I:C)-mediated asthma exacerbation is unresponsive to dexamethasone (corticosteroid class of drugs) underscoring the need for alternative therapeutic strategy. Given the well-established anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of curcumin, the present study aimed at investigating the protective potential of curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) against poly (I:C) mediated exacerbation of allergic asthma in mice and SLN preparation and characterization. OVA + poly (I:C) exposed mice were orally administered curcumin loaded SLNs prior to each poly (I:C) instillation for three consecutive days. Twenty four hours after last poly (I:C) challenge, BALF/lung tissues were procured for the analysis of inflammatory cells and molecular players. Pretreatment of OVA + poly (I:C) exposed mice with curcumin-loaded SLNs ameliorated the robust influx of inflammatory cells along with reduction in the expression of inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, G-CSF, and KC in the lungs of mice. This was accompanied by normalization of airway hyperresponsiveness and mucus hypersecretion. Protection exerted by curcumin-loaded SLNs was linked with blunted activation of p38MAPK. Further, our nano formulation improved the redox balance potentially through enhanced expression of Nrf2. Overall, our data shows that curcumin-loaded SLNs protects against poly (I:C)-mediated inflammation in allergic asthma by modulating inflammatory and oxidative pathways and thus may serve as a promising preventive/therapeutic candidate for managing virus mediated asthma exacerbations.