Co-delivery of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion and Phaleria macrocarpa extract to NIH 3T3 cell for antifibrosis

Antifibrotic effect of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion and its combination with Phaleria macrocarpa extract (PM) was determined through evaluation on collagen expression in fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Prior to activity study, cytotoxic effect of blank nanoemulsion in vitro was determined on different cell types using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. The genes expression of collagens were determined with quantitative real time PCR. The amount of collagen protein was determined using Sirius Red/Fast Green Collagen Staining Kit. Stability of curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion towards hepatic metabolism was evaluated as well. Cells viability was preserved after treatment with curcumin- and curcumin-PM nanoemulsion. Both preparations decreased procollagen α1(1) and collagen IV genes and collagen protein. Nanoemulsion demonstrated protective effect against hepatic metabolism of curcumin. Curcumin nanoemulsion and curcumin-PM nanoemulsion showed a promising antifibrotic agent.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (200KB)Download full-size image