Curcumin Effects on Age-Related Changes in Oral Immunity: An < em > In Vivo < /em > Study

Br J Nutr. 2024 Apr 18:1-21. doi: 10.1017/S0007114524000801. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTThe current study aimed to investigate the effects of ageing on oral immunity using β-defensin (DEFB) 1/2 as a marker and evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on these processes. The study sample included 30 male C57BL/6J mice divided into three groups based on the treatment method used. The young control (YC) and old control (OC) groups received 0.5% methylcellulose-400 (curcumin vehicle) orally for five days, whereas the CUR group of older mice received a curcumin solution suspended in 0.5% methylcellulose-400 (dose: 3.0 mg/kg body). DEFB1/2 and immune indicator levels were measured in the saliva and salivary glands posttreatment. The saliva volume and protein content were significantly reduced in the OC group compared to the YC group. CUR administration restored these parameters, decreased DEFB1 expression in the salivary gland and increased DEFB1/2 secretion and DEFB2 expression. These findings were supported by epigenetic gene regulation and partial cytokine activation from changes in WD40 repeat protein 5, Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha and interleukin-1beta. Curcumin can partially restore age-related changes in oral immune responses and promote oral health, thereby preventing frailty in the older population through a nutritional therapeutic pathway.PMID:38634264 | DOI:10.1017/S0007114524000801
Source: The British Journal of Nutrition - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: research