The effects of nanocurcumin on immune-related factors in the ankylosing spondylitis patients: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

A rheumatic condition characterized by inflammation and increased bone mass at the primary sites of inflammation is called ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The pathophysiology of AS has been linked to Th17 and Regulatory T (Treg) cells, as well as the immunological and miRNA variables that are associated with them. This study looked at how immunological and miRNA variables in AS patients' peripheral blood (PB) were affected by nanocurcumin.

METHODS

For four months, 30 patients with AS were part of the test group, who got nanocurcumin daily, and 30 patients in the control group, who received a placebo. Using flow cytometry, the frequency of Th17 and Treg was determined. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression levels of HIF1A, various related microRNAs (miRNAs; miR-18a, miR-206, and miR-30a), and CD39 with CD73 in Patients PBMCs. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was also used to measure the amounts of factors and cytokines secreted in serum.

RESULTS

Following treatment with nanocurcumin, patients with AS experienced a large rise in Treg cells and a decrease in Th17 cells. The RT-PCR results showed that while miR-18a was dramatically upregulated after nanocurcumin treatment, the expression of miR-206 and miR-30a was significantly downregulated. Additionally, compared to the control group, the nanocurcumin-treated group had lower levels of HIF-1alpha production and higher levels of IGF-1, TGF-β, CD39, and CD73.

CONCLUSION

According to the findings, Th17 and Treg cell dysregulation, along with other immunological factors and miRNAs in PB, affects the progression of AS. Nanocurcumin therapy has the potential to control these variables, as well as Th17 and Treg cells, and may, therefore, help treat AS and other autoimmune disorders.