Curcumin nanoparticles functionalized with chondroitin sulfate for ulcerative colitis treatment: Enhanced efficacy and mechanism exploration.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and damage to the intestines. Curcumin (CUR) offers anti-inflammatory benefits, but its low bioavailability limits its effectiveness. In this study, CUR-loaded nanoparticles (OCC NPs) were developed using oleanolic acid and chondroitin sulfate (CS). The nanoparticles had a size of 238.9 ± 0.794 nm and showed good stability in gastrointestinal fluids. CS modification improved targeting to macrophages, enhancing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. In a UC mouse model, OCC NPs alleviated UC symptoms, reduced inflammation, and repaired mucosal barrier function by upregulating ZO-1 and Claudin. The anti-inflammatory effects were driven by the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and macrophage activation.