Copper-Induced Neurodegenerative Disorders and Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin-Loaded Nanoemulsion

• DOI: 10.3390/toxics13020108
• Publication Date: 2025-01-29T09:36:18Z
• Authors: Govind Hake; Akshada Mhaske; Rahul Shukla; Swaran Jeet Singh...
• Keywords: Therapeutic index

Copper accumulation in neurons induces oxidative stress, disrupts mitochondrial activity, and accelerates neuronal death, which is central to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases like Wilson disease. Standard treatments for copper toxicity, such as D-penicillamine, trientine, chloroquine, are frequently associated with severe side effects, creating a need safer therapeutic alternatives. To address this, we developed curcumin-loaded nanoemulsion (CUR-NE) using spontaneous emulsification technique, aimed at enhancing bioavailability efficacy curcumin. The optimized displayed particle size 76.42 nm, zeta potential −20.4 mV, high encapsulation efficiency 93.69%, stable uniform structure. vitro tests on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells demonstrated that CUR-NE effectively protected against copper-induced promoting significant cellular uptake. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed exhibited longer half-life extended circulation time compared free Additionally, pharmacodynamic evaluations, including biochemical assays histopathological analysis, confirmed provided superior neuroprotection overload conditions. These results emphasize ability augment effects curcumin, presenting novel approach managing neurodegeneration. study highlights effectiveness nanoemulsion-based delivery platforms improving chelation neurological diseases.