Investigação do potencial da curcumina como agente imunoterápico contra a salmonelose experimental

Abstract

Among foodborne bacteria causing infections, species of the genus Salmonella can cause gastroenteritis and severe systemic disease that can lead to death. Thus, there is a constant demand for new therapeutic approaches. Curcumin has been reported for its medicinal properties, being a promising herbal medicine. Here, the therapeutic potential of curcumin was investigated in an experimental model of salmonellosis caused by S. enterica serotype Typhimurium. The disease affects various animal species of agricultural importance and humans. Initially, the direct antimicrobial effect of curcumin against S. Typhimurium was evaluated in vitro. Then, macrophages from the peritoneal cavity of Swiss mice were infected with S. Typhimurium and treated with curcumin. Additionally, Swiss mice were infected intraperitoneally with a bacterial suspension and treated with curcumin at doses of 1 and 10 mg/kg. Infected mice administrated with gentamicin (10 mg/kg) or phosphate saline (PBS) were used as controls. After 72 hours, the animals were euthanized, and liver, peritoneal fluid, and blood were collected. Colony Forming Units (CFU) were quantified in these samples, and leukocyte counts were performed in peritoneal fluid and blood. Preliminary results indicate that curcumin was not cytotoxic to macrophages, however it was not effective in controlling S. Typhimurium infection in mice target organs. Histological analysis of the liver revealed statistically significant benefits of administration of curcumin in relation to the control groups. These findings suggest the potential of curcumin against salmonellosis, although further studies are needed to elucidate its action mechanisms.