Curcumin as a promising treatment for pulmonary fibrosis: Mechanism and therapeutic potential

Introduction: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterized by excessive proliferation of alveolar epithelial cells and fibroblasts, abnormal deposition of fibrous connective tissue, altered alveolar structure, impaired lung function, and increased airway resistance. Curcumin has been studied as an inhibitor of pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: This study investigated curcumin's inhibitory effect and mechanism on bleomycin (BLM) -induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Curcumin was administered to the mice to assess its therapeutic potential. The mice were weighed every two days, and the respiratory function of the mice was measured on day 7, 14, and 21. After 21 days, the mice's lung tissue was examined for hydroxyproline (HYP), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, as well as relevant protein expression. Results: The administration of curcumin significantly alleviated respiratory dysfunction and improved the quality of life of mice with pulmonary fibrosis. It led to an increase in the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), while reducing apoptosis-related factors. Pathological examination revealed a notable reduction in lung tissue fibrosis. Conclusions: Curcumin demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in mice with BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The activation of the Akt pathway, upregulating the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, contributed to curcumin's antioxidant effects and its potential for treating pulmonary fibrosis in mice.