Curcumin-Loaded nano-phospholipid complex maintains mitochondrial homeostasis through regulation of parkin in Parkinson’s disease

Curcumin (Cur) can modulate multiple signal transductions and play a protective role in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nano-phospholipid composite carriers were prepared to observe the nano-phospholipid complex EM maps, and then evaluated the size and surface potential of the composites using a Zetasizer IV analyzer. Microglial cells (BV2) were divided into control group, empty vector group, Cur group and drug-loaded group and administered treatment, respectively. The levels of Parkin, BAG5 and PINK1 were detected. With encapsulation efficiency of 26.0% and drug loading of 52.0%, respectively, the average particle size of the Cur-loaded nano-phospholipid was (197.15±4.42) nm, with a potential of (−18.2±2.0) mV. The difference between empty vector group and control group in the level of BAG5, Parkin and PINK1 was not significant ( P >0.05). BAG5 level increased significantly upon treatment with Cur or Cur-loaded nano-phospholipid complex, with highest level in the drug-loaded group ( P <0.05). As such, Parkin and PINK1 expression increased greatly in the presence of Cur or Cur-loaded nano-phospholipid complex, while the drug-loaded group had the highest level ( P <0.05). Collectively, the curcumin/nano-phospholipid complexes upregulated Parkin, PINK1 and BAG5 expression, thereby maintaining mitochondria and potentiating the efficacy of Cur on PD. The Cur-loaded nano-phospholipid complexes show promising potential for PD prevention and treatment.