Efeitos biológicos do uso de curcurma longa l. na fagocitose de escherichia coli enteropatogênica (epec)

Abstract

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is one of the major pathogens causing childhood diarrhea. This bacterium generates lesions that erase intestinal microvilli. Entering the body, it leads to an inflammatory response, with activation of phagocytes. These cells are responsible for capturing and destroying antigens or presenting them to more specialized cells to eliminate the pathogen. The use of medicinal plants has proved to be an efficient option for immunostimulation, since studies with several species have shown an increase in phagocytosis through plant stimulation. Curcuma longa L., known as turmeric, is a plant that popularly has antitumor, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial function in general; besides other possible uses. This makes it an option to study to treat infections, such as that caused by enteropathogenic Escherichia coli in childhood diarrhea. Microemulsion has been shown to be a promising material as a molecule release system. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the biological effects of Curcuma longa L. incorporated into liquid microemulsion in the enteropathogenic Echerichia coli phagocytosis process. For this, the Curcuma longa L. extract was prepared, microemulsion systems formulated and blood samples were collected from five individuals. From this, rheological characterization, phagocytosis analysis and activity analysis of the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase were performed. As for rheological characterization, turmeric did not alter the properties of the blood, however the presence of liquid microemulsion altered both the flow curve and the viscosity. In relation to phagocytosis, it was higher in the presence of turmeric and liquid microemulsion alone, on the other hand, when used together showed a reduction in phagocytosis. In addition, it was observed that turmeric was able to increase enzyme activity in both mononuclear cells and bacteria. Thus, it is concluded that turmeric is a promising option for treating diseases such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli infection when used alone. However, when associated with microemulsion has negative results.