IL-17A suppresses and curcumin up-regulates Akt expression upon bleomycin exposure.

Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-17A modulates the expression of Akt in bleomycin (BLM) administered alveolar basal epithelial cells, the mechanism behind which remains unclear. This investigation was carried out to assess IL-17A mediated down-regulation of Akt expression and the pivotal role of curcumin as a regulatory molecule. Alveolar basal epithelial cells were treated with BLM and IL-17A and curcumin was administered as an intervention to regulate the BLM-induced oxidative damage. Cell proliferation was evaluated by clonogenic assay. Akt phosphorylation and total Akt expressions were studied using western blot analysis. Cell proliferation reduced upon treatment with BLM and this phenomenon was reversed in cells upon administration with curcumin. Administrations of BLM and IL-17A to the alveolar basal epithelial cells showed significant down-regulation of Akt expression which was reversed by treatment with curcumin. BLM and IL-17A mediated inflammation was intervened effectively with curcumin. Results of this study suggest the probable use of curcumin as an anti-inflammatory therapeutic for lung injury.