The Possible Roles of Vitamin D and Curcumin in Treating Gonorrhea
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2013
Description
Drug-resistant gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae (N. gonorrhoeae), is an emerging concern, especially because the risk of bladder cancer is associated with this infection. N. gonorrhoeae suppresses T-helper 1(Th1) and Th2 responses and enhances Th17 responses via a mechanism involving transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and regulatory T cells. Blockade of TGF-β alleviates the suppression of specific anti-gonococcal responses and allows Th1 and Th2 responses to emerge with concomitant boosting of immune memory and protective immunity. Gonorrhea activates nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), which plays a critical role in signal-transduction pathways involved in inflammation. The innate immune system can eventually clear gonorrhea. Vitamin D is emerging as a potential, powerful, anti-microbial agent with these effects: it supports the innate immune system in combating bacterial infections; it decreases levels of TGF-β and NF-kappaB activation; and it induces production of LL-37 (cathelicidin), which has antimicrobial and antiendotoxin properties. In addition, via an independent vitamin D receptor pathway, curcumin also induces LL-37 production, inhibiting N. gonorrhoeae-induced NF-kappaB signaling and inducing autophagy. Therefore, vitamin D and curcumin taken together may be useful in combating both normal and drug-resistant gonorrhea. Moreover, the possible synergy between these two agents in improving outcomes is worthy of additional investigation.
Citation Information
Youssef, Dima A.; Peiris, Alan N.; Kelley, Jim L.; and Grant, William B.. 2013. The Possible Roles of Vitamin D and Curcumin in Treating Gonorrhea. Medical Hypotheses. Vol.81(1). 131-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.013 PMID: 23642399 ISSN: 0306-9877