Introduction: This research aimed to investigate the effects of biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) combined with curcumin (Curcuma longa L.) on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters induced by percutaneous collagen induction (PCI) in Wistar rats. Methods: Sixty rats were separated into five different groups (n=12): I. Sham Group; II. PCI Group; III. PCI+GNPs Group; IV. PCI+Cur Group; V. PCI+GNPs-Cur Group. Then, PCI, Cur, and/or GNPs were applied topically to the dorsal regions. PCI and topical actives were used at three different times with 14-day intervals between them. Euthanasia was performed 14 days after the last treatment. Results: When evaluating pro-inflammatory cytokines, all treatment groups showed a significant decrease compared to the PCI group. In the analysis of anti-inflammatory cytokines, the PCI+GNPs-Cur group showed an increase compared to the PCI group. After assessing oxidants (ROS and NO) and antioxidants (SOD and GSH), the PCI+Cur, PCI+GNPs, and PCI+GNPs-Cur groups exhibited decreased oxidant levels and increased antioxidant levels compared to the PCI group. Discussion: When evaluating pro-inflammatory cytokines, all treatment groups showed a significant decrease compared to the PCI group. In the analysis of anti-inflammatory cytokines, the PCI+GNPs-Cur group exhibited an increase compared to the PCI group. After assessing oxidants (ROS and NO) and antioxidants (SOD and GSH), the PCI+Cur, PCI+GNPs, and PCI+GNPs-Cur groups demonstrated decreased oxidant levels and increased antioxidant levels relative to the PCI group. Conclusion: The results of the present study demonstrate that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are enhanced by the association of GNPs with Cur, reducing the inflammatory process caused by PCI.
Lima et al. (2026) studied this question.