Curcumin liposomes alleviate senescence of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by activating mitophagy

The senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is closely related to aging and degenerative diseases. Curcumin exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and has been extensively used in anti-cancer and anti-aging applications. Studies have shown that curcumin can promote osteogenic differentiation, autophagy and proliferation of MSCs. Liposome, as a nano-carrier, provides a feasible strategy for improving the bioavailability and controlled-release profile of curcumin.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of curcumin liposomes (Cur-Lip) on the senescence of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs). Based on network pharmacology, we predicted the targets and mechanisms of curcumin on senescence of MSC. 23 key targets of Cur were associated with MSC senescence were screened out and mitophagy signaling was significantly enriched. Cur-Lip treatment alleviated senescence of D-galactose (D-gal)-induced rBMSCs, protected mitochondrial function, and activated mitophagy, which may be related to mitochondrial fission. Inhibition of mitophagy attenuated the protective effects of Cur-lip on mitochondrial function and senescence of rBMSCs. Our findings suggested that Cur-Lip could alleviate senescence of rBMSC and improve mitochondrial function by activating mitophagy.