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LL-37

Cathelicidin, hCAP-18, FALL-39, CAP-18

Quick Stats
Studies 2230
Trials 95
Score 3
2013 pubmed 11 citations

The possible roles of vitamin D and curcumin in treating gonorrhea.

Youssef. Dima A DA; Peiris. Alan N AN; Kelley. Jim L JL; Grant. William B WB

Key Findings

  • Vitamin D lowers TGF‑β and NF‑κB activity and raises LL‑37 levels, enhancing innate antibacterial defenses.
  • Curcumin also triggers LL‑37 production, blocks NF‑κB signaling, and promotes autophagy that can hinder gonorrhea.
  • Together, vitamin D and curcumin may act synergistically to improve immune response against both regular and drug‑resistant N. gonorrhoeae.

Practical Outcomes

  • Consider maintaining adequate vitamin D status (e.g., 2,000‑4,000 IU/day) and adding a bioavailable curcumin supplement (500‑1,000 mg with piperine) as an immune‑support strategy, but continue using prescribed antibiotics for gonorrhea and view these nutrients as adjuncts, not replacements.

Summary

The paper says vitamin D and curcumin might help the body fight gonorrhea, especially drug‑resistant strains, by boosting the natural antimicrobial peptide LL‑37 and calming down inflammation pathways. While it’s not a proven cure, the combo could support your immune system alongside standard treatment.

Abstract

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.

Study Information

Provider

pubmed

Year

2013

Date

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000Z

DOI

10.1016/j.mehy.2013.04.013

Citations

11

References

53