Abstract

Background:
Exposure to environmental noise during pregnancy has been linked to the disruption of immune and apoptotic balance in uterine tissues. Caspase-3 (Casp-3) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) are key apoptosis and anti-inflammatory signaling biomarkers respectively. Nanocurcumin has shown promise as an antioxidant and immunomodulator.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral nanocurcumin on Casp-3 and IL-10 expression in gestational noise-exposed pregnant mice.

Methods:
Twenty-five pregnant BALB/c mice were divided into five groups: negative control (K–), positive control with noise (K+), and three treatment groups exposed to noise and given nanocurcumin at 14 (P1), 21 (P2), and 24.5 mg/kg body weight (BW) (P3). Oral treatments were given from gestational day (GD) 6–18. Uterine tissues were harvested for immunohistochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, Tukey’s HSD, and linear regression (p < 0.05).

Results:
Noise exposure increased Casp-3 and reduced IL-10 expression (p < 0.05). Nanocurcumin reversed these effects dose-dependently Casp-3 decreased by 20.7%, whereas IL-10 increased by 41.7% in the P3 group compared with the K+ group. Linear regression analysis showed strong correlations between the dose and expression levels of both markers.

Conclusion:
Oral nanocurcumin effectively reduced uterine apoptotic signaling and improved anti-inflammatory responses in pregnancies with noise stress, supporting its potential role as a non-hormonal therapeutic in reproductive stress conditions. This study also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, particularly in advancing maternal health through nutraceutical interventions during pregnancy under environmental stress.

Key words: Caspase-3; Good health and well-being; IL-10; Nanocurcumin; Noise stress.