Curcuma longa extract supplementation reduces oxidative stress and attenuates aortic fatty streak development in rabbits

Exploring the role of curcumin in mitigating oxidative stress to alleviate lipid metabolism disorders

Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and overall health, as lipids are essential molecules involved in bioenergetic processes. An increasing body of research indicates that disorders of lipid metabolism can contribute to the development and progression of various diseases, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and cancer, potentially leading to poor prognoses. The activation of the oxidative stress pathway disrupts lipid metabolism and induces cellular stress, significantly contributing to metabolic disorders. A well-documented crosstalk and interconnection between these metabolic disorders exists. Consequently, researchers have sought to identify antioxidant-rich substances in readily accessible everyday foods for potential use as complementary therapies. Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has been shown to enhance cellular antioxidant activity, mitigate oxidative stress, and alleviate lipid metabolism disorders by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. These effects include decreasing fat deposition, increasing fatty acid uptake, and improving insulin sensitivity. A review of the existing literature reveals numerous studies emphasizing the role of curcumin in the prevention and management of metabolic diseases. Curcumin influences metabolic disorders through multiple mechanisms of action, with the oxidative stress pathway playing a central role in various lipid metabolism disorders. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the role of curcumin in various metabolic disorders through a unified mechanism of action, offering new insights into the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases. Firstly, this article provides a brief overview of the basic pathophysiological processes of oxidative stress and lipid metabolism, as well as the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of lipid metabolism disorders. Notably, the article reviews the role of curcumin in mitigating oxidative stress and in preventing and treating diseases associated with lipid metabolism disorders, including hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), atherosclerosis, obesity, and diabetes, thereby highlighting the therapeutic potential of curcumin in lipid metabolism-related diseases.

The beneficial effects of curcumin on aging and age-related diseases: from oxidative stress to antioxidant mechanisms, brain health and apoptosis

Aging and age-related disease are among the most common and challenging issues worldwide. During the aging process, the accumulation of oxidative stress, DNA damage, telomere dysfunction, and other related changes lead to cellular dysfunction and the development of diseases such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular conditions. Curcumin is a widely-used dietary supplement against various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and aging. This agent mediates its effects through several mechanisms, including the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress-induced damage, as well as the modulation of subcellular signaling pathways such as AMPK, AKT/mTOR, and NF-κB. These pathways are involved in cellular senescence and inflammation, and their modulation can improve cell function and help prevent disease. In cancer, Curcumin can induce apoptosis in a variety of different tumor cell lines. Curcumin also activates redox reactions within cells inducing ROS production that leads to the upregulation of apoptosis receptors on the tumor cell membrane. Curcumin can also upregulate the expression and activity of p53 that inhibits tumor cell proliferation and increases apoptosis. Furthermore, curcumin has a potent inhibitory effect on the activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which are involved in the overexpression of antiapoptosis genes such as Bcl-2. It can also attenuate the regulation of antiapoptosis phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) signaling and increase the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) to induce endogenous production of ROS. Therefore, herein, we aim to summarize how curcumin affect different epigenetic processes (such as apoptosis and oxidative stress) in order to change aging-related mechanisms. Furthermore, we discuss its roles in age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer, Parkinson, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.

Dietary Interventions and Physical Activity as Crucial Factors in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and affects nearly 30% of the adult population and 10% of the pediatric population. It is estimated that this number will double by 2030. MASLD is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis, and liver transplantation, as well as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Due to the ever-increasing number of patients, the long-term asymptomatic course of the disease, serious complications, and lack of preventive programs, as well as insufficient awareness of the disease among patients and doctors themselves, MASLD is a growing interdisciplinary problem and a real challenge for modern medicine. The main cause of MASLD is an inappropriate lifestyle-inadequate nutrition and insufficient physical activity, which lead to various components of metabolic syndrome. Lifestyle changes-appropriate diet, weight reduction, and systematic physical activity-are also the basis for the prevention and treatment of MASLD. Hence, in recent years, so much importance has been attached to lifestyle medicine, to non-pharmacological treatment as prevention of lifestyle diseases. The narrative review presents possible therapeutic options for non-pharmacological management in the prevention and treatment of MASLD. The best documented and available diets used in MASLD were discussed, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks of the Mediterranean, high-protein, ketogenic, and intermittent fasting diets. In addition, the most recent recommendations regarding physical activity are summarized.

Cucurbita Pepo L. Seed Oil Modulates Dyslipidemia and Neuronal Dysfunction in Tramadol-Induced Toxicity in Wistar Albino Rats

Objective: The modulating effects of Cucurbita pepo seed oil (CPSO) on dyslipidemia and neuronal dysfunction in tramadol toxicity were studied. Methods: Fifty-six albino rats were divided into seven groups of eight rats each after a 2-week acclimatization period. All animals had unrestricted access to water and feed, and treatments were administered orally once daily for 42 days. Glutamate dehydrogenase and glutaminase activities were assessed using brain homogenate, while lipid profiles were analyzed in serum samples. Results: Tramadol toxicity was evidenced by significant (P < 0.05) increases in brain glutamate dehydrogenase along with significant (P < 0.05) decreases in the activities of glutaminase in the group administered only tramadol. Also, serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglycerides also increased significantly (P < 0.05) following administration of tramadol with decreased level of HDL-C (P < 0.05). However, treatment with CPSO significantly restored the activities and levels of the altered biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the biochemical investigation using the lipid profile and the enzymes of glutamate metabolism were corroborated by the results obtained from the histopathological examination of the brain. Conclusion: The results of this study therefore suggest that tramadol-induced dyslipidemia and neuronal dysfunction be managed and prevented by the administration of Cucurbita pepo seed oil.

Curcumin Supplementation and Vascular and Cognitive Function in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and cognitive impairment. Curcumin is a polyphenol that improves vascular and cognitive function in older adults; however, its effects on vascular and cognitive function in patients with CKD are unknown. We hypothesized that curcumin supplementation would improve vascular and cognitive function in patients with CKD. Eighty-eight adults diagnosed with stage 3b or 4 CKD (aged 66 ± 8 years, 75% male) participated in a 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to test the effects of curcumin (Longvida®, 2000 mg/day) on vascular and cognitive function. Our primary outcome was brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Our secondary outcomes were nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), and cognitive function assessed via the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. At baseline, the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 34.7 ± 10.8, and the median albumin/creatinine ratio was 81.9 (9.7, 417.3). A total of 44% of participants had diabetes. Compared with placebo, 12 months of curcumin did not improve FMD (median change from baseline was -0.7 (-2.1, 1.1) and -0.1 (-1.5, 1.5) for curcumin and placebo, respectively, with p = 0.69). Similarly, there were no changes in nitroglycerin-mediated dilation, cfPWV, or cognitive outcomes. These results do not support chronic curcumin supplementation to improve vascular and cognitive function in patients with CKD.

Evaluation of the protective effect of Curcuma longa and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone on paraquat-induced lung injury in rats

BACKGROUND

The inhalation of paraquat (PQ), one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, can result in lung injury. Curcuma longa (Cl) has long history in traditional and folk medicine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including respiratory diseases.

AIM

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the preventive effect of Cl on inhaled PQ-induced lung injury in rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups (n = 7), one group exposed to saline (control) and other groups exposed to PQ aerosol. Saline (PQ), Cl extract, (two doses), curcumin (Cu), pioglitazone (Pio), and the combination of Cl-L + Pio and dexamethasone (Dex) were administered during the exposure period to PQ. Total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, oxidant and antioxidant indicators in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF), interleukin (IL)-10, and tumor necrosis alpha (TNF-α) levels in the lung tissues, lung histologic lesions score, and air way responsiveness to methacholine were evaluated.

RESULTS

WBC counts (Total and differential), malondialdehyde level, tracheal responsiveness (TR), IL-10, TNF-α and histopathological changes of the lung were markedly elevated but total thiol content and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were decreased in the BALF in the PQ group. Both doses of Cl, Cu, Pio, Cl-L + Pio, and Dex markedly improved all measured variables in comparison with the PQ group.

CONCLUSION

CI, Pio, and Cl-L + Pio improved PQ-induced lung inflammation and oxidative damage comparable with the effects of Dex.

Using cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L) powders as an antibiotic growth promoter substitutions in broiler chicken's diets

In the current study supplementations of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) powder (CNP) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L) powder (TP) as an antibiotic growth promoter substitutions on growth performance, intestinal microbiota and hematological profile of broiler chickens have been investigated. A total of 240, one day old as-hatched broiler chickens (ROSS 308) were randomly assigned into five treatments with four replicates per treatment and 10 chickens per replicate. Treatment groups were C: control (fed basal diet); CNP1: 0.5% CNP; CNP2: 1.0% CNP; TP1: 0.5% TP; TP2: 1.0% TP and 500 mg oxytetracycline (OTC)/kg of diet. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved (p < 0.05) by CNP and TP while OTC improved BWG and FCR. Ileal and cecal Lactobacillus and total aerobes were significantly improved while coliforms and Escherichia coli were decreased by CNP, TP, and OTC. The percentage of packed cell volume (%PCV), hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, and white blood cell (WBC) count was increased by CNP and TP while OTC decreased %PCV, Hb, RBC, and increased WBC count. In conclusion, the results showed that OTC can be safely replaced by CNP and TP at 1.0% dose rate in broiler chicken's diets.

Role of oral phytogenic supplementation to protect cardiac, hepatic, nephrotic, and splenic oxidative stress in broiler chickens

This study investigated the effects of adding essential oils of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon to drinking water on cardiac, hepatic, nephrotic, and splenic oxidative status of broiler chickens. A batch of 200 1-d old Arbo acre broiler chicks was administered with Control (Water: no additive), 30 ml/L of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or garlic essential oils in drinking water for 42 d. On day 43, three broiler chickens/replicates were sampled randomly, sacrificed, and eviscerated. The hearts, spleens, kidneys, and livers were excised and assayed for glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation using standard protocols. In spleen broiler chickens, all additive essential oils increased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant activity. Catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase significantly increased (P < 0.05) in garlic, ginger, and turmeric essential oils except cinnamon. In kidney broiler chickens, lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in all the additive essential oils. Garlic, cinnamon, and ginger essential oils increased (P < 0.05) catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in kidney broiler chickens. In liver broiler chickens, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione peroxidase were higher (P < 0.05) in cinnamon essential oil than other additive essential oils. Superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher (P < 0.05) in turmeric essential oils. In heart broiler chickens, all the additive essential oils significantly decreased (P < 0.05) lipid peroxidation and increased (P < 0.05) total antioxidant activity. In conclusion, oral garlic, turmeric, and ginger essential oils supplementation did not reduce lipid peroxidation in spleen, whereas cinnamon essential oil caused lipid peroxidation in liver of broiler chickens.

Meta-Analysis of Exploring the Effect of Curcumin Supplementation with or without Other Advice on Biochemical and Anthropometric Parameters in Patients with Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)

Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disease. MAFLD is characterized by the excessive presence of lipids in liver cells and metabolic diseases/dysfunctions, e.g., obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes, or hypertension. Due to the current lack of effective drug therapy, the potential for non-pharmacological treatments such as diet, supplementation, physical activity, or lifestyle changes is being explored. For the mentioned reason, we reviewed databases to identify studies that used curcumin supplementation or curcumin supplementation together with the use of the aforementioned non-pharmacological therapies. Fourteen papers were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicate that the use of curcumin supplementation or curcumin supplementation together with changes in diet, lifestyle, and/or physical activity led to statistically significant positive changes in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and waist circumference (WC). It appears that these therapeutic approaches may be effective in alleviating MAFLD, but more thorough, better designed studies are needed to confirm this.

Secondary Metabolites From Plants for Cardiovascular Disease

One of the leading causes of mortality worldwide is cardiac vascular disease. According to the WHO report, CVDs affect 17.9 million people each year and will affect 22.2 million people by 2030. The plants include flavonoids, polyphenols, plant Sulphur compounds, and terpenoids, which are all active phytochemicals. Recent research has revealed that flavonoids are substances with strong biological effects that may help prevent chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease. The prevention of low-density lipoprotein oxidation, which encourages vasodilatation, is a common flavonoid mode of action. Due to the rising frequency of CVD, numerous plants have been identified to contain a number of physiologically active chemicals with known biological effects; however, proper CVD preventive and treatment approaches are still needed. This study aims to emphasize the cardiovascular risk factors, in addition to explaining the processes through which naturally occurring bioactive chemicals exhibit their cardiovascular preventive effects.

Curcuma aromatica Salisb. Protects from Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Regulating the Sirt1/HO-1 Signaling Pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced hepatotoxicity reduces the activity of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) along with heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and promotes inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. Although the extract of Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (CAS) possesses hepatoprotective properties, scientific evidence on whether CAS prevents hepatotoxicity and the underlying molecular mechanisms are lacking. Here, we hypothesized that CAS ameliorates hepatotoxicity by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress via Sirt1/HO-1 signaling. CAS pretreatment at doses of 200 and 400 μg/mL significantly increased cell viability in APAP-treated primary hepatocytes. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) substantially increased after APAP treatment; however, this expression significantly decreased in cells pretreated with 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL CAS. CAS increased Sirt1 and HO-1 levels in APAP-treated hepatocytes in a dose-dependent manner. When CAS was orally administered to mice at doses of 20 or 100 mg/kg for 7 days, the APAP-induced increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels was inhibited. Moreover, CAS decreased IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, increased IL-10, suppressed ROS generation, increased glutathione levels, inhibited iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2, and enhanced Sirt1 and HO-1 in the mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings suggest that CAS could be used as a natural hepatoprotective drug to treat APAP-induced injury.

A Review of the Role of Curcumin in Metal Induced Toxicity

Metal toxicity poses a potential global threat to the environment and living beings. Their numerous agricultural, medical, industrial, domestic, and technological applications result in widespread distribution in the environment which raises concern on the potential effects of metals in terms of health hazards and environmental pollution. Chelation therapy has been the preferred medical treatment for metal poisoning. The chelating agent bounds metal ions to form complex cyclic structures known as 'chelates' to intensify their excretion from the body. The main disadvantage of synthetic chelators is that the chelation process removes vital nutrients along with toxic metals. Natural compounds are widely available, economical, and have minimal adverse effects compared to classical chelators. Herbal preparations can bind to the metal, reduce its absorption in the intestines, and facilitate excretion from the body. Curcumin, a bioactive substance in turmeric, is widely used as a dietary supplement. Most studies have shown that curcumin protects against metal-induced lipid peroxidation and mitigates adverse effects on the antioxidant system. This review article provides an analysis to show that curcumin imparts promising metal toxicity-ameliorative effects that are related to its intrinsic antioxidant activity.

Protective Effects of Curcumin in Cardiovascular Diseases—Impact on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondria

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to a large part of worldwide mortality. Similarly, two of the major risk factors for these diseases, aging and obesity, are also global problems. Aging, the gradual decline of body functions, is non-modifiable. Obesity, a modifiable risk factor for CVDs, also predisposes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Moreover, it affects not only the vasculature and the heart but also specific fat depots, which themselves have a major impact on the development and progression of CVDs. Common denominators of aging, obesity, and T2DM include oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic abnormalities such as altered lipid profiles and glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Several plant substances such as curcumin, the major active compound in turmeric root, have been used for a long time in traditional medicine and for the treatment of CVDs. Newer mechanistic, animal, and human studies provide evidence that curcumin has pleiotropic effects and attenuates numerous parameters which contribute to an increased risk for CVDs in aging as well as in obesity. Thus, curcumin as a nutraceutical could hold promise in the prevention of CVDs, but more standardized clinical trials are required to fully unravel its potential.

Ageing, Age-Related Cardiovascular Risk and the Beneficial Role of Natural Components Intake

Ageing, in a natural way, leads to the gradual worsening of the functional capacity of all systems and, eventually, to death. This process is strongly associated with higher metabolic and oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, accumulation of DNA mutations and increased levels of related damage. Detrimental changes that accumulate in body cells and tissues with time raise the vulnerability to environmental challenges and enhance the risk of major chronic diseases and mortality. There are several theses concerning the mechanisms of ageing: genetic, free radical telomerase, mitochondrial decline, metabolic damage, cellular senescence, neuroendocrine theory, Hay-flick limit and membrane theories, cellular death as well as the accumulation of toxic and non-toxic garbage. Moreover, ageing is associated with structural changes within the myocardium, cardiac conduction system, the endocardium as well as the vasculature. With time, the cardiac structures lose elasticity, and fibrotic changes occur in the heart valves. Ageing is also associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis. The results of studies suggest that some natural compounds may slow down this process and protect against age-related diseases. Animal studies imply that some of them may prolong the lifespan; however, this trend is not so obvious in humans.

Curcumin and Biochemical Parameters in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)-A Review

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes. It is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and is a significant public health problem. In the absence of pharmacological therapy, other treatments such as diet, physical activity, or supplementation are sought. Non-pharmacological therapies may include curcumin supplementation, which has been shown to have many health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. For this reason, we reviewed available databases to analyze publications describing the effect of curcumin supplementation on biochemical parameters in MAFLD. Nine studies (eight RCTs and one CT) based solely on supplementation of patients with curcumin were included in this review. The results from the individual trials were varied and did not allow clear conclusions. Although they suggest that curcumin shows some potential in the treatment of MAFLD, further research is needed.

Experimental and clinical reports on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa and curcumin, an updated and comprehensive review

Curcuma longa (C. longa) or turmeric is a plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for treating inflammatory conditions C. longa and its main constituent, curcumin (CUR), showed various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant and anti-microbial properties. The updated knowledge of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of C. longa and CUR is provided in this review article. Pharmacological effects of C. longa, and CUR, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, were searched using various databases and appropriate keywords until September 2020. Various studies showed anti-inflammatory effects of C. longa and CUR, including decreased white blood cell, neutrophil, and eosinophil numbers, and its protective effects on serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as phospholipase A2 and total protein in different inflammatory disorders. The antioxidant effects of C. longa and CUR were also reported in several studies. The plant extracts and CUR decreased malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels but increased thiol, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in oxidative stress conditions. Treatment with C. longa and CUR also improved immunoglobulin E (Ig)E, pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 4 (IL)-4, transforming growth factor-beta, IL-17, interferon-gamma levels, and type 1/type 2 helper cells (Th1)/(Th2) ratio in conditions with disturbance in the immune system. Therefore C. longa and CUR showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, indicating a potential therapeutic effect of the plant and its constituent, CUR, for treating of inflammatory, oxidative, and immune dysregulation disorders.

Protective Effects of Curcumin Phytosomes Against High-Fat Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis

Curcumin has been shown to have beneficial effects on pathogenic factors involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of curcumin phytosomes on atherosclerosis induced by high-fat diet in rabbits. A total of 16 adult male New Zealand white rabbits (1.8-2 kg) were fed with a diet containing 0.5% cholesterol for 4 weeks. The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of four animals each. Group I orally received PBS for 4 weeks. Group II animals were treated with curcumin-phosphatidylcholine solid state dispersion (Meriva®, Indena, Italy) suspended in normal saline at doses equivalent to 100 mg/kg of curcuminoids per day p.o., for 4 weeks. Groups III and IV were treated with curcumin-phosphatidylserine solid state dispersion (Meriserin®, Indena, Italy) suspended in normal saline at doses equivalent to 10 and 100 mg/kg of curcuminoids, respectively, per day p.o., for 4 weeks. For atherosclerosis evaluation, histological examinations on aortic arch section were performed. Blood samples were obtained to determine lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels. Curcumin-phosphatidylserine (100 mg/kg) therapy resulted in a significant reduction in grading of atherosclerotic plaque and intima/media thickness ratio (P < 0.05) and decreased presence of inflammatory cells in the atherosclerotic lesions compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were observed between the curcumin-phospholipid preparations and the control group regarding lipid profile and hs-CRP levels. Results of the present study revealed an atheroprotective effect of curcumin-phosphatidylserine (100 mg/kg) solid dispersion as revealed by a reduction in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.

Daily White kwao krua dietary supplement alleviates LDL oxidative susceptibility, plasma LDL level and improves vasculature in a hypercholesterolemia rabbit model

BACKGROUND AND AIM

White kwao krua is an edible plant that grows in Southeast Asia. It is very rich in natural phytoestrogens. Previous clinical studies revealed that the use of White kwao krua as a hormone replacement therapy has beneficial effects on the lipid profile of menopause women. In this present study, we utilized the hypercholesterolemia rabbit model to demonstrate the effect of White kwao krua on the daily intake of high-fat diet.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

We induced hypercholesterolemia in rabbits by feeding with high-fat diet (1% cholesterol-containing diet). The animals were maintained 12 weeks for the experimentation. The White kwao krua supplement was administered 100 mg/kg/day, and the effects were monitored comparing with Statins and turmeric. Blood was collected periodically to monitor the plasma cholesterol level and the oxidative susceptibility of isolated LDL-cholesterol. At the end of the experiment, the aorta was collected from the animal and performed endothelial-dependent relaxation and endothelial-independent relaxation assays. The relative ratio of intima to media layer was microscopically evaluated from hematoxylin/eosin-stained tissues.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We showed that the White kwao krua supplement reduced LDL-cholesterol about 40% compared with high-fat diet consumption alone. Administration of White kwao krua had significantly prolonged the susceptibility of LDL-cholesterol to oxidation. Besides, it led to the improvement of vascular function by recovering endothelium-dependent relaxation and alleviating vascular structure impairment induced by high-fat dietary intake. Together, we suggest that White kwao krua should be used as a dietary supplement to reduce the atherogenesis in high-fat dietary consumption.

SECTION

Dietary therapy/nutrients supplements.

TAXONOMY

Inflammation, Disease.

Preclinical Evidence of Curcuma longa and Its Noncurcuminoid Constituents against Hepatobiliary Diseases: A Review

Hepatobiliary disease currently serves as an important public health issue due to the fact that it is one of the major causes of death among economically active individuals and can easily progress to chronic diseases. Despite the development of vaccines and numerous drugs, a definite treatment remains lacking owing to different stages of the disease itself, its intricate pathogenesis, an effect uncertainty for long-term use, resistance, and side effects. Curcuma longa (C. longa), which belongs to the family Zingiberaceae and the genus Curcuma, has long been used not only as spice for curry or dye but also as a constituent of herbal formula for the treatment of different diseases due to its bioactive activities. Recently, many studies on the experimental results of C. longa have been published relative to hepatobiliary diseases such as fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and tumors. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to summarize the pharmacological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of C. longa and its four compounds, β-elemene, germacrone, ar-turmerone, and bisacurone, against hepatobiliary diseases. C. longa exhibited antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antisteatotic, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antitumor, and cholagogic effects by regulating apoptosis, CYP2E1, Nrf, lipid metabolism-related factors, TGF-β, NF-κB, CYP7A1, and so on. In particular, β-elemene could be an attractive compound owing to its remarkable hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antitumor activities. Altogether, the present review provides a preclinical basis for the efficacy of C. longa as an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases, despite the need for further studies to establish the extraction conditions and separation of active constituents with high bioavailability, and warrants further evaluation in clinical trials.

A Diet Rich in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol Aggravates the Effect of Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide on Alveolar Bone Loss in a Rabbit Model of Periodontal Disease

Increasing evidence connects periodontitis with a variety of systemic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The proposal of this study was to evaluate the role of diets rich in saturated fat and cholesterol in some aspects of periodontal diseases in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of periodontal disease in rabbits and to assess the influence of a periodontal intervention on hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and NAFLD progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Male rabbits were maintained on a commercial standard diet or a diet rich in saturated fat (3% lard w/w) and cholesterol (1.3% w/w) (HFD) for 40 days. Half of the rabbits on each diet were treated 2 days per week with intragingival injections of LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis. Morphometric analyses revealed that LPS induced higher alveolar bone loss (ABL) around the first premolar in animals receiving standard diets, which was exacerbated by the HFD diet. A higher score of acinar inflammation in the liver and higher blood levels of triglycerides and phospholipids were found in HFD-fed rabbits receiving LPS. These results suggest that certain dietary habits can exacerbate some aspects of periodontitis and that bad periodontal health can contribute to dyslipidemia and promote NAFLD progression, but only under certain conditions.

Oxidative Stress and Antioxidants in Atherosclerosis Development and Treatment

Atherosclerosis can be regarded as chronic inflammatory disease affecting the arterial wall. Despite the recent progress in studying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, some of the pathogenic mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Among these mechanisms is oxidative stress, which is closely linked to foam cells formation and other key events in atherosclerosis development. Two groups of enzymes are involved in the emergence of oxidative stress: Pro-oxidant (including NADPH oxidases, xanthine oxidases, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase) and antioxidant (such as superoxide dismutase, catalases, and thioredoxins). Pro-oxidant enzymes in normal conditions produce moderate concentrations of reactive oxidant species that play an important role in cell functioning and can be fully utilized by antioxidant enzymes. Under pathological conditions, activities of both pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzymes can be modified by numerous factors that can be relevant for developing novel therapies. Recent studies have explored potential therapeutic properties of antioxidant molecules that are capable to eliminate oxidative damage. However, the results of these studies remain controversial. Other perspective approach is to inhibit the activity of pro-oxidant enzymes and thus to slow down the progression of atherosclerosis. In this review we summarized the current knowledge on oxidative stress in atherosclerosis and potential antioxidant approaches. We discuss several important antioxidant molecules of plant origin that appear to be promising for treatment of atherosclerosis.

Therapeutic Applications of Curcumin Nanomedicine Formulations in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) compromises a group of heart and blood vessels disorders with high impact on human health and wellbeing. Curcumin (CUR) have demonstrated beneficial effects on these group of diseases that represent a global burden with a prevalence that continues increasing progressively. Pre- and clinical studies have demonstrated the CUR effects in CVD through its anti-hypercholesterolemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects and its protective properties against cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. However, the CUR therapeutic limitation is its bioavailability. New CUR nanomedicine formulations are developed to solve this problem. The present article aims to discuss different studies and approaches looking into the promising role of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems to deliver CUR and its derivatives in CVD treatment, with an emphasis on their formulation properties, experimental evidence, bioactivity, as well as challenges and opportunities in developing these systems.

Are anti-inflammatory agents and nutraceuticals - novel inhibitors of PCSK9?

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protease which increases the lysosomal degradation of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) resulting in elevated serum LDL-cholesterol levels. Elevated LDL-cholesterol is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Antibodies to PCSK9 decrease LDL-cholesterol. Recent studies have suggested a direct relationship between PCSK9 and inflammation and the potential inhibitory effects of anti-inflammatory agents against this enzyme. Nutraceuticals are natural compounds, which have numerous anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects. In this review we focus on anti-inflammatory substances and nutraceuticals, which are beneficial in treatment of dyslipidemia. We also reviewed the recent findings concerning the role of PCSK9 as the main target for molecular mechanisms of these substances.

Iron chelation by curcumin suppresses both curcumin-induced autophagy and cell death together with iron overload neoplastic transformation

Iron overload, notably caused by hereditary hemochromatosis, is an excess storage of iron in various organs that causes tissue damage and may promote tumorigenesis. To manage that disorder, free iron depletion can be induced by iron chelators like deferoxamine that are of increasing interest also in the cancer field since iron stock could be a potent target for managing tumorigenesis. Curcumin, a well-known active substance extracted from the turmeric rhizome, destabilizes endoplasmic reticulum, and secondarily lysosomes, thereby increasing mitophagy/autophagy and subsequent apoptosis. Recent findings show that cells treated with curcumin also exhibit a decrease in ferritin, which is consistent with its chemical structure and iron chelating activity. Here we investigated how curcumin influences the intracellular effects of iron overload via Fe-nitriloacetic acid or ferric ammonium citrate loading in Huh-7 cells and explored the consequences in terms of antioxidant activity, autophagy, and apoptotic signal transduction. In experiments with T51B and RL-34 epithelial cells, we have found evidence that curcumin-iron complexation abolishes both curcumin-induced autophagy and apoptosis, together with the tumorigenic action of iron overload.

The effect of Curcumin/Turmeric on blood pressure modulation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Hypertension is a chronic condition that can lead to several health problems, such as cardiovascular diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, retinopathy and renal failure. In the present study, a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken with the main aim of estimating the quantitative effect of curcumin/turmeric supplementation on blood pressure (BP).

METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken in Medline, Embase, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar and Cochrane library up to May 2019 to identify randomized clinical trials assessing the effect of curcumin/turmeric on systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). A random-effects model was used to analyze the impact of combined trials. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was applied to assess potential risks of bias.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies comprising 734 participants were eligible and included in the meta-analysis to estimate pooled effect size. Results of the meta-analysis did not indicate any significant effect of curcumin/turmeric on SBP (-0.69 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.01, 0.64; I2 = 18%) and DBP (0.28 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.12, 1.68; I2 = 53%). However, subgroup analysis revealed a significant reduction only in SBP levels (-1.24 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.26, -0.22; I2 = 0%) but not DBP (0.29 mmHg; 95% CI: -0.65, 1.22; I2 = 1%) in studies with ≥12-week supplementation. No favorable effect of curcumin administration on SBP or DBP levels was found after stratification according to either participant's condition or type of intervention (turmeric, crude curcumin and high-absorption curcumin).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis suggests that consuming curcumin/turmeric may improve SBP when administered in long durations. However, more studies are needed to confirm these results.

26-Week Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity Study of KCHO-1 in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Objectives

KCHO-1(Mecasin), also called Gamijakyakgamchobuja-tang originally, is a combination of some traditional herbal medicines in East Asia. This medicine has been used mainly for alleviating neuropathic pains for centuries in Korean traditional medicine. KCHO-1 was developed to treat pain, joint contracture and muscular weakness in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study was carried out to investigate the chronic toxicity of KCHO-1 oral administration in rats for 26 weeks.

Methods

Sprague-Dawely rats were divided into four groups and 10 rats were placed in the control group and the high-dose group, respectively. Group 1 was the control group and the remaining groups were the experimental groups. In the oral toxicity study, 500 mg/kg, 1,000 mg/kg, and 2,000 mg/kg of KCHO-1 were administered to the experimental group, and 10 ml/kg of sterile distilled water was administered to the control group. Survival rate, body weight, feed intake, clinical signs, and visual findings were examined. Urinalysis, ophthalmologic examination, necropsy, organ weight, hematologic examination, blood chemical examination and histopathologic examination were performed.

Results

Mortality and toxicological lesions associated with the administration of test substance were not observed in all groups.

Conclusion

NOAEL(No observed adverse effect level) of KCHO-1 is higher than 2000 mg/kg/day. And, the above findings suggest that treatment with KCHO-1 is relatively safe.

Nutraceuticals as a potential adjunct therapy toward improving vascular health in CKD

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health epidemic and increases risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Vascular dysfunction is a major independent risk factor toward increased risk for CVD in CKD. Several mechanisms have been postulated to result in vascular dysfunction in CKD, including oxidative stress-mediated inflammation by redox imbalance and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and synthesis. Therefore, strategies that decrease oxidative stress and/or increase NO bioactivity may have major clinical implications toward improving vascular health and reducing the burden of CVD in CKD. Nutraceutical therapy in the form of polyphenols, dietary nitrates, or selective mitochondria-targeting therapies has recently been shown to improve vascular function by reducing oxidative stress and/or increasing NO bioavailability and synthesis. This review, therefore, highlights these three emerging nutraceuticals recently implicated in pathophysiological improvement of vascular function in CKD. This review also describes those pathophysiological mechanisms thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects on the vasculature and possible experimental considerations that may exist within human CKD populations. It is clear throughout this review that human-based mechanistic preclinical and health-related clinical studies are lacking regarding whether nutraceuticals do indeed improve vascular function in patients with CKD. As such, a comprehensive, detailed, and fully integrated understanding of nutraceuticals and vasculature function is necessary in patients with CKD. Many opportunities exist for original mechanistic and therapeutic discoveries and investigations on select nutraceuticals and their impact on vascular outcomes in patients with CKD, and these will remain exciting avenues of research in the future.

Dietary flaxseed and turmeric is a novel strategy to enrich chicken meat with long chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with better oxidative stability and functional properties

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the effects of feeding flaxseed meal (FSM) and turmeric rhizome powder (TRP) supplementation on tissue lipid profile, lipid metabolism, health indices, oxidative stability, and physical properties of broiler chicken meat. The 100 g FSM along with 10.0 g TRP supplementation significantly increased the ω-3 PUFA, particularly ALA, EPA, DPA, and DHA of broiler chicken meat due to the corresponding increase ∆⁹ and Δ⁵ + Δ⁶ desaturase activities. The increased activities of the desaturases resulted in significantly better health indices of the broiler chicken meat. The feeding of 100 g FSM along with 10.0 g TRP supplementation reduced the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices of broiler chicken meat. The 100 g FSM feeding reduced the oxidative stability, water holding capacity, extract release volume of broiler chicken meat and increased drip loss, whereas, 10.0 g TRP supplementation reversed these negative effects of FSM.

Curcumin Can Improve Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting TGF-β-SOX9 Signaling Pathway

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe nervous system disease with high morbidity and disability rate. Signaling pathways play a key role in the neuronal restorative mechanism following SCI. SRY-related high mobility group (HMG)-box gene 9 (SOX9) affects glial scar formation via Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway. Activation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is transferred into nucleus to upregulate TGF-β-SOX9. Curcumin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin can play an important role in SCI recovery by inhibiting the expression of NF-κB and TGF-β-SOX9. Herein, we review the potential mechanism of curcumin-inhibiting SOX9 signaling pathway in SCI treatment. The inhibition of NF-κB and SOX9 signaling pathway by curcumin has the potentiality of serving as neuronal regenerative mechanism following SCI.

Curcuminoids: Implication for inflammation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular diseases

It has been extensively verified that inflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Curcuminoids, from the plant Curcuma longa, have three major active ingredients, which include curcumin (curcumin I), demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Curcuminoids have been used in traditional medicine for CVDs' management and other comorbidities for centuries. Numerous studies had delineated their anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and other medicinally relevant properties. Animal experiments and clinical trials have also demonstrated that turmeric and curcuminoids can effectively reduce atherosclerosis, cardiac hypertrophy, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and diabetic cardiovascular complications. In this review, we introduce and summarize curcuminoids' molecular and biological significance, while focusing on their mechanistic anti-inflammatory/antioxidative involvements in CVDs and preventive effects against CVDs, and, finally, discuss relevant clinical applications.

The nanotech potential of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in food technology: A review

New trends in food are emerging in response to consumer awareness of the relationship between food and health, which has triggered the need to generate new alternatives that meet the expectations of the market. Revolutionary fields such as nanotechnology have been used for the encapsulation of nutritional ingredients and have great potential for the management of food additives derived from fruits and plant species. Turmeric, a spice that has been used as a dyeing agent, is recognized for its properties in Ayurveda medicine. This article aims to provide an overview of the characteristics of turmeric as an ingredient for the food industry, including its properties as a coloring agent, antioxidant, and functional ingredient. This article also highlights the potential of nanotechnology to enhance these properties of turmeric and increase the possibilities for the application of its components, such as cellulose and starch, in the development of nanostructures for food development.

Therapeutic targeting of the NRF2 and KEAP1 partnership in chronic diseases

The transcription factor NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (NRF2; encoded by NFE2L2) and its principal negative regulator, the E3 ligase adaptor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), are critical in the maintenance of redox, metabolic and protein homeostasis, as well as the regulation of inflammation. Thus, NRF2 activation provides cytoprotection against numerous pathologies including chronic diseases of the lung and liver; autoimmune, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders; and cancer initiation. One NRF2 activator has received clinical approval and several electrophilic modifiers of the cysteine-based sensor KEAP1 and inhibitors of its interaction with NRF2 are now in clinical development. However, challenges regarding target specificity, pharmacodynamic properties, efficacy and safety remain.

Sonodynamic therapy: A potential treatment for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS), a chronic arterial disease, is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several treatment modalities have been demonstrated to be effective in treating AS; however, the mortality rate due to AS remains high. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising new treatment using low-intensity ultrasound in combination with sonosensitizers. Although SDT was developed from photodynamic therapy (PDT), it has a stronger tissue-penetrating capability and exhibits a more focused effect on the target lesional site requiring treatment. Furthermore, SDT has been demonstrated to suppress the formation of atheromatous plaques, and it can increase plaque stability both in vitro and in vivo. In this article, we critically summarize the recent literature on SDT, focusing on its possible mechanism of action as well as the existing and newly discovered sonosensitizers and chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of AS.

Supplementation with curcumin inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption and prevents atherosclerosis in high-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease caused by high cholesterol. Reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption has been shown to exert strong cholesterol-lowering and antiatherogenic effects. Previously, we reported that curcumin reduced cholesterol absorption in high-fat diet-fed hamster by downregulating the intestinal expression of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1. Here, we tested the hypothesis that supplementation with curcumin can also reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption in high-fat diet-fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE^-/-) mice and prevent atherosclerosis development. ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with or without curcumin (0.1% w/w) for 16 weeks. Aortic sinus sections revealed that curcumin supplementation reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions by 45%. Curcumin treatment also reduced cholesterol accumulation in the aortas by 56% and lowered plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Moreover, the antiatherogenic and cholesterol-lowering effects of curcumin coincided with a significant decrease in intestinal cholesterol absorption. It was reduced by nearly 51%, and the decreased cholesterol absorption was modulated by inhibiting the intestinal expression of Niemann-Pick C1-like 1, predominantly in the duodenal and jejunal segments of the small intestine. These findings support the hypothesis that curcumin supplementation reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption and prevents atherosclerosis in high-fat diet-fed ApoE^-/- mice. Curcumin affords a potent antiatherogenic action by inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption in the mouse.

Curcumin Protects against Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Knockout Mice by Inhibiting Toll-like Receptor 4 Expression

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been reported to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, the current study aimed to investigate whether curcumin suppresses atherosclerosis development in ApoE-knockout (ApoE^-/-) mice by inhibiting TLR4 expression. ApoE^-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet supplemented with or without curcumin (0.1% w/w) for 16 weeks. Curcumin supplementation significantly reduced TLR4 expression and macrophage infiltration in atherosclerotic plaques. Curcumin also reduced aortic interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity, and plasma IL-1β, TNF-α, soluble VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels. In addition, aortic sinus sections revealed that curcumin treatment reduced the extent of atherosclerotic lesions and inhibited atherosclerosis development. In vitro, curcumin inhibited NF-κB activation in macrophages and reduced TLR4 expression induced by lipopolysaccharide. Our results indicate that curcumin protects against atherosclerosis at least partially by inhibiting TLR4 expression and its related inflammatory reaction.

Novel allylated monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin induce mitotic arrest and apoptosis by reactive oxygen species-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibition of STAT3

Curcumin is a promising active compound from a natural source and is extensively being tested in clinical trials because of its bio-functional properties. However, poor bioavailability has hampered its clinical application. Numerous attempts have been made in our laboratory to discover analogs of curcumin with enhanced bioavailability and superior pharmacological activity. In this study, we have investigated a new series of allylated monocarbonyl analogs of curcumin (MAC) and tested their effect on gastric cancer cells. Our results show six MAC that selectively targeted cancer cell lines to inhibit growth and induce apoptosis. This activity was achieved by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MAC. We selected one effective MAC (CA10) for further investigation and show that CA10 inhibits cell growth by causing G2/M cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptotic death. CA10 induced ROS generation and subsequent activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, inhibits cancer cell proliferation. These anti-tumor activities of CA10 were confirmed in gastric cancer xenografts. CA10 induced ROS, activated the ER stress pathway and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and gastric xenografts tumor growth in mice. Our studies provide experimental evidence that MAC CA10 effectively targets gastric cancer in preclinical models by enhancing ROS and ROS-mediated signaling.

Dihydrotanshinone I Attenuates Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice: Role of NOX4/NF-κB Mediated Lectin-Like Oxidized LDL Receptor-1 (LOX-1) of the Endothelium

Dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) is a natural compound extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge which has been widely used for treating cardiovascular diseases. However, its role in atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, the effect of DHT on atherosclerosis were investigated using apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice and endothelial cells. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), DHT (10 nM) decreased lectin-like ox-LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, NF-κB nuclear translocation, ox-LDL endocytosis and monocytes adhesion. Silence NOX4 inhibited LPS-induced LOX-1 expression, NF-κB nuclear translocation, ox-LDL endocytosis and monocytes adhesion. In ApoE^-/- mice fed with an atherogenic diet, DHT (10 and 25 mg kg^-1) significantly attenuated atherosclerotic plaque formation, altered serum lipid profile, decreased oxidative stress and shrunk necrotic core areas. The enhanced expression of LOX-1, NOX4, and NF-κB in aorta was also dramatically inhibited by DHT. In conclusion, these results suggested that DHT showed anti-atherosclerotic activity through inhibition of LOX-1 mediated by NOX4/NF-κB signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. This finding suggested that DHT might be used as a potential vascular protective candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective effect of Enicostemma littorale against oxidative stress in Islets of Langerhans

Context Oxidative stress induces apoptosis within Islets of Langerhans in diabetes mellitus (DM). Enicostemma littorale blume, herb of the Gentianaceae family is used as an anti-diabetic agent across rural India. Objective This report demonstrates potent anti-apoptotic and cyto-protective activity of Enicostemma littorale MeOH extract (EL MeOH ext.) against 50 μM H2O2 in isolated rat Islets. Materials and methods In this study, the whole plant methanolic extract of EL with doses 0.25-4 mg/mL each for the preincubation duration of 0.5-4 h against 50 μM H2O2 were tested for optimum protective dose and time by Trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Islet intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified by DCFDA staining and cell death using PS/PI & FDA/PI staining. Further, comet assay, biochemical assessment of caspase-3 and antioxidant enzyme activities along with immunoblotting of PARP-1, caspase-3, TNF-α activation and p-P38 MapK (stress kinase) induction was performed. Results The optimized dose of EL MeOH ext. 2 mg/mL for 2 h was used throughout the study, which significantly decreased total Intracellular ROS and cell death. Further, caspase-3 activity, PARP-1 cleavage, p-P38 MapK (stress kinase) activation and TNF-α levels, which had been significantly elevated, were normalized. Antioxidant enzymes like catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase, along with Comet assay, demonstrated that pretreatment with EL MeOH ext. can augment antioxidant enzyme activities and protect from DNA damage. Discussion and conclusions Significant anti-apoptotic and cyto-protective effects were mediated by EL with Islets of Langerhans subjected to oxidative stress-induced cell death.

Nutraceutical therapies for atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting large and medium arteries and is considered to be a major underlying cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although the development of pharmacotherapies to treat CVD has contributed to a decline in cardiac mortality in the past few decades, CVD is estimated to be the cause of one-third of deaths globally. Nutraceuticals are natural nutritional compounds that are beneficial for the prevention or treatment of disease and, therefore, are a possible therapeutic avenue for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this Review is to highlight potential nutraceuticals for use as antiatherogenic therapies with evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies. Furthermore, the current evidence from observational and randomized clinical studies into the role of nutraceuticals in preventing atherosclerosis in humans will also be discussed.

Novel Form of Curcumin Improves Endothelial Function in Young, Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study

Curcumin, a turmeric extract, may protect against cardiovascular diseases by enhancing endothelial function. In this randomized controlled double-blind parallel prospective study, fifty-nine healthy adults were assigned to placebo, 50 mg (50 mg), or 200 mg (200 mg) curcumin, for 8 weeks. The higher curcumin (200 mg) supplementation produced a dose-mediated improvement in endothelial function measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The outcome was a clinically substantial 3.0% increase (90% CI 0.7 to 5.3%, p = 0.032; benefit : harm odds ratio 546 : 1) with the 200 mg dose, relative to placebo. The 50 mg dose also increased FMD relative to placebo by 1.7% (-0.6 to 4.0%, p = 0.23; 25 : 1), but the outcome was not clinically decisive. In apparently healthy adults, 8 weeks of 200 mg oral curcumin supplementation resulted in a clinically meaningful improvement in endothelial function as measured by FMD. Oral curcumin supplementation may present a simple lifestyle strategy for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This trial was registered at ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN90184217).

Herbal composition of Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus densiflora, Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra prevents atherosclerosis by upregulating p27 (Kip1) expression

Background

Kiom-18 is a novel composition of Cinnamomum cassia, Pinus densiflora, Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra. Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza glabra, which are traditional medicines in Asia, have been reported to demonstrate preventive effects against atherosclerosis; however, they have not yet been developed into functional atherosclerosis treatments. We therefore studied the anti-atherosclerotic effects and possible molecular mechanisms of Kiom-18 using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).

Methods

To assess the anti-proliferative effect of Kiom-18 in vitro, we performed thymidine incorporation, cell cycle progression, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence assays in VSMCs stimulated by platelet derived-growth factor (PDGF)-BB. In addition, we used LDLr knockout mice to identify the effects of Kiom-18 as a preliminary result in an atherosclerosis animal model.

Results

Kiom-18 inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-stimulated-VSMC proliferation and DNA synthesis. Additionally, Kiom-18 arrested the cell cycle transition of G₀/G₁ stimulated by PDGF-BB and its cell cycle-related proteins. Correspondingly, the level of p27^kip1 expression was upregulated in the presence of the Kiom-18 extract. Moreover, in an atherosclerosis animal model of LDLr knockout mice, Kiom-18 extract showed a preventive effect for the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and suppressed body weight, fat weight, food treatment efficiency, neutrophil count, and triglyceride level.

Conclusions

These results indicate that Kiom-18 exerts anti-atherosclerotic effects by inhibiting VSMC proliferation via G₀/G₁ arrest, which upregulates p27^Kip1 expression.

Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular Dysfunction Associated with Cadmium Exposure: Beneficial Effects of Curcumin and Tetrahydrocurcumin

Cadmium (Cd) is a non-essential heavy metal with high toxicity potential. Humans are exposed to Cd present in diet, polluted air, and cigarette smoke. Cd exposure has been associated with increased risk of chronic diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and nephropathy, all of which could be attributable to dysfunctional endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Cd toxicity is correlated with increased reactive oxygen formation and depletion of antioxidants, resulting in an oxidative stress. Chelation of Cd has proved useful in the removal of the Cd burden. However, several chelating agents cause side effects in clinical usage. Recent studies have shown that the antioxidant compounds curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin can alleviate vascular dysfunction and high blood pressure caused by Cd toxicity. In chronic Cd exposure, these antioxidants protect vascular endothelium by increasing nitric oxide (NO•) bioavailability and improving vascular function. Antioxidant activity against Cd intoxication results directly and/or indirectly through free radical scavenging, metal chelation, enhanced expression of the antioxidant defense system, regulation of inflammatory enzymes, increase in NO• bioavailability, and reduction of gastrointestinal absorption and tissue Cd accumulation. This review summarizes current knowledge of Cd-induced oxidative stress and cardiovascular dysfunction and a possible protective effect conferred by the antioxidants curcumin and tetrahydrocurcumin.

Curcumin and Health

Nowadays, there are some molecules that have shown over the years a high capacity to act against relevant pathologies such as cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders or cancer. This article provides a brief review about the origin, bioavailability and new research on curcumin and synthetized derivatives. It examines the beneficial effects on health, delving into aspects such as cancer, cardiovascular effects, metabolic syndrome, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory properties, and neurological, liver and respiratory disorders. Thanks to all these activities, curcumin is positioned as an interesting nutraceutical. This is the reason why it has been subjected to several modifications in its structure and administration form that have permitted an increase in bioavailability and effectiveness against different diseases, decreasing the mortality and morbidity associated to these pathologies.