Presence Of Curcumin Research Articles

Curcumin induces apoptosis in trophoblast model cell line

Background: Several studies have reported that curcumin exerts chemopreventive effects in various type of cancers, through several mechanisms, however, the effect of curcumin on carcinogenesis in patients with hydatidiform mole has not yet been investigated. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of curcumin on apoptosis, proliferation, and nuclear translocation of endothelial nitricoxide synthase in trophoblast cells induced by estradiol in complete hydatidiform mole (CHM).Methods: In this in vitro study, trophoblast cells were divided into six groups, the control group (trophoblast cells were exposed to 100 pg/mL of 17-β estradiol) and the treatment group (trophoblast cells were exposed to 100 pg/mL of 17-β estradiol in the presence of curcumin with doses: 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 µM). At the end of study, the cell proliferation was analyzed using MTT assay and apoptosis with TUNEL test in each group thropoblast cell. eNOS translocation was assayed using confocal laser scanning microscopy at the various dose of curcumin.Results: Curcumin at the doses of 200, 400, and 800 µM significantly decreased the proliferation and increased the apoptotic index in curcumin-treated group compared to those in the control group (p<0.05). All doses of curcumin treatment significantly decreased the nuclear eNOS expression compared to that in the control group. The three highest doses of curcumin increased cytoplasmic eNOS expression compared to that in control group.Conclusion: Curcumin inhibits the proliferation and modulates the apoptosis of trophoblast cells induced by estradiol in CHM involvement.

Curcumin-mediated demethylation of the proximal promoter CpG island enhances the KLF4 recruitment that leads to increased expression of p21Cip1 in vitro.

Curcumin, the active component of the spice turmeric, induce global DNA hypomethylation as it has been shown to inhibit DNA methyltransferases. It promotes cell death in cancer cells by arresting in the G1 phase. It was explained to cause increased expression of cell cycle regulator, p21 (WAF1/Cip1); however, the mechanism remains not clear. The p21 promoter harvests a CpG island (CGI) in the proximal region enriched with CG dinucleotide clusters with Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) transcription factor binding site. We probed the p21 promoter CGI (spanning from -135 to +12, respective to the transcription start site) to detect alterations in cytosine methylation level in response to curcumin exposure in four different human cancer cell lines: A431, A549, MCF7, and HeLa. We observed curcumin (20 µM) treatment significantly increased the expression of p21, and the promoter CGI was demethylated in a dose-dependent manner. The curcumin significantly raised the level KLF4 and enhanced the p21 promoter occupancy by KLF4. From our results we hypothesize that curcumin-mediated demethylation of the p21 proximal promoter and increased KLF4 expression as well as its binding to its proximal promoter could serve as a mechanism that could be hypothesized to cause upregulation of p21 in presence of curcumin and thus its therapeutic implications could further be investigated.

Curcumin offers antioxidant protection to cryopreserved bovine semen

Evidence shows that oxidative stress associated with sperm cryopreservation may lead to a significant decrease of the structural integrity and functional activity of male gametes. Curcumin (CUR) has become a substance of scientific interest for its free radical-quenching abilities, which could enhance the post-thaw quality of male gametes. This study assessed the effects of CUR on the post-thaw vitality and selected oxidative stress markers of bovine spermatozoa. Thirty ejaculates collected from 10 breeding bulls were divided into two aliquots and cryopreserved in the absence (control) or presence of CUR (50 μmol/l). Immediately before use, the control or experimental straws were thawed at 37°C for 20 s. CUR administration led to a significantly higher preservation of spermatozoa motion (P < 0.001) as well as membrane (P < 0.05) and acrosomal (P < 0.01) integrity in comparison with the control. Moreover, spermatozoa exposed to CUR exhibited a significantly higher mitochondrial activity (P < 0.001). Significantly decreased amounts of reactive oxygen species (P < 0.01) and superoxide (P < 0.001) were detected following CUR supplementation. Finally, a significant decrease of oxidative damage to proteins (P < 0.01), lipids (P < 0.001), and DNA (P < 0.05) was recorded in samples to which CUR was administered in comparison to the control. In this study, CUR proved to act as an efficient antioxidant molecule offering protection to male gametes against oxidative damage during cryopreservation.

Soybean oil-based nanoemulsion systems in absence and presence of curcumin: Molecular dynamics simulation approach

Curcumin is the most bioactive compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant, which has a wide range of beneficial biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer agents. The application of curcumin is limited due to low solubility and low bioavailability. Today, the use of nanotechnology in curcumin formulations has been considered to improve the performance of curcumin. Particularly nanoemulsions can be used as agents of increasing penetration in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Despite the extensive empirical research on nano-curcumin, the behavior and formation of the curcumin nanoemulsion have not been theoretically investigated. Molecular dynamics Simulation of nanoemulsion systems is performed to have a better understanding of molecular behavior. Here, the simulation was performed on the base on the ratios obtained in experimental work, and by reviewing the trajectory, the variety of assemblies was determined at different times. This study revealed that molecular assemblies formed in the absence and presence of curcumin have different size and arrangement. The Variety of assemblies was studied after reaching to the constant number of assemblies in the equilibrium. The average radius of gyrations was estimated for assemblies composed of more than three molecules in the curcumin nanoemulsion system and the effective radius of the different assemblies was determined based on the related relationship. The size of particles was determined to be in the range of 2–6.3 nm. The size of particles were determined to be in the range of 2–6.3 nm. The necessary information was gained by analyzing the average ratio of the principal moments of inertia in order to determine the shape of the assemblies and it was found that the assemblies have almost spherical and prolate spheroid shapes. Particle size and shape results were in good agreement with experimental results. The arrangement of various assemblies showed that all molecules except curcumin were placed into the assemblies in the way that hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts were located inside and at the surface of the assemblies, respectively. While curcumin selected surface in all assemblies.

Effects of PCL, PEG and PLGA polymers on curcumin release from calcium phosphate matrix for in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration

Calcium phosphate materials are widely used as bone-like scaffolds or coating for metallic hip and knee implants due to their excellent biocompatibility, compositional similarity to natural bone and controllable bioresorbability. Local delivery of drugs or osteogenic factors from scaffolds and implants are required over a desired period of time for an effectual treatment of various musculoskeletal disorders. Curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecule, enhances osteoblastic activity in addition to its anti-osteoclastic activity. However, due to its poor solubility and high intestinal liver metabolism, it showed limited oral efficacy in various preclinical and clinical studies. To enhance its bioavailability and to provide higher release, we have used poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), poly ethylene glycol (PEG) and poly lactide co glycolide (PLGA) as the polymeric system to enable continuous release of curcumin from the hydroxyapatite matrix for 22 days. Additionally, curcumin was incorporated in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite coated Ti6Al4V substrate to study in vitro cell material interaction using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) cells for load bearing implants. MTT cell viability assay and morphological characterization by FESEM showed highest cell viability with samples coated with curcumin-PCL-PEG. Finally, 3D printed interconnected macro porous β-TCP scaffolds were prepared and curcumin-PCL-PEG was loaded to assess the effects of curcumin on in vivo bone regeneration. The presence of curcumin in TCP results in enhanced bone formation after 6 weeks. Complete mineralized bone formation increased from 29.6% to 44.9% in curcumin-coated scaffolds compared to pure TCP. Results show that local release of curcumin can be designed for both load bearing or non-load bearing implants with the aid of polymers, which can be considered an excellent candidate for wound healing and tissue regeneration applications in bone tissue engineering.

Improved Anti-Cancer Effect of Curcumin on Breast Cancer Cells by Increasing the Activity of Natural Killer Cells.

Curcumin is known to possess various biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-cancer activities. Natural killer (NK) cells are large lymphocytes that directly kill cancer cells. However, many aggressive cancers, including breast cancer, were reported to escape the successful killing of NK cells in a tumor microenvironment. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effect of curcumin in coculture of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 and NK (NK-92) cells. We found that curcumin had an immune-stimulatory effect on NK-92 by increasing the surface expression of the CD16⁺ and CD56dim population of NK-92. We confirmed that the cytotoxic effect of NK-92 on MDA-MB-231 was significantly enhanced in the presence of curcumin, which was highly associated with the activation of Stat4 and Stat5 proteins in NK-92. Finally, this improved anticancer effect of curcumin was correlated with decreased expression of pErk and PI3K in MDA-MB-231.

Structural characterization of multilamellar liposomes coencapsulating curcumin and vitamin D3

This study aimed the production of multilamellar liposomes coencapsulating two hydrophobic bioactives, curcumin and vitamin D3, which present antioxidant and nutraceutical properties. Liposomes were produced by proliposomes hydration and stabilized with a mixture of xanthan and guar gums. Proliposomes were produced by coating of micronized sucrose method. Physicochemical properties of the dispersions were evaluated over 42 days of refrigerated storage. Microstructural characterization were performed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and small deformation rheological analyses. Liposomes showed spherical and near-spherical shapes and presented hydrodynamic diameters in the 680–1580 nm range. Curcumin and cholecalciferol were loaded into the same vesicles, with preservation efficiencies ranging from 89.6 to 93.3% and from 88.3 to 91.3%, respectively, after 42 days of storage. SAXS data showed that the lipid bilayer of liposomes produced in the presence of curcumin, vitamin D3, or a mixture of both, are very similar. Also, higher amounts of vitamin D3 did not affect negatively the stability of phospholipid vesicles. Overall, it was demonstrated that the coencapsulation of curcumin and vitamin D3 by liposomes is feasible and high contents of bioactives were retained throughout the storage time.

Anti Inflammatory and Anti Arthritic Activity of Different Milk Based Formulation of Curcumin in Rat Model.

Inflammation is the key mediator for arthritis. Plant based products are most useful for treating various disorders, but at the same time drug absorption is utmost important for effective therapy. The present aim of our study was to find out the therapeutic concern in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters in an arthritis induced rat model. Carregenan and complete Freud's adjuvant, both were used for an arthritis induction as an animal model. Formulation of curcumin was prepared in different quality of milk brand, high fat milk with ghee and in an aqueous suspension. They were administered orally to the rats for 21 days continuously. Different pharmacodyanmic parameters were analyzed which include percentage inhibition of inflammation, cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), hematological levels, X-Rays and histology condition. Pharmacokinetics was also determined like Cmax, Tmax and Kel using HPLC method. The result concludes that, curcumin in full fat milk with ghee and full fat curcumin formulation treated group showed a higher statistical significant effect in the prevention of inflammation in both the models. The presence of curcumin in plasma was higher only in full fat with ghee formulation and full fat milk formulation treated group when compared to the other groups. Hence, it concludes that the presence of adjuvant act as an enhancer can increase the bioavailability of curcumin for achieving maximum effectiveness.

Feed addition of curcumin to laying hens showed anticoccidial effect, and improved egg quality and animal health

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of curcumin in the diet of commercial laying hens could have an anticoccidial action and improve egg quality. For this, 60 laying hens were divided into three groups: T0 (the control group); T30 and T50 (30 and 50 mg/kg of curcumin in the feed, respectively). Eggs recently laid were collected on days 14 and 21 of the experiment, and stored for 21 days. It was observed increased specific gravity and yolk index in stored eggs of the groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. The yolk color reduced in the eggs stored from groups T30 and T50 compared to T0. Moreover, TBARS levels were lower in fresh and stored eggs from groups T30 and T50. It was observed increased TAC levels in fresh eggs from groups T30 and T50 and in stored eggs from the group T50. The presence of curcumin was not detected by HPLC in the yolk and albumen. Seric levels of albumin and uric acid did not differ between groups, while seric levels of total proteins increased on day 21 on groups T30 and T50. Finally, it was observed a significant reduction on the number of oocysts in fecal samples on days 14 and 21 of T30 and T50 compared to T0. Based on these evidences, it is possible to conclude that the addition of curcumin in the diet of laying hens has an anticoccidial effect and improves egg quality.

Curcumin potentiates the function of human α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in SH-EP1 cells

Effects of curcumin, a biologically active ingredient of turmeric, were tested on the Ca2+ transients induced by the activation of α7 subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine (α7 nACh) receptor expressed in SH-EP1 cells. Curcumin caused a significant potentiation of choline (1 mM)-induced Ca2+ transients with an EC50 value of 133 nM. The potentiating effect of curcumin was not observed in Ca2+ transients induced by high K+ (60 mM) containing solutions or activation of α4β2 nACh receptors and the extent of curcumin potentiation was not altered in the presence of Ca2+ channel antagonists nifedipine (1 μM), verapamil (1 μM), ω-conotoxin (1 μM), and bepridil (10 μM). Noticeably the effect of curcumin was not observed when curcumin and choline were co-applied without curcumin pre-incubation. The effect of curcumin on choline-induced Ca2+ transients was not reversed by pre-incubation with inhibitors of protein C, A, and CaM kinases. Metabolites of curcumin such as tetrahydrocurcumin, demethylcurcumin, and didemethylcurcumin also caused potentiation of choline-induced Ca2+ transients. Notably, specific binding of [125I]-bungarotoxin was not altered in the presence of curcumin. Collectively, our results indicate that curcumin allosterically potentiate the function of the α7-nACh receptor expressed in SH-EP1 cells.

Effect of curcumin on amyloid-like aggregates generated from methionine-oxidized apolipoprotein A-I.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic phytonutrient that has antineurodegenerative properties. In this study, we investigated the anti‐amyloidogenic properties of curcumin. Following incubation with curcumin, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence emission of apolipoprotein (apo) A‐I was strongly quenched. At the same time, curcumin fluorescence emission was enhanced. The fluorescence emission spectra of curcumin in the presence of amyloid‐like aggregates formed by methionine‐oxidized (ox) apoA‐I varied, depending on whether curcumin was added before, or after, aggregate formation. The impact of curcumin on the structure of the aggregating material was revealed by the lower amount of β‐structure in ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates formed in the presence of curcumin, compared to aggregates formed without curcumin. However, the kinetics of ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregate formation was not altered by the presence of curcumin. Moreover, electron microscopy analysis detected no discernable differences in amyloid morphology when ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates were formed in the presence or absence of curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin interacts with apoA‐I and alters the structure of ox‐apoA‐I amyloid‐like aggregates yet does not diminish the propensity of ox‐apoA‐I to form aggregates.

Antibacterial Effects and Fastness Properties of Dyed Silk Fabric with Curcumin in Presence of Organic and Bio Mordants

Antibacterial Effects and Fastness Properties of Dyed Silk Fabric with Curcumin in Presence of Organic and Bio Mordants

Curcumin Suppresses the Colon Cancer Proliferation by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathways via miR-130a.

Curcumin exhibits anti-tumor effects in several cancers, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), but the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Here we studied the mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effect of curcumin in colon cancer cells. SW480 cells were injected into mice to establish the xenograft tumor model, followed by evaluation of survival rate with the treatment of curcumin. The expression levels of β-catenin, Axin and TCF4 were measured in the SW480 cells in the absence or presence of curcumin. Moreover, miRNAs related to the curcumin treatment were also detected in vitro. Curcumin could suppress the growth of colon cancer cells in the mouse model. This anti-tumor activity of curcumin was exerted by inhibiting cell proliferation rather than promoting cell apoptosis. Further study suggested that curcumin inhibited cell proliferation by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. MiR-130a was down-regulated by curcumin treatment, and overexpressing miR-130a could abolish the anti-tumor activity of curcumin. Our study confirms that curcumin is able to inhibit colon cancer by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathways via miR-130a. MiR-130a may serve as a new target of curcumin for CRC treatment.

Curcumin synergizes with the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor OMDM-2 in human MCF-7 breast cancer and U-87 glioblastoma cells

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), active constituent of Cannabis sativa L., possesses potential antitumor activity. Modulating the endogenous level of cannabinoids could be a sensible strategy to avoid adverse events presently limiting the use of direct agonists. We investigated the cytotoxicity of endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor OMDM-2 alone and in combination with the polyphenol curcumin, an active compound of Curcuma longa L. The in-vitro anti-proliferative activities of OMDM-2 alone/in combination with curcumin were evaluated in breast cancer (MCF-7) and glioblastoma (U-87) cells using the resazurin assay. The effect of curcumin on OMDM-2 was determined by comparing different inhibitory concentrations (IC) values of OMDM-2 in absence and presence of curcumin. The additive, synergistic or antagonistic activity of the combination was evaluated by the combination index (CI) and isobologram analyses. OMDM-2 by itself showed anti-proliferative effects against both MCF-7 and U-87 cells in a dose dependent manner with IC50 values of 4.9 μM and 2.7 μM respectively. Isobol and CI analyses at different dose ratios revealed that the drug interaction was predominantly synergistic against MCF-7 cells (CI ≤ 0.5 at IC50). While in case of glioblastoma cells CI values varied between <0.2 up to 1.1 at IC70 depending on the ratio and concentration of the drugs. These findings provide experimental support for the use of curcumin as a modulator of tumor cell pharmacointeraction in cannabinoid based therapies. To achieve synergism dose ratios should be established for each cell type and ratiometric dosing be considered.

Nile red compensates for thioflavin T assay biased in the presence of curcumin

Amyloid fibrillary aggregates, which are gradually formed under predisposing conditions in the human body, are the main sign of conformational diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. How the aggregates are formed, what characteristics they have, and how their formation can be inhibited, have been targeted in many studies thus far. In all of such studies, thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay is used to qualify the amyloid aggregates and the inhibitory effect of polyphenolic small molecules. Among the proteins with the potential of the aggregation in vitro, hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) is much used, and on the other hand, curcumin, a known polyphenol, has a potential to inhibit the aggregation process. However, whether curcumin affects the aggregation process or not, ThT fluorescence is biased in the presence of curcumin because it displays an enhanced absorption at the excitation wavelength of ThT. To address this problem and to qualify the aggregation more accurate, it is recommended to use Nile red (NR) anisotropy as an alternative fluorescence-based method which considers molecular sizes, not emissions. Since NR, as bound to amyloid fibrils, fluoresces significantly beyond the range of curcumin, NR anisotropy can further minimize the interference effect of curcumin.

Antibacterial photodynamic therapy with curcumin and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract against Streptococcus mutans

BackgroundBacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to conventional antibacterial chemotherapy. This has prompted the application of antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in bacteria-related diseases due to its excellent biocide effects. However, few studies have attempted to develop a novel photosensitizer based on natural components. The aim of the present study was to compare the aPDT effects of curcumin and Curcuma xanthorrhiza extract (CXE) against Streptococcus mutans. MethodsA planktonic suspension containing an S. mutans strain was treated in three separate groups: aPDT with curcumin, CXE, and a mixture of curcumin and CXE (ratio= 1:1) at concentrations of 0, 10, 102, 103, and 104ng/ml. Light irradiation with a center wavelength of 405nm was applied using an LED (power density of 84.5mW for 300s at an energy density of 25.3J/cm2). The phototoxicity of photosensitizers against S. mutans was investigated using a colony-forming-unit assay. Percentage logarithmic reductions [log10(CFU/ml) values] were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey test (p<0.05) and Student’s independent t-test. ResultsThe viability of S. mutans in the presence of curcumin, CXE, and a mixture of these two components was substantially reduced during irradiation with 405nm light. The phototoxicity of the photosensitizer varied with its solubility and concentration. ConclusionThese preliminary in vitro findings imply that combining curcumin and CXE with a 405nm LED may be a novel method of applying aPDT. This could be advantageous in preventing and treating dental caries using devices that are readily available in clinics.

Development of a technique for psyllium husk mucilage purification with simultaneous microencapsulation of curcumin.

This study focused on evaluating a technique for the psyllium husk mucilage (PHM) purification with simultaneous microencapsulation of curcumin. PHM was extracted with water and purified with ethanol. For the mucilage purification and simultaneous microencapsulation, an ethanolic solution of curcumin was used. After dehydration, the samples were analysed by instrumental techniques and evaluated for thermal stability. The presence of curcumin in the solution did not impair the yield of precipitated polysaccharide. Interactions of the dye and carbohydrates were confirmed by displacement of peaks in FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy. The onset temperature of degradation of microcapsules was superior to that of curcumin. Thermal stability in solution at 90°C also improved. After 300 minutes of heating, the microcapsules had a remnant curcumin content exceeding 70%, while, in standard sample, the remaining curcumin content was 4.46%. Thus, the developed technique was successful on purification of PHM and microencapsulation of curcumin.

Co-delivery of hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs by micelles: a new approach using drug conjugated PEG–PCLNanoparticles

Co-delivery strategy has been proposed to minimize the amount of each drug and to achieve the synergistic effect for cancer therapies. A conjugate of the antitumor drug, doxorubicin, with diblock methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)-poly caprolactone (mPEG-PCL) copolymer was synthesized by the reaction of mPEG–PCL copolymer with doxorubicin in the presence of p-nitrophenylchloroformate. The conjugated copolymer was characterized in vitro by 1H-NMR, FTIR, DSC and GPC techniques. Then, the doxorubicin conjugated mPEG–PCL(DOX–mPEG-PCL) was self-assembled into micelles in the presence of curcumin in aqueous solution. The resulting micelles were characterized further by various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).The encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin and curcumin were 82.31 ± 3.32 and 78.15 ± 3.14%, respectively. The results revealed that the micelles formed by the DOX–mPEG-PCL with and without curcumin have spherical structure with average size of 116 and 134 nm respectively. The release behavior of curcumin and doxorubicin loaded to micelles were investigated in a different media. The release rate of micelles consisted of the conjugated copolymer was pH dependent as it was higher at lower pH than in neutral condition. Another feature of the conjugated micelles was a sustained release profile. The cytotoxicity of micelles were evaluated by MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, atetrazole) assay on lung cancer A549 cell lines. In vitro cytotoxicity assay showed that the mPEG–PCL copolymer did not affect the growth of A549 cells. The cytotoxic activity of the micelles against A549 cells was greater than free doxorubicin and free curcumin.

Curcumin Promotes Apoptosis of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inhibiting Protein Expression of the MyD88 Pathway.

Activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play an important role in the progress of liver fibrosis. HSC activation occurs in response to inflammatory cytokines, cellular interactions with immune cells, and morphogenetic signals. The literature hints to a role of the adaptor protein MyD88 in fibrosis. Although curcumin has been shown to exert inhibitory effects on the proliferation of HSC in vitro, its influence on the MyD88 pathway in HSC has remained unclear. Here, we investigated whether curcumin accelerates apoptosis of HSC through the MyD88 pathway. HSC (rat HSC T6) were divided into a control group, MyD88 small interfering RNA (siRNA) group, curcumin group, and curcumin + MyD88 siRNA group. The MyD88 siRNA groups were exposed to siRNA for 48 h. The curcumin groups were cultured in the presence of curcumin for 24 h. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. For Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 as well as MyD88 and the dependent factors NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β, mRNA expression was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For MyD88, protein expression was further observed by Western Blot. Both curcumin and MyD88 siRNA inhibited the mRNA expression of MyD88 pathway-related effectors (TLR2, TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β) in HSC. Furthermore, both treatments reduced the expression of MyD88 protein in HSC and promoted their apoptosis. These effects were more obvious in the curcumin + MyD88 siRNA group. This study demonstrates that curcumin promotes apoptosis of activated HSC by inhibiting the expression of cytokines related to the MyD88 pathway. It elucidates the possible mechanisms of curcumin in inducing apoptosis of HSC through the MyD88 pathway.

Curcumin Targets Circulating Cancer Stem Cells by Inhibiting Self-Renewal Efficacy in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

The ultimate goal of the study was to find a role of curcumin in targeting lung cancer stem cells by reducing their self-renewal efficiency causing DNA damage. Circulating lung cancer stem cells were isolated by sphere formation assay and further analysed by flow-cytometry and qRT-PCR for the presence of stem cell and stem cell transcription markers. The IC50 values of gemcitabine and curcumin were analysed by MTT assay, while curcumin induced DNA damage was scrutinized by single cell gel electrophoresis assay. Our results demonstrated that curcumin significantly affect the self-renewal ability of circulating lung cancer stem cells. The no. of spheres formed in the presence of curcumin was shown to be significantly decreased. Additionally, our results depicted that 4.52±0.72 % and 95.47±0.72 % (p &lt; 0.0001) of DNA material was found to be present in head and tail, respectively, suggesting curcumin's functional potential to cause DNA damage. Thus, we can conclude that curcumin can be used to target lung cancer stem cells which is responsible for the disease progression and metastasis by causing DNA damage or inhibiting their DNA repair mechanisms.