Curcumin Reduces Burn Progression in Rats

Objectives Cutaneous burns are dynamic injuries with a central zone of necrosis surrounded by a zone of ischemia. Conversion of this ischemic zone to full necrosis over the days following injury is due in part to highly reactive oxygen radicals. Curcumin is a component of the Oriental spice turmeric that has been shown to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. The authors hypothesized that treatment of burns with curcumin would reduce the conversion of the ischemic zone to full necrosis. Methods This was a randomized controlled experiment. Twenty Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Two burns were created on each animal's dorsum using a brass comb with four rectangular prongs preheated in boiling water and applied for 30 seconds, resulting in four rectangular 10 × 20–mm full‐thickness burns separated by three 5 × 20–mm unburned interspaces (zone of ischemia). Animals were randomized to curcumin or vehicle by oral gavage 30 minutes before injury and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after injury. Wounds were observed at one, two, and three days after injury for visual evidence of necrosis in the unburned interspaces. Full‐thickness biopsy specimens from the interspaces were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining seven days after injury for evidence of necrosis. The percentage of interspaces that progressed to necrosis was compared with chi‐square tests. Results Forty comb burns with 120 unburned interspaces were created, evenly distributed between curcumin and vehicle alone. The percentage of interspaces that progressed to full‐thickness necrosis at one, two, three, and seven days after injury in the curcumin and vehicle groups were 30% versus 63% (p = 0.003), 30% versus 70% (p < 0.001), 63% versus 95% (p = 0.02), and 63% versus 95% (p = 0.02), respectively. Conclusions Pretreatment of rats with oral curcumin followed by once‐daily oral treatment for three days reduced the percentage of unburned skin interspaces that progressed to full necrosis.     

Effect of curcumin on nitric oxide synthase expression in Iipopolysaccharide-activated microglia cells and the anti-oxidative effect of curcumin

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that curcumin can increase the activities of various anti-oxidase in blood and tissue, effectively eliminate various free radicals, reduce the production of peroxisome, and alleviate oxidative stress reaction. Whether it has the same effect on microglia? OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of curcumin on the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in microglial cell line BV stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). DESIGN: An observational comparative study. SETTING: Research Room of Biochemistry, Medical College of Nantong University. MATERIALS: Mice microglia cell line BV, iNOS and NF-κB reporter gene plasmids were presented by Dr. Bhat.NR. from the Medical University of South Carolina (USA). Curcumin was produced by the Xi'an Branch of China Chengdu Scholar Bio-Tech. Co.,Ltd.; LPS (E.Coli O26:B6), anti-mice iNOS monoclonal antibody, horseradish peroxidase labeled goat-anti-mice IgG were the products of Sigma Company (USA). METHODS: The experiments were carried out in the Research Room of Biochemistry, Medical College of Nantong University from May 2006 to April 2007. ① Detection of iNOS: The cells were seeded onto 24-well plate at the density of 1×105, After the cells had adhered to the cover glasses, the cells were grouped as negative control group (the primary antibody was replaced by phosphate buffered solution PBS); normal control group (the cells were normally cultured); LPS-treated group (the cells were treated with LPS for 24 hours); curcumin+LPS group (the cells were treated with curcumin for 1 hour and LPS for 24 hours). The expressions of iNOS protein were detected with immunocytochemical staining. ② Determination of iNOS and NF-κB gene activities: According to the introduction of the kit for transfection, iNOS or NF-κB report gene plasmids were transiently transfected with LipofectamineTM2000 liposomes into the cells in the 24-well plate for 24 hours. The cells were divided into normal control group (the cells were normally cultured after transfected with report gene plasmids); blank plasmid group (the cells were normally cultured after transfected with blank plasmids); LPS-treated group (the cells were treated with LPS for 4 hours after transfected with report gene plasmids); curcumin+LPS group (the cells were treated with curcumin for 1 hour and LPS for 24 hours after transfected with report gene plasmids). The content of luciferase in the cell lysis buffer was determined after cell lysis. ③ Determination of SOD activity: The cells were seeded into culture bottle at the density of 1×106, and the divided into four groups, including normal control group (the cells were normally cultured); LPS-treated group (the cells were treated with LPS for 24 hours); curcumin+LPS group (the cells were treated with curcumin for 1 hour and LPS for 24 hours); vitamin C+LPS group (the cells were treated with vitamin C for 1 hour and LPS for 24 hours). The SOD activity was determined with xanthine oxidase and quantitative colorimetric assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The expressions of iNOS protein, iNOS and NF-κB, and the activity of SOD were observed. RESULTS: ① Expression of iNOS protein in microglia: The expression of iNOS protein in the LPS-treated group was obviously higher than that in the negative control group (P < 0.01); Those in the curcumin+LPS group were significantly decreased as compared with that in the LPS-treated group (P < 0.01). ② Expressions of iNOS and NF-κB genes: The expressions of iNOS and NF-κB genes in the LPS-treated group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group (P < 0.01); Those in the curcumin+LPS group were significantly lower than those in the LPS-treated group (P < 0.01). ③ SOD activity: The activity of SOD in the LPS-treated group was significantly lower than those in the normal control group (P < 0.01). It in the curcumin+LPS group and vitamin C +LPS group was significantly higher than that in the LPS-treated group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Curcumin could inhibit the expression of iNOS in the activated microglia, and it also has the abilities in eliminating free radicals and antagonizing lipid peroxidation.     

Anticancer Mechanism of Curcumin on Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and accounts for most adult brain tumors. Current available treatment options for GBM are multimodal, which include surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite the significant advances in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, GBM remains largely resistant to treatment, with a poor median survival rate between 12 and 18 months. With increasing drug resistance, the introduction of phytochemicals into current GBM treatment has become a potential strategy to combat GBM. Phytochemicals possess multifarious bioactivities with multitarget sites and comparatively marginal toxicity. Among them, curcumin is the most studied compound described as a potential anticancer agent due to its multi-targeted signaling/molecular pathways properties. Curcumin possesses the ability to modulate the core pathways involved in GBM cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, autophagy, paraptosis, oxidative stress, and tumor cell motility. This review discusses curcumin’s anticancer mechanism through modulation of Rb, p53, MAPK, P13K/Akt, JAK/STAT, Shh, and NF-κB pathways, which are commonly involved and dysregulated in preclinical and clinical GBM models. In addition, limitation issues such as bioavailability, pharmacokinetics perspectives strategies, and clinical trials were discussed.     

Curcumin and Its Potential Impact on Microbiota

Curcumin is one of the most frequently researched herbal substances; however, it has been reported to have a poor bioavailability and fast metabolism, which has led to doubts about its effectiveness. Curcumin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and has demonstrated favorable health effects. Nevertheless, well-reported in vivo pharmacological activities of curcumin are limited by its poor solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic profile. The bidirectional interactions between curcumin and gut microbiota play key roles in understanding the ambiguity between the bioavailability and biological activity of curcumin, including its wider health impact.     

激素性股骨头坏死血管新生相关基因的鉴定及其靶向中药成分筛选验证

目的 基于生物信息学分析筛选激素性股骨头坏死（steroid induced osteonecrosis of femoral head,SONFH）中涉及血管生成相关的基因,进一步探讨其作用机制并筛选靶向中药活性成分。方法 通过Perl语言和R软件处理GEO数据,获得SONFH的关键差异基因,使用David工具进行基因本体（gene ontology,GO）和京都基因与基因组百科全书（Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes,KEGG）分析。然后使用STRING平台和Cytoscape软件分析蛋白互作关系,用MCODE和CytoHubba插件识别重要基因簇模块和核心基因,并进一步验证。使用CTD数据库搜索靶向核心基因的中药活性成分并用autodock vina软件进行分子对接,以及探索核心基因与SONFH的相互作用。利用激素诱导人股骨头骨微血管内皮细胞（bone microvascular endothelial cells,BMECs）,通过CCK-8、细胞划痕实验和Transwell实验观察白藜芦醇对细胞增殖及迁移的影响,通过Western ...     

Mixed Hyperbranched/Triblock Copolymer Micelle Assemblies: Physicochemical Properties and Potential for Drug Encapsulation

Mixed micelles have numerous advantages while requiring little to no effort in preparation. This study aims to produce mixed micelle nanostructures from a linear triblock copolymer and a hyperbranched random copolymer, and is able to be loaded with the weakly water-soluble drugs curcumin and indomethacin. Different preparation techniques are employed to produce mixed micelles comprised of Pluronic F127 block copolymer, and hyperbranched poly[(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate-co-lauryl methacrylate], H-[P(OEGMA-co-LMA)], copolymer. Few studies have dabbled in these types of coassemblies, which provides insight into how structural differences of each copolymer can affect the formation of micelles. To determine the properties of the emerging nanostructures in aqueous environments, including their size, homogeneity, and surface charge, different physicochemical techniques are used, such as light scattering and spectroscopic methods. The results reveal that the copolymers combine, and spontaneously self-assemble into mixed micelle-like nanostructures in aqueous environments, whereas both systems of neat and drug-loaded nanostructures exhibit desirable properties such as small average micelle hydrodynamic radii and low size polydispersity indices. The nanostructures that result from the effective encapsulation of curcumin exhibit outstanding stability over 169 days. The fluorescent qualities of curcumin persist after encapsulation, making the novel nanostructures excellent candidates for bioimaging applications.     

姜黄素抑制晶状体上皮细胞增殖的信号转导机制

目的:探讨姜黄素(curcumin,Cur)抑制重组人表皮生长因子(recom binanthuman epidermal growth factor,rhEGF)诱导的牛晶状体上皮细胞(lens epithelial cell,LEC)增殖的信号转导机制。方法:采用荧光分光光度法检测Cur作用后LEC内游离Ca2 浓度;应用放射免疫分析法检测Cur作用后LEC内cAMP和cGMP含量的变化。结果:经50μg/LrhEGF作用后,LEC内游离Ca2 浓度明显升高,Cur可使LEC内游离Ca2 浓度进一步升高。经50μg/LrhEGF作用后,LEC内cAMP浓度明显下降,cGMP浓度明显升高;而Cur则可使rhEGF作用后的LEC内cAMP浓度明显升高,cGMP浓度明显降低。结论:Cur可抑制rhEGF诱导的LEC增殖,其抑制细胞增殖的作用可能是通过多条信号转导途径来实现的。     

姜黄素干预中枢神经系统疾病生物学机制研究进展

姜黄素(curcumin)为小分子植物酸性多酚,是姜黄的主要药效成分,综述近年来姜黄素治疗多种中枢神经系统疾病的生物学机制研究进展。姜黄素可抑制β淀粉样蛋白合成与蓄积,调节胰岛素信号通路,改善阿尔茨海默病患者空间学习记忆能力;具有抗炎、减轻血管源性脑水肿等神经保护作用;抑制帕金森病星形胶质细胞增生,减轻氧化应激损伤;影响即早反应基因表达、抑制m TORC1通路等抗癫痫;恢复海马对HPA轴的抑制等抗抑郁;降低JNK/MCP-1信号转导功能抗神经病理性痛;调控癌基因,抑制Hh通路,阻止肿瘤细胞侵袭、转移与增殖,促进神经组织功能修复。姜黄素作为治疗多种中枢神经系统疾病的潜力药物,以其疗效显著、副作用小等特点具有广阔的开发与临床应用前景,但姜黄素在发挥干预中枢神经系统疾病作用的信号网络或分子生物学机制、生物利用度的提高、先进制剂技术与新剂型的研发等方面仍需更多实验研究加以深入探讨。     

Combined treatment of curcumin and small molecule inhibitors suppresses proliferation of A549 and H1299 human non-small-cell lung cancer cells

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a phenolic compound present in turmeric and is ingested daily in many parts of the world. Curcumin has been reported to cause inhibition on proliferation and induction of apoptosis in many human cancer cell lines, including non‐small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). However, the clinical application of curcumin is restricted by its low bioavailability. In this report, it was observed that combined treatment of a low dosage of curcumin (5–10 µ m ) with a low concentration (0.1–2.5 µ m ) of small molecule inhibitors, including AG1478, AG1024, PD173074, LY294002 and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) increased the growth inhibition in two human NSCLC cell lines: A549 and H1299 cells. The observation suggested that combined treatment of a low dosage of curcumin with inhibitors against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1R), fibroblast growth factors receptor (FGFR), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K) or NF‐κB signaling pathway may be a potential adjuvant therapy beneficial to NSCLC patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

姜黄色素-共聚维酮共研磨粉体性质及溶出度研究

目的 以姜黄色素为模型药物,考察辅料共聚维酮在共研磨过程中的应用特性及共研磨产物提高难溶性药物姜黄色素体外溶出方面的可行性。方法 采用共研磨法,在姜黄色素粉末中分别加入0%、1%、3%共聚维酮,制成不同比例的共研磨物,通过激光粒度仪及扫描电子显微镜（SEM）对其粒径形态进行考察;运用差示扫描量热法（DSC）、SEM和X射线粉末衍射法（XRPD）鉴别药物在共研磨物中的物相状态;测定姜黄色素原料药、物理混合物和共研磨物在2种溶出介质中的体外溶出度,并考察其加速稳定性。结果 与原料药相比,共聚维酮共研磨物粉末粒径减小,吸湿性和DSC无明显变化;XRPD中姜黄色素主要峰强度有所减弱,结晶度降低;共研磨物中姜黄色素的主要成分溶出度显著提高,在加速条件下放置3个月后溶出未发生变化,稳定性较好。结论 共聚维酮作为新型辅料,其与姜黄色素共研磨后得到的产物能有效改善难溶性药物姜黄色素的溶出度,且稳定性较好;为提高难溶性药物的溶解度和口服生物利用度提供了一种可行的策略。