Systemic Amelioration via Curcumin in Rats following Splenectomy: Lipid Profile, Endothelial and Oxidative Damage

Review of the Protective Mechanism of Curcumin on Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the most common cause of death worldwide and has been the focus of research in the medical community. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound extracted from the root of turmeric. Curcumin has been shown to have a variety of pharmacological properties over the past decades. Curcumin can significantly protect cardiomyocyte injury after ischemia and hypoxia, inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, improve ventricular remodeling, reduce drug-induced myocardial injury, improve diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM), alleviate vascular endothelial dysfunction, inhibit foam cell formation, and reduce vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) proliferation. Clinical studies have shown that curcumin has a protective effect on blood vessels. Toxicological studies have shown that curcumin is safe. But high doses of curcumin also have some side effects, such as liver damage and defects in embryonic heart development. This article reviews the mechanism of curcumin intervention on CVDs in recent years, in order to provide reference for the development of new drugs in the future.

Effects of curcumin on low-density lipoprotein oxidation: From experimental studies to clinical practice

Atherosclerosis is the most frequent cause of death globally. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) has an essential role in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and foamy macrophages. Ox-LDL increases the uptake of cholesterol by macrophages and is the major cause of blood flow disruption. Ox-LDL is produced during oxidative stress and treatment with antioxidants could inhibit the production and function of ox-LDL. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and has a strong track record in the treatment of numerous diseases. Recent studies indicate that Curcumin exerts a lipid-lowering effect, and can modulate the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. The current review focuses upon the role of Curcumin in oxidation of LDL and foam cell formation in atherosclerotic lesions.

The impact of splenectomy on human lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Splenectomy impacts hematological, immunological, and metabolic functions of the patient. Since our understanding of its metabolic effects, in particular effects on lipid metabolism, is limited, this study aims to investigate the effects of splenectomy on lipid metabolism.

METHODS

The data from 316 patients undergoing splenectomy between 2009 and 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients whose serum lipid values were measured both preoperatively and 1 year after surgery were included in this study.

RESULTS

Significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) lipid profile were found in the postsplenectomy measurements. However, no significant differences were recorded in levels of triglyceride, HDL, or very-LDL.

CONCLUSION

We determined that splenectomy does impact lipid metabolism, and that the metabolic effects of splenectomy should further be investigated.