Targeting endothelial cells with golden spice curcumin: A promising therapy for cardiometabolic multimorbidity

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is an increasingly significant global public health concern. It encompasses the coexistence of multiple cardiometabolic diseases, including hypertension, stroke, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and T2DM. A crucial component to the development of CMM is the disruption of endothelial homeostasis. Therefore, therapies targeting endothelial cells through multi-targeted and multi-pathway approaches hold promise for preventing and treatment of CMM. Curcumin, a widely used dietary supplement derived from the golden spice Carcuma longa, has demonstrated remarkable potential in treatment of CMM through its interaction with endothelial cells. Numerous studies have identified various molecular targets of curcumin (such as NF-κB/PI3K/AKT, MAPK/NF-κB/IL-1β, HO-1, NOs, VEGF, ICAM-1 and ROS). These findings highlight the efficacy of curcumin as a therapeutic agent against CMM through the regulation of endothelial function. It is worth noting that there is a close relationship between the progression of CMM and endothelial damage, characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation, abnormal NO bioavailability and cell adhesion. This paper provides a comprehensive review of curcumin, including its availability, pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutics, and therapeutic application in treatment of CMM, as well as the challenges and future prospects for its clinical translation. In summary, curcumin shows promise as a potential treatment option for CMM, particularly due to its ability to target endothelial cells. It represents a novel and natural lead compound that may offer significant therapeutic benefits in the management of CMM.

Regulation of Acetylation States by Nutrients in the Inhibition of Vascular Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic metabolic disorder and primary cause of cardiovascular diseases, resulting in substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Initiated by endothelial cell stimulation, AS is characterized by arterial inflammation, lipid deposition, foam cell formation, and plaque development. Nutrients such as carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins can prevent the atherosclerotic process by modulating inflammation and metabolic disorders through the regulation of gene acetylation states mediated with histone deacetylases (HDACs). Nutrients can regulate AS-related epigenetic states via sirtuins (SIRTs) activation, specifically SIRT1 and SIRT3. Nutrient-driven alterations in the redox state and gene modulation in AS progression are linked to their protein deacetylating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Nutrients can also inhibit advanced oxidation protein product formation, reducing arterial intima-media thickness epigenetically. Nonetheless, knowledge gaps remain when it comes to understanding effective AS prevention through epigenetic regulation by nutrients. This work reviews and confirms the underlying mechanisms by which nutrients prevent arterial inflammation and AS, focusing on the epigenetic pathways that modify histones and non-histone proteins by regulating redox and acetylation states through HDACs such as SIRTs. These findings may serve as a foundation for developing potential therapeutic agents to prevent AS and cardiovascular diseases by employing nutrients based on epigenetic regulation.

Curcumin Prevents the Glycation of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle and Cell Respiration Proteins in the Heart of Mice Fed with a High-Fructose Diet

BACKGROUND

A high fructose diet (HFD) induces protein glycation. The latter is related to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Curcumin is a natural pleiotropic compound that may possess antiglycant properties.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effect of curcumin on the content of glycated proteins in the hearts of 6-week-old mice fed with a HFD for 15 weeks.

METHODS

Mice were allocated in four groups (n = 6/group): a control group that received a standard diet (CT); a group that received 30% w/v fructose in water (F); a group that received 0.75% w/w curcumin supplemented in food (C); a group that received 30% w/v fructose in water and 0.75% w/w curcumin supplemented in food (F+C). The content of glycated proteins in the heart was determined by Western Blot (whereas the spots were detected by 2D-PAGE) using anti-AGE and anti-CML antibodies. A densitometric analysis was performed using the ImageLab software. Glycated proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS, and an ontological analysis was performed in terms of biological processes and molecular function based on the STRING and DAVID databases.

RESULTS

Fourteen glycated protein spots were detected, two of them with anti-AGE and the other 12 with anti-CML. In total, eleven glycated proteins were identified, out of which three had decreased glycation levels due to curcumin exposure. The identified proteins participate in processes such as cellular respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TAC), and the organization of intermediate filaments.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin decreased the fructose-induced glycation level of the ACO2, NDUFS7, and DLAT proteins.

Protective effect of the curcumin-baicalein combination against macrovascular changes in diabetic angiopathy

Endothelial dysfunction is an early pathological event in diabetic angiopathy which is the most common complication of diabetes. This study aims to investigate individual and combined actions of Curcumin (Cur) and Baicalein (Bai) in protecting vascular function. The cellular protective effects of Cur, Bai and Cur+Bai (1:1, w/w) were tested in H₂O₂ (2.5 mM) impaired EA. hy926 cells. Wistar rats were treated with vehicle control as the control group, Goto-Kakizaki rats (n=5 each group) were treated with vehicle control (model group), Cur (150 mg/kg), Bai (150 mg/kg), or Cur+Bai (75 mg/kg Cur + 75 mg/kg Bai, OG) for 4 weeks after a four-week high-fat diet to investigate the changes on blood vessel against diabetic angiopathy. Our results showed that Cur+Bai synergistically restored the endothelial cell survival and exhibited greater effects on lowering the fasting blood glucose and blood lipids in rats comparing to individual compounds. Cur+Bai repaired the blood vessel structure in the aortic arch and mid thoracic aorta. The network pharmacology analysis showed that Nrf2 and MAPK/JNK kinase were highly relevant to the multi-targeted action of Cur+Bai which has been confirmed in the in vitro and in vivo studies. In conclusion, Cur+Bai demonstrated an enhanced activity in attenuating endothelial dysfunction against oxidative damage and effectively protected vascular function in diabetic angiopathy rats.

Black raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) attenuates inflammatory markers and vascular endothelial dysfunction in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet with fructose solution

A continuous high-fat/high-fructose diet induces inflammation and lowers vascular endothelial function in the body. This research examined the effects of black raspberry (BR) powder consumption on the inflammatory response and endothelial dysfunction in rats fed with a high-fat diet and fructose solution. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups as control (AIN-93G diet + distilled water) and HFF (high-fat diet + 20% fructose solution) groups, for 16 weeks. At 8 weeks, the HFF was further divided into three subgroups: HFF, HFFBR2.5 (2.5% BR in high-fat diet), and HFFBR5 (5% BR in high-fat diet). The BR-fed groups showed significantly higher high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and lower triglycerides than the HFF group. Rats supplemented with BR showed decreased mRNA and protein expressions of inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in the liver and aorta tissues. Furthermore, the aortic protein expression of endothelial nitroxide synthase was significantly greater in the HFFBR2.5 and HFFBR5 than HFF. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Black raspberry (BR: Rubus occidentalis) is abundant in flavonoids and anthocyanins. BR displays various biological activities and has been used to alleviate inflammatory conditions. In our study, BR supplementation showed promising effects against high-fat/high-fructose diet-induced inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in rats by decreasing markers of inflammation and improving vascular endothelial function. These findings suggest that BR consumption could have beneficial effects on the risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

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.

The Emerging Roles of Antioxidant Enzymes by Dietary Phytochemicals in Vascular Diseases

Vascular diseases are major causes of death worldwide, causing pathologies including diabetes, atherosclerosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure of the vascular system to a variety of stressors and inducers has been implicated in the development of various human diseases, including chronic inflammatory diseases. In the vascular wall, antioxidant enzymes form the first line of defense against oxidative stress. Recently, extensive research into the beneficial effects of phytochemicals has been conducted; phytochemicals are found in commonly used spices, fruits, and herbs, and are used to prevent various pathologic conditions, including vascular diseases. The present review aims to highlight the effects of dietary phytochemicals role on antioxidant enzymes in vascular diseases.

The direct correlation between oxidative stress and LDL-C levels in adults is maintained by the Friedewald and Martin equations, but the methylation levels in the MTHFR and ADRB3 genes differ

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations are a standard of care in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and are influenced by different factors. This study compared the LDL-C concentrations estimated by two different equations and determined their associations with inflammatory status, oxidative stress, anthropometric variables, food intake and DNA methylation levels in the LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR genes. A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with 236 adults (median age 37.5 years) of both sexes from the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The LDL-C concentrations were estimated according to the Friedewald and Martin equations. LPL, ADRB3 and MTHFR gene methylation levels; malondialdehyde levels; total antioxidant capacity; ultra-sensitive C-reactive protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, homocysteine, cobalamin, and folic acid levels; usual dietary intake; and epidemiological variables were also determined. For each unit increase in malondialdehyde concentration there was an increase in the LDL-C concentration from 6.25 to 10.29 mg/dL (p <0.000). Based on the Martin equation (≥70 mg/dL), there was a decrease in the DNA methylation levels in the ADRB3 gene and an increase in the DNA methylation levels in the MTHFR gene (p <0.05). There was a positive relation of homocysteine and cholesterol intake on LDL-C concentrations estimated according to the Friedewald equation and of waist circumference and age based on the two estimates. It is concluded the LDL-C concentrations estimated by the Friedewald and Martin equations were different, and the Friedewald equation values were significantly lower than those obtained by the Martin equation. MDA was the variable that was most positively associated with the estimated LDL-C levels in all multivariate models. Significant relationships were observed based on the two estimates and occurred for most variables. The methylation levels of the ADRB3 and MTHFR genes were different according to the Martin equation at low LDL-C concentrations (70 mg/dL).

A comparison of the effects of Stevia extract and metformin on metabolic syndrome indices in rats fed with a high-fat, high-sucrose diet

The beneficial effects of Stevia on metabolic indices have been studied in recent years. However, controversial results emphasize the need for further investigation. We aimed to examine and compare the effects of Stevia's hydroalcoholic extract with two dosages (200, 400 mg/kg) with those of metformin (100 mg/kg) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) indices of rats fed with a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFHS). It was found that both Stevia extract and metformin could prevent the adverse effects of a HFHS on lipid profile, liver enzymes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and histopathologic factors. Except for the finding that metformin showed a greater potential to alleviate insulin resistance than did Stevia extract, no significant difference was observed between the rats receiving metformin or Stevia extract. In addition, using a high treatment dosage of Stevia extract did not lead to better results than a low dosage. Collectively, the efficacy of Stevia extracts to modify metabolic, oxidative, and histopathological indices in a MetS model was comparable to that of the metformin. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study was aimed to compare the efficiency of Stevia hydroalcoholic extract with metformin in attenuating MetS abnormalities of rats induced by a high-fat, high-sucrose diet. The results showed the beneficial changes caused due to the administration of Stevia extract on lipid profile, antioxidant capacity, liver enzyme, and liver histopathological indices. The changes were comparable with the results of metformin group. Despite some promising results, further investigation is suggested to evaluate the effectiveness of Stevia extract on human subjects.

Effects of walnut oil on metabolic profile and transcription factors in rats fed high-carbohydrate-/-fat diets

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of walnut oil (WO) on metabolic profile and transcription factors in rats fed high carbohydrate (HCD) and high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two male rats were divided in to six groups: (a) Control, (b) WO (20 mg/kg BW), (c) HCD (20% of sucrose), (d) HCD + WO (e) HFD (42% of calories as fat), and (f) HFD + WO. HFD and HCD intake increased final body weights by 19% and 23% and visceral fat weights by 3- and 5-fold, respectively (p < .05 for all). In addition, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and free fatty acids (FFA) insulin, leptin, and MDA levels increased in rats fed with HFD and HCD. WO supplementation improved these metabolic parameters (p < .05 for all). HFD + WO and HCD + WO treated groups had a significant reduction in serum and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) levels by 12% or 15% (p < .05 for both). In addition, WO supplementation lowered the levels of hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and NADPH oxidase subunit p22^phox , whereas increased the endothelial-NO synthase (e-NOS), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, and sirtuin-1 levels. In conclusion, WO supplementation could alleviate the adverse impacts of both HCD and HFD in the rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This study suggests that WO intake can modulate carbohydrate metabolism and increase antioxidant capacity. These properties might be partially mediated through the regulation of the transcription factors and some proteins involved in energy metabolism, as well as a balance of oxidative stress, and insulin sensitivity.

Phenolic Compounds Exerting Lipid-Regulatory, Anti-Inflammatory and Epigenetic Effects as Complementary Treatments in Cardiovascular Diseases

Atherosclerosis is the main process behind cardiovascular diseases (CVD), maladies which continue to be responsible for up to 70% of death worldwide. Despite the ongoing development of new and potent drugs, their incomplete efficacy, partial intolerance and numerous side effects make the search for new alternatives worthwhile. The focus of the scientific world turned to the potential of natural active compounds to prevent and treat CVD. Essential for effective prevention or treatment based on phytochemicals is to know their mechanisms of action according to their bioavailability and dosage. The present review is focused on the latest data about phenolic compounds and aims to collect and correlate the reliable existing knowledge concerning their molecular mechanisms of action to counteract important risk factors that contribute to the initiation and development of atherosclerosis: dyslipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory-stress. The selection of phenolic compounds was made to prove their multiple benefic effects and endorse them as CVD remedies, complementary to allopathic drugs. The review also highlights some aspects that still need clear scientific explanations and draws up some new molecular approaches to validate phenolic compounds for CVD complementary therapy in the near future.

Mechanics insights of curcumin in myocardial ischemia: Where are we standing?

Cardiovascular disorders are known as one of the main health problems which are associated with mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia (MI) is improper blood supply to myocardium which leads from serious complications to life-threatening problems like AMI, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac-hypertrophy as well as diabetic associated complications as diabetic atherosclerosis/cardiomyopathy/hypertension. Despite several efforts, the current therapeutic platforms are not related with significant results. Hence, it seems, developing novel therapies are required. In this regard, increasing evidences indicated, curcumin (CRC) acts as cardioprotective agent. Given that CRC and its analogs exert their cardioprotective effects via affecting on a variety of cardiovascular diseases-related mechanisms (i.e., Inflammation, and oxidative stress). Herein, for first time, we have highlighted the protective impacts of CRC against MI. This review might be a steppingstone for further investigation into the clinical implications of the CRC against MI. Furthermore, it pulls in light of a legitimate concern for scientific community, seeking novel techniques and characteristic dynamic biopharmaceuticals for use against myocardial ischemia.

Role of Borage Seed Oil and Fish Oil with or without Turmeric and Alpha- Tocopherol in Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Fatty Liver in Rats

The aim of the present research was to Study the prevention of dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, inflammation and fatty liver as risk factors for cardiovascular disease via intervention by borage oil (B) and fish oil (F) with or without turmeric (T) and alpha-tocopherols (TC). Fatty acids were assessed in both oils while curcuminoids were determined in turmeric. Rats were divided into; first group fed on balanced diet and designated as normal control (NC), second fed on dyslipidemic and steatohepatitis (DS) inducer diet which represented the DS control group and groups 3-6 fed on DS inducer diet with daily oral administration of B, B+T+TC, F and F+T+TC; respectively for 5 weeks. Liver fat and plasma lipid profile, oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarker and liver and heart histopathology were assessed. Results showed gamma linolenic to be 21.01% in B. F contained eicosapentaenoic as 22.768% and docosahexaenoic acid as 13.574%.Total curcuminoids were 4.63 mg/g turmeric. The DS control group showed significant dyslipidemia, elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha and liver fat with significant reduction in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) compared to NC. The different treatments produced significant improvement in all the parameters and histopathology. F was superior to B in ameliorating liver histopathological changes while B was more efficient in elevating TAC. B was more promising in improving lipid profile and liver fat compared to B + T + TC, while the latter was superior in improving MDA and liver histopathology. Fish oil was more efficient than F+TC+T except for TAC and high density lipoprotein cholesterol which were more improved on addition of TC and T. Conclusion: Borage and fish oil with or without antioxidants protect from cardiovascular and fatty liver diseases with variable degrees.