A novel drug delivery system of oral curcumin markedly improves efficacy of treatment for heart failure after myocardial infarction in rats

Anserine, a Histidine-Containing Dipeptide, Suppresses Pressure Overload-Induced Systolic Dysfunction by Inhibiting Histone Acetyltransferase Activity of p300 in Mice

Anserine, an imidazole dipeptide, is present in the muscles of birds and fish and has various bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue effects. However, the effect of anserine on the development of heart failure remains unknown. We cultured primary cardiomyocytes with 0.03 mM to 10 mM anserine and stimulated them with phenylephrine for 48 h. Anserine significantly suppressed the phenylephrine-induced increases in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, ANF and BNP mRNA levels, and histone H3K9 acetylation. An in vitro histone acetyltransferase (HAT) assay showed that anserine directly suppressed p300-HAT activity with an IC50 of 1.87 mM. Subsequently, 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) and were randomly assigned to receive daily oral treatment with anserine-containing material, Marine Active® (60 or 200 mg/kg anserine) or vehicle for 8 weeks. Echocardiography revealed that anserine 200 mg/kg significantly prevented the TAC-induced increase in left ventricular posterior wall thickness and the decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening. Moreover, anserine significantly suppressed the TAC-induced acetylation of histone H3K9. These results indicate that anserine suppresses TAC-induced systolic dysfunction, at least in part, by inhibiting p300-HAT activity. Anserine may be used as a pharmacological agent for human heart failure therapy.

Impact of polyphenols on heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy: clinical effects and molecular mechanisms

Polyphenols are abundant in regular diets and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Regarding the inadequacy of the current treatments in preventing cardiac remodeling following cardiovascular diseases, attention has been focused on improving cardiac function with potential alternatives such as polyphenols. The following online databases were searched for relevant orginial published from 2000 to 2023: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. The search strategy aimed to assess the effects of polyphenols on heart failure and keywords were "heart failure" and "polyphenols" and "cardiac hypertrophy" and "molecular mechanisms". Our results indicated polyphenols are repeatedly indicated to regulate various heart failure-related vital molecules and signaling pathways, such as inactivating fibrotic and hypertrophic factors, preventing mitochondrial dysfunction and free radical production, the underlying causes of apoptosis, and also improving lipid profile and cellular metabolism. In the current study, we aimed to review the most recent literature and investigations on the underlying mechanism of actions of different polyphenols subclasses in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure to provide deep insight into novel mechanistic treatments and direct future studies in this context. Moreover, due to polyphenols' low bioavailability from conventional oral and intravenous administration routes, in this study, we have also investigated the currently accessible nano-drug delivery methods to optimize the treatment outcomes by providing sufficient drug delivery, targeted therapy, and less off-target effects, as desired by precision medicine standards.

Auraptene, a citrus peel-derived natural product, prevents myocardial infarction-induced heart failure by activating PPARα in rats

BACKGROUND

Auraptene derived from the peel of Citrus hassaku possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. Thus, it could be a valuable pharmacological alternative to treat some diseases. However, the therapeutic value of auraptene for heart failure (HF) is unknown.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

In cultured cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats, the effect of auraptene on phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic responses and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα)-dependent gene transcriptions. To investigate whether auraptene prevents the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI) in vivo, Sprague-Dawley rats with moderate MI (fractional shortening < 40%) were randomly assigned for treatment with low- or high-dose auraptene (5 or 50 mg/kg/day, respectively) or vehicle for 6 weeks. The effects of auraptene were evaluated by echocardiography, histological analysis, and the measurement of mRNA levels of hypertrophy, fibrosis, and PPARα-associated genes.

RESULTS

In cultured cardiomyocytes, auraptene repressed phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic responses, such as increases in cell size and activities of atrial natriuretic factor and endothelin-1 promoters. Auraptene induced PPARα-dependent gene activation by enhancing cardiomyocyte peroxisome proliferator-responsive element reporter activity. The inhibition of PPARα abrogated the protective effect of auraptene on phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic responses. In rats with MI, auraptene significantly improved MI-induced systolic dysfunction and increased posterior wall thickness compared to the vehicle. Auraptene treatment also suppressed MI-induced increases in myocardial cell diameter, perivascular fibrosis, and expression of hypertrophy and fibrosis response markers at the mRNA level compared with vehicle treatment. MI-induced decreases in the expression of PPARα-dependent genes were improved by auraptene treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Auraptene has beneficial effects on MI-induced cardiac hypertrophy and left ventricular systolic dysfunction in rats, at least partly due to PPARα activation. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of auraptene in patients with HF.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the intervention effect of curcumin on rodent models of myocardial infarction

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the intervention effect of curcumin in myocardial infarction rodent models. Methods: A systematic retrieval of relevant studies on curcumin intervention in rats or mice myocardial infarction models was conducted, and the data were extracted. The outcome indicators included biochemical blood indicators, such as creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as cardiac tissue structure indicators, such as left ventricular weight to body weight ratio (LVW/BW), apoptosis index, left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), and myocardial infarction area, and hemodynamic indexes, such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS), maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise (+dp/dtmax), and maximum rate of left ventricular pressure decline (-dp/dtmax). These results were then analyzed by meta-analysis. Studies were evaluated for methodological quality using the syrcle's bias risk tool. Results: A total of 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The quality assessment of included studies revealed that the evidence was low quality and none of studies was judged as having a low risk of bias across all domains. The results revealed that curcumin could reduce CK-MB, CK, LDH, and MDA levels. They also revealed that it could lower SBP, DBP, LVEDP, LVW/BW, apoptosis index, LVEDD, LVESD, and myocardial infarction area and increase LVEF, LVFS, +dp/dtmax, and-dp/dtmax. However, it had no significant impact on the heart rate and the levels of SOD in the models. Conclusion: Curcumin alleviates myocardial injury and oxidative stress in myocardial infarction rodent models in terms of blood biochemistry indicators, improves the diastolic and systolic capacity of the ventricle in terms of hemodynamic indexes, and reduces the necrosis and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in terms of tissue structure. The methodological quality of the studies was low and additional research is warranted.

Effects of high-absorption curcumin for the prevention of hypertensive heart disease: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study

Aims

Hypertension is a strong risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Curcumin has p300-specific histone acetyltransferase inhibitory activity, suppresses cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis, and significantly reduces myocardial brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expression without altering blood pressure in a rat model of hypertensive heart disease. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study, for the first time, aimed to examine the efficacy of a high-absorption curcumin for the prevention of hypertensive heart disease in humans.

Methods and results

Patients exhibiting initial signs of hypertensive heart disease with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥60% and stable blood pressure <140/90 mmHg orally took a double-blinded capsule (either a 90 mg curcumin capsule or placebo) twice daily for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was per cent changes in left ventricular diastolic function (E/E′) from baseline to 6 months after administration. The secondary endpoint was the per cent change in plasma BNP levels. The E/E′ ratio per cent change from baseline to 6 months after administration was similar between the placebo (n = 69) and the curcumin (n = 73) groups. The per cent change in plasma BNP levels was significantly lower in the curcumin group than in the placebo group. In patients <65 years, BNP per cent changes were significantly lower in the curcumin group than in the placebo group, but similar between groups in ≥65 years (<65 vs. ≥65 years: P for interaction = 0.011).

Conclusions

A high-absorption curcumin agent did not affect the E/E′ ratio, rather it significantly inhibited the increase in plasma BNP levels in patients with initial signs of hypertensive heart disease.

Pyrazole-Curcumin Suppresses Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Disrupting the CDK9/CyclinT1 Complex

The intrinsic histone acetyltransferase (HAT), p300, has an important role in the development and progression of heart failure. Curcumin (CUR), a natural p300-specific HAT inhibitor, suppresses hypertrophic responses and prevents deterioration of left-ventricular systolic function in heart-failure models. However, few structure–activity relationship studies on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy using CUR have been conducted. To evaluate if prenylated pyrazolo curcumin (PPC) and curcumin pyrazole (PyrC) can suppress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cultured cardiomyocytes were treated with CUR, PPC, or PyrC and then stimulated with phenylephrine (PE). PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was inhibited by PyrC but not PPC at a lower concentration than CUR. Western blotting showed that PyrC suppressed PE-induced histone acetylation. However, an in vitro HAT assay showed that PyrC did not directly inhibit p300-HAT activity. As Cdk9 phosphorylates both RNA polymerase II and p300 and increases p300-HAT activity, the effects of CUR and PyrC on the kinase activity of Cdk9 were examined. Phosphorylation of p300 by Cdk9 was suppressed by PyrC. Immunoprecipitation-WB showed that PyrC inhibits Cdk9 binding to CyclinT1 in cultured cardiomyocytes. PyrC may prevent cardiomyocyte hypertrophic responses by indirectly suppressing both p300-HAT activity and RNA polymerase II transcription elongation activity via inhibition of Cdk9 kinase activity.

Chrysanthemum morifolium Extract Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by Decreasing Apoptosis

It is well known that the anthracycline anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) induces cardiotoxicity. Recently, Chrysanthemum morifolium extract (CME), an extract of the purple chrysanthemum flower, has been reported to possess various physiological activities such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, its effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity is still unknown. An 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT)assay revealed that 1 mg/mL of CME reduced DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9C2 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. A TUNEL assay indicated that CME treatment improved DOX-induced apoptosis in H9C2 cells. Moreover, DOX-induced increases in the expression levels of p53, phosphorylated p53, and cleaved caspase-3,9 were significantly suppressed by CME treatment. Next, we investigated the effect of CME in vivo. The results showed that CME treatment substantially reversed the DOX-induced decrease in survival rate. Echocardiography indicated that CME treatment also reduced DOX-induced left ventricular systolic dysfunction, and a TUNEL assay showed that CME treatment also suppressed apoptosis in the mouse heart. These results reveal that CME treatment ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by suppressing apoptosis. Further study is needed to clarify the effect of CME on DOX-induced heart failure in humans.

Potential of natural products in the treatment of myocardial infarction: focus on molecular mechanisms

Although conventional drugs are widely used in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are being used less frequently due to concerns about possible side effects over the long term. There has been a renewed research interest in medicinal plant products, and their role in protecting the cardiovascular system and treating CVD, which are now being considered as potential alternatives to modern drugs. The most important mechanism causing damage to the myocardium after heart attack and reperfusion, is increased levels of free radicals and oxidative stress. Therefore, treatment approaches often focus on reducing free radicals or enhancing antioxidant defense mechanism. It has been previously reported that bioactive natural products can protect the heart muscle in myocardial infarction (MI). Since these compounds are readily available in fruits and vegetables, they could prevent the risk of MI if they are consumed daily. Although the benefits of a healthy diet are well known, many scientific studies have focused on whether pure natural compounds can prevent and treat MI. In this review we summarize the effects of curcumin, resveratrol, quercitin, berberine, and tanshinone on MI and CVD, and focus on their proposed molecular mechanisms of action.

Acetyltransferase p300 Is a Putative Epidrug Target for Amelioration of Cellular Aging-Related Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of accelerated as well as chronological aging-related human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Genetic, immunologic, unhealthy lifestyles including daily consumption of high-carb/high-fat fast food, lack of exercise, drug addiction, cigarette smoke, alcoholism, and exposure to environmental pollutants like particulate matter (PM)-induced stresses contribute profoundly to accelerated and chronological cardiovascular aging and associated life threatening diseases. All these stressors alter gene expression epigenetically either through activation or repression of gene transcription via alteration of chromatin remodeling enzymes and chromatin landscape by DNA methylation or histone methylation or histone acetylation. Acetyltransferase p300, a major epigenetic writer of acetylation on histones and transcription factors, contributes significantly to modifications of chromatin landscape of genes involved in cellular aging and cardiovascular diseases. In this review, the key findings those implicate acetyltransferase p300 as a major contributor to cellular senescence or aging related cardiovascular pathologies including vascular dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, cardiac fibrosis, systolic/diastolic dysfunction, and aortic valve calcification are discussed. The efficacy of natural or synthetic small molecule inhibitor targeting acetyltransferase p300 in amelioration of stress-induced dysregulated gene expression, cellular aging, and cardiovascular disease in preclinical study is also discussed.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Curcumin on the Mouse Model of Myocardial Infarction through Regulating Macrophage Polarization

Inflammation causes tissue damage and promotes ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI), and the infiltration and polarization of macrophages play an important role in regulating inflammation post-MI. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory function of curcumin after MI and studied its relationship with macrophage polarization. In vivo, curcumin not only attenuated ventricular remodeling 3 months after MI but also suppressed inflammation during the first 7 days post-MI. Importantly, the results of qPCR and immunochemistry showed that curcumin decreased M1 (iNOS, CCL2, and CD86) but increased M2 macrophage (Arg1, CD163, and CD206) marker expression in the myocardium of MI mice during the first 7 days post-MI. And flow cytometry analysis indicated that curcumin suppressed M1 (CD45+Gr-1-CD11b+iNOS+ cells) but enhanced M2 macrophage (CD45+Gr-1-CD11b+Arg+ cells) expansion in the myocardium of MI mice during the first 7 days post-MI. In vitro, curcumin decreased LPS/IFNγ-elevated M1 macrophage marker (iNOS and CD86) expression and the proportion of M1 macrophages (iNOS+F4/80+ cells) but increased LPS/IFNγ-suppressed M2 macrophage marker (Arg1 and CD206) expression and the proportion of M2 macrophages (Arg1+F4/80+ cells). In addition, curcumin modulates M1/M2 macrophage polarization partly via AMPK. In conclusion, curcumin suppressed the MI-induced inflammation by modulating macrophage polarization partly via the AMPK pathway.

Current Advances in the Use of Nanophytomedicine Therapies for Human Cardiovascular Diseases

Considering the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the primary cause of death during the last several decades, it is necessary to develop proper strategies for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. Given the excessive side effects of current therapies, alternative therapeutic approaches like medicinal plants and natural products are preferred. Lower toxicity, chemical diversity, cost-effectiveness, and proven therapeutic potentials make natural products superior compared to other products. Nanoformulation methods improve the solubility, bioavailability, circulation time, surface area-to-volume ratio, systemic adverse side effects, and drug delivery efficiency of these medications. This study intended to review the functionality of the most recent nanoformulated medicinal plants and/or natural products against various cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. Literature review revealed that curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol were the most applied natural products, respectively. Combination therapy, conjugation, or fabrication of nanoparticles and nanocarriers improved the applications and therapeutic efficacy of herbal- or natural-based nanoformulations. In the context of CVDs prevention and/or treatment, available data suggest that natural-based nanoformulations are considerably efficient, alone or in blend with other herbal/synthetic medicines. However, clinical trials are mandatory to elucidate the safety, cardioprotective effect, and mechanism of actions of nanophytomedicines.

Daphnetin suppresses experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms in mice via inhibition of aortic mural inflammation

Rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a devastating event that can be prevented by inhibiting the growth of small aneurysms. Therapeutic strategies targeting certain events that promote the development of AAA must be developed, in order to alter the course of AAA. Chronic inflammation of the aortic mural is a major characteristic of AAA and is related to AAA formation, development and rupture. Daphnetin (DAP) is a coumarin derivative with anti-inflammatory properties that is extracted from Daphne odora var. However, the effect of DAP on AAA development remains unclear. The present study investigated the effect of DAP on the formation and development of experimental AAAs and its potential underlying mechanisms. A mice AAA model was established by intra-aortic infusion of porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), and mice were intraperitoneally injected with DAP immediately after PPE infusion. The maximum diameter of the abdominal aorta was measured by ultrasound system, and aortic mural changes were investigated by Elastica van Gieson (EVG) staining and immunohistochemical staining. The results demonstrated that DAP significantly suppressed PPE-induced AAA formation and attenuated the depletion of aortic medial elastin and smooth muscle cells in the media of the aorta. Furthermore, the density of mural macrophages, T cells and B cells were significantly attenuated in DAP-treated AAA mice. In addition, treatment with DAP resulted in a significant reduction in mural neovessels. These findings indicated that DAP may limit the formation and progression of experimental aneurysms by inhibiting mural inflammation and angiogenesis. These data confirmed the translational potential of DAP inclinical AAA inhibition strategies.

The Synthetic Curcumin Analogue GO-Y030 Effectively Suppresses the Development of Pressure Overload-induced Heart Failure in Mice

Curcumin is a naturally occurring p300-histone acetyltransferase (p300-HAT) inhibitor that suppresses cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and the development of heart failure in experimental animal models. To enhance the therapeutic potential of curcumin against heart failure, we produced a series of synthetic curcumin analogues and investigated their inhibitory activity against p300-HAT. The compound with the strongest activity was further evaluated to determine its effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and pressure overload-induced heart failure in mice. We synthesised five synthetic curcumin analogues and found that a compound we have named GO-Y030 most strongly inhibited p300-HAT activity. Furthermore, 1 μM GO-Y030, in a manner equivalent to 10 µM curcumin, suppressed phenylephrine-induced hypertrophic responses in cultured cardiomyocytes. In mice undergoing transverse aortic constriction surgery, administration of GO-Y030 at a mere 1% of an equivalently-effective dose of curcumin significantly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and systolic dysfunction. In addition, this low dose of GO-Y030 almost completely blocked histone H3K9 acetylation and eliminated left ventricular fibrosis. A low dose of the synthetic curcumin analogue GO-Y030 effectively inhibits p300-HAT activity and markedly suppresses the development of heart failure in mice.

[The Therapeutic Potency of Natural Products against Heart Failure]

Chronic heart failure is the final stage of such heart diseases as hypertension, cardiomyopathy, and myocardial infarction. Since the incidence of heart failure has increased in recent decades, heart failure is now a major public health problem in developed countries, including Japan. Recently, some studies have demonstrated that natural products, used as nutritional supplements, play an important role in preventing the development of heart failure in animal studies. In our previous study, we showed that curcumin, a natural polyphenol compound derived from Curcuma longa, exhibits therapeutic potency against heart failure. To establish the pharmacological therapeutic value of curcumin in heart failure, we have investigated the translational research of curcumin. This report reviews our basic studies and clinical trials using curcumin therapeutically to prevent heart failure, as well as the possibility of clinical applications of curcumin.

Nanodelivery of Natural Antioxidants: An Anti-aging Perspective

The aging process is known to be associated with heightened oxidative stress and related systemic inflammation. Therefore, antioxidant supplementation is regarded as a promising strategy to combat aging and associated pathological conditions. Food-grade antioxidants from plant-derived extracts are the most common ingredients of these supplements. Phyto-bioactive compounds such as curcumin, resveratrol, catechins, quercetin are among the most commonly applied natural compounds used as potential modulators of the free radical-induced cellular damages. The therapeutic potential of these compounds is, however, restricted by their low bioavailability related to poor solubility, stability, and absorbance in gastrointestinal tract. Recently, novel nanotechnology-based systems were developed for therapeutic delivery of natural antioxidants with improved bioavailability and, consequently, efficacy in clinical practice. Such systems have provided many benefits in preclinical research over the conventional preparations, including superior solubility and stability, extended half-life, improved epithelium permeability and bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and minimized side effects. The present review summarizes recent developments in nanodelivery of natural antioxidants and its application to combat pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress.

Nanodelivery of phytobioactive compounds for treating aging-associated disorders

Aging population presents a major challenge for many countries in the world and has made the development of efficient means for healthspan extension a priority task for researchers and clinicians worldwide. Anti-aging properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and cardioprotective activities have been reported for various phytobioactive compounds (PBCs) including resveratrol, quercetin, curcumin, catechin, etc. However, the therapeutic potential of orally administered PBCs is limited by their poor stability, bioavailability, and solubility in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, innovative nanotechnology-based approaches have been developed to improve the bioactivity of PBCs and enhance their potential in preventing and/or treating age-associated disorders, primarily those caused by aging-related chronic inflammation. PBC-loaded nanoparticles designed for oral administration provide many benefits over conventional formulations, including enhanced stability and solubility, prolonged half-life, improved epithelium permeability and bioavailability, enhanced tissue targeting, and minimized side effects. The present review summarizes recent advances in this rapidly developing research area.

Theracurmin (Highly Bioavailable Curcumin) Prevents High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis Development in Mice

Curcumin, a hydrophobic polyphenol isolated from the Curcuma longa L. plant, has many pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and chemo-preventive activities. Curcumin has been shown to have potential in preventing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the low bioavailability of curcumin has proven to be a major limiting factor in its clinical adoption. Theracurmin, a highly bioavailable curcumin that utilizes micronized technology showed improved biological absorbability in vivo. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of theracurmin in modulating hepatic lipid metabolism in vivo. A fatty liver mouse model was produced by feeding mice a high fat diet (HFD; 60% fat) for 12 weeks. We found that treatment for 12 weeks with theracurmin significantly lowered plasma triacylglycerol (TG) levels and reduced HFD-induced liver fat accumulation. Theracurmin treatment lowered hepatic TG and total cholesterol (T-CHO) levels in HFD-fed mice compared to controls. In addition, theracurmin administration significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species in HFD-fed mice. Overall, these results suggest that theracurmin has the ability to control lipid metabolism and can potentially serve as an effective therapeutic remedy for the prevention of fatty liver.

Protective effects and mechanism of curcumin on myocardial injury induced by coronary microembolization

OBJECTIVE

Coronary microembolization (CME) is a common complication during the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). CME-induced local myocardial inflammation and myocardial apoptosis are the primary causes of progressive cardiac dysfunction. Curcumin exerts a protective role in various cardiovascular diseases; however, its effects in CME are yet to be clarified. Therefore, the current study investigated the effects of curcumin on myocardial inflammatory responses, myocardial apoptosis, and cardiac dysfunctions induced by CME in rats.

METHODS

A total of 40 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following groups: Sham operation (sham group), CME group, curcumin, and control with 10 rats in each group. The ascending aortas were clamped, and the CME-model group was established by injecting microspheres into the apex of the left ventricle. An equivalent amount of normal saline was injected to establish the sham group. The cardiac functions, serum c-troponin I level, and apoptotic index was examined. Also, the levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65, BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), cleaved caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were detected.

RESULTS

Myocardial dysfunction enhanced serum c-troponin I, and apoptotic index were induced following CME. Moreover, CME elevated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, cleaved caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β, while the Bcl-2/Bax ratio decreased. Curcumin reversed these effects by CME, while the gastric lavage control did not exert any effect.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin was responsible for the anti-CME-induced myocardial injury. The effector mechanism might be related to the reduction of cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibition of myocardial inflammatory responses mediated by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[Noble Heart Failure Therapy Using Food Compositions]

　Hemodynamic stresses, including hypertension and myocardial infarction, activate neurohumoral factors such as the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system, and can lead to the progression of heart failure. Established pharmacological agents such as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and β-blockers target extra-cellular molecules and receptors on the cell membrane. These agents have shown some efficacy for the treatment of heart failure, but the long-term survival rate of patients with heart failure remains low. Additional effective pharmacological approaches are urgently required. Our previous studies have demonstrated that curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from the root of Curcuma longa, prevented the development of heart failure in rat models of myocardial infarction and hypertensive heart disease. However, until recently curcumin's poor water solubility and extremely low bioavailability have presented serious challenges to its clinical applicability. In recent years, highly absorbable curcumin preparations have been developed using methods such as nanoparticle formation and micellization, and there are now high expectations for their wide clinical application. Our group has developed a highly absorbable curcumin formulation called Theracurmin using nanoparticulation and surface processing techniques. Our preliminary data indicated that Theracurmin may improve left ventricular diastolic function. Furthermore, we have already completed and are currently carrying out several clinical trials using Theracurmin against heart failure-related diseases. This paper summarizes and discusses the potential clinical applications of curcumin, focusing on our highly absorbable curcumin formulation, Theracurmin.

Therapeutic Potential and Recent Advances of Curcumin in the Treatment of Aging-Associated Diseases

Curcumin, a low molecular weight, lipophilic, major yellow natural polyphenolic, and the most well-known plant-derived compound, is extracted from the rhizomes of the turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant. Curcumin has been demonstrated as an effective therapeutic agent in traditional medicine for the treatment and prevention of different diseases. It has also shown a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects in drug delivery, and has actively been used for the treatment of aging-associated diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, chronic inflammation and infection. The functional application and therapeutic potential of curcumin in the treatment of aging-associated diseases is well documented in the literature. This review article focuses mainly on the potential role of plant-derived natural compounds such as curcumin, their mechanism of action and recent advances in the treatment of aging-associated diseases. Moreover, the review briefly recaps on the recent progress made in the preparation of nanocurcumins and their therapeutic potential in clinical research for the treatment of aging-associated diseases.

Curcumin in heart failure: A choice for complementary therapy?

Heart failure is a major public health concern and one of the most common reasons for a cardiac hospital admission. Heart failure may be classified as having a reduced or preserved ejection fraction and its severity is based on the symptom score. Given the aging population, it is predicted that admissions with heart failure will increase. Whilst pharmacological therapy has improved the associated morbidity and mortality, there is a need for additional therapies to improve the clinical outcome as the death rate remains high. Curcumin is a natural product derived from turmeric that appears to have cardiovascular benefit through a number of mechanisms. In this review, we have assessed the mechanisms by which curcumin may exert its effects in different models of heart failure and show that it has promise as a complementary treatment in heart failure.

Highly Dispersible and Bioavailable Curcumin but not Native Curcumin Induces Brown-Like Adipocyte Formation in Mice

SCOPE

The induction of brown-like adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders via the ability of these cells to release excess energy as heat in association with uncoupling protein 1. Some experimental trials suggest that curcumin (a yellow pigment from turmeric) has a suppressive effect on the accumulation of body fat. However, there is little evidence to show that curcumin induces the formation of brown-like adipocytes and the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. In addition, in most experimental trials, high doses of curcumin are administered.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Highly dispersible and bioavailable curcumin (HC, i.e., 4.5 mg native curcumin kg^-1 ) but not the same dose of native curcumin induces the formation of brown-like adipocytes in mouse inguinal WAT. Moreover, the formation of brown-like adipocytes induced by HC in inguinal WAT may be mediated by the production of local norepinephrine from accumulated alternatively activated macrophages.

CONCLUSION

These novel findings suggest that curcumin increases energy expenditure by inducing the formation of brown-like adipocytes via a unique molecular mechanism. Importantly, they show that HC has significant bioactive effects in vivo at lower doses of curcumin.

The Holy Grail of Curcumin and its Efficacy in Various Diseases: Is Bioavailability Truly a Big Concern?

The powdered rhizome of turmeric has been extensively used in India and other South Asian cuisines, and is an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for a broad range of conditions. In particular, curcumin, a major active component of turmeric, is one of the most studied botanicals for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Despite its well-documented therapeutic efficacy, for years the limited systemic bioavailability of curcumin has hindered its development as a potential therapeutic agent. However, recent introduction of unique extraction processes and various delivery methods has resulted in the development of new curcumin formulations and significantly improved its bioavailability. While these new formulations will no doubt expand curcumin's therapeutic potential, there are notable inconsistencies surrounding curcumin's bioavailability and corresponding bioactivity, raising some important questions. This article dissects various contributing factors of curcumin bioavailability to identify possible causes for the discrepancies associated with its bioactivity and discuss how these new curcumin formulations could further improve its clinical usefulness.

Nanoparticle curcumin ameliorates experimental colitis via modulation of gut microbiota and induction of regulatory T cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol derived from turmeric, a traditional Indian spice. Curcumin exhibits various biological functions, but its clinical application is limited due to its poor absorbability after oral administration. A newly developed nanoparticle curcumin shows improved absorbability in vivo. In this study, we examined the effects of nanoparticle curcumin (named Theracurmin) on experimental colitis in mice.

METHODS

BALB/c mice were fed with 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in water. Mucosal cytokine expression and lymphocyte subpopulation were analyzed by real-time PCR and flow cytometry, respectively. The profile of the gut microbiota was analyzed by real-time PCR.

RESULTS

Treatment with nanoparticle curcumin significantly attenuated body weight loss, disease activity index, histological colitis score and significantly improved mucosal permeability. Immunoblot analysis showed that NF-κB activation in colonic epithelial cells was significantly suppressed by treatment with nanoparticle curcumin. Mucosal mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was significantly suppressed by treatment with nanoparticle curcumin. Treatment with nanoparticle curcumin increased the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria and fecal butyrate level. This was accompanied by increased expansion of CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and CD103+ CD8α- regulatory dendritic cells in the colonic mucosa.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with nanoparticle curcumin suppressed the development of DSS-induced colitis potentially via modulation of gut microbial structure. These responses were associated with induction of mucosal immune cells with regulatory properties. Nanoparticle curcumin is one of the promising candidates as a therapeutic option for the treatment of IBD.

A Novel Target Molecule of Nobiletin Derived from Citrus Peels has a Therapeutic Potency Against the Development of Heart Failure

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Effects of curcumin on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and the expression of NF-κB, PPAR-γ and Bcl-2 in rats with myocardial infarction injury

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study evaluated the protective effect of curcumin on myocardial injury in rats as well as the mechanisms underlying these effects, and examined the expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) following myocardial infarction. A rat model of myocardial infarction was successfully established. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed cellular atrophy and hyperchromatic cytoplasm in the myocardial infarction area. The myocardial cells displayed lysis and breakage of cardiac muscle fibers, karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of fibrous tissue. Curcumin treatment at a dosage of 150 mg/kg/body weight resulted in an increase in surviving cells, fewer apoptotic cells, decreased proliferation of fibrous tissue and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, though necrosis was still present compared with the rats without curcumin treatment. The immunohistochemical assay demonstrated that curcumin treatment inhibited the expression of NF-κB, but increased the expression of PPAR-γ. The results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction indicated that curcumin treatment significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 (P<0.01). Therefore, curcumin antagonizes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inhibits inflammatory cell infiltration following myocardial infarction, which may be associated with its inhibitory effects on the expression of NF-κB, and activating effects on the expression of PPAR-γ and Bcl-2 in myocardial cells. Curcumin may be useful in clinical practice for saving more living heart muscle in the area of myocardial infarction and improving cardiac function following the elective opening of obstructed coronary arteries.

Colloidal submicron-particle curcumin exhibits high absorption efficiency-a double-blind, 3-way crossover study

Curcumin is a major constituent of the spice turmeric and has various biological activities, including anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as alcohol detoxification. However, because of its poor absorption efficiency, it is difficult for orally administered curcumin to reach blood levels sufficient to exert its bioactivities. To overcome this problem, several curcumin preparations with a drug-delivery system (DDS) have been developed to increase the bioavailability of curcumin after oral administration, and tested as functional foods and potential medical agents in humans. We have also produced capsules containing Theracurmin, curcumin dispersed with colloidal submicron-particles. To evaluate the absorption efficiency of three types of DDS curcumin, we performed a double-blind, 3-way crossover study. We compared plasma curcumin levels after the administration of Theracurmin and 2 other capsule types of curcumin with DDS, BCM-95 (micronized curcumin with turmeric essential oils) and Meriva (curcumin-phospholipid). Nine healthy subjects (male/female=5/4, age: 24-32 y old) were administered these 3 preparations of DDS curcumin, at commonly used dosages. Six capsules of Theracurmin, 1 capsule of BCM-95, and 2 capsules of Meriva contain 182.4 ± 1.0, 279.3 ± 10.7, and 152.5 ± 20.3 mg of curcumin, respectively. The maximal plasma curcumin concentration (0-24 h) of Theracurmin was 10.7 to 5.6 times higher than those of BCM-95 and Meriva, respectively. Moreover, the area under the blood concentration-time curve at 0-24 h was found to be 11.0- and 4.6-fold higher with Theracurmin than BCM-95 and Meriva, respectively. These data indicate that Theracurmin exhibits a much higher absorption efficiency than other curcumin DDS preparations.

Curcumin Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm by Inhibition of Inflammatory Response and ERK Signaling Pathways

Background and Objectives. Curcumin has long been used to treat age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. In this study, we explored the effects of curcumin on the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Methods. ApoE^−/− mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: AngII group, AngII + curcumin (AngII + Cur) group (100 mg/kg/d), and the control group. Miniosmotic pumps were implanted subcutaneously in ApoE^−/− mice to deliver AngII for 28 days. After 4-week treatment, abdominal aortas with AAA were obtained for H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. Results. The results showed that curcumin treatment significantly decreased the occurrence of AAA. The levels of macrophage infiltration, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factors-α (TNF-α) were significantly lower in AngII + Cur group than those in AngII group (all P < 0.01). The level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly higher in AngII + Cur group than those in AngII group (P < 0.01). The ERK1/2 phosphorylation in AngII + Cur group was significantly lower than that in AngII group (P < 0.01). Conclusions. These results suggested that curcumin can inhibit the AngII-induced AAA in ApoE^−/− mice, whose mechanisms include the curcumin anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, and downregulation of ERK signaling pathway.

Curcumin nanoformulations: a review of pharmaceutical properties and preclinical studies and clinical data related to cancer treatment

Curcumin, a natural yellow phenolic compound, is present in many kinds of herbs, particularly in Curcuma longa Linn. (turmeric). It is a natural antioxidant and has shown many pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, and anti-Alzheimer in both preclinical and clinical studies. Moreover, curcumin has hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, antirheumatic, and antidiabetic activities and it also suppresses thrombosis and protects against myocardial infarction. Particularly, curcumin has demonstrated efficacy as an anticancer agent, but a limiting factor is its extremely low aqueous solubility which hampers its use as therapeutic agent. Therefore, many technologies have been developed and applied to overcome this limitation. In this review, we summarize the recent works on the design and development of nano-sized delivery systems for curcumin, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and micelles, conjugates, peptide carriers, cyclodextrins, solid dispersions, lipid nanoparticles and emulsions. Efficacy studies of curcumin nanoformulations using cancer cell lines and in vivo models as well as up-to-date human clinical trials are also discussed.

Combination of D942 With Curcumin Protects Cardiomyocytes From Ischemic Damage Through Promoting Autophagy

Myocardial ischemia is one of the main causes of sudden cardiac death. Autophagy has been demonstrated to protect cardiomyocytes from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced damage. A small molecule compound 5-(3-(4-(2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethoxy)phenyl)propyl)furan-2-carboxylic acid (D942) has been previously shown to specifically activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in cancer cells. Another reagent, curcumin, has been shown to inhibit mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal pathway in tumor cells. Since AMPK signaling induces autophagy, while mTOR signaling inhibits autophagy, here we tested the potential protective efficacy of D942 with curcumin for cardiomyocytes under oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). Mouse neonatal cardiomyocytes were treated with D942 and curcumin after being subjected to OGD/R. Cell survival and autophagy-related signal pathways were measured after treatment. Our data indicated both D942 and curcumin enhanced cell survival after OGD/R. The D942 and curcumin induced autophagy in cardiomyocytes through activating AMPK pathway or inhibiting mTOR signaling. Induction of autophagy by D942 and curcumin was the cause of cardioprotection, since inhibition of autophagy abolished the protective efficacy. Furthermore, combination treatment with D942 and curcumin profoundly upregulated autophagy after OGD/R and significantly promoted cell survival. Treatment with D942 and curcumin significantly upregulated autophagy in a murine myocardial I/R model. Taken together, our research suggests that D942 and curcumin could be promising therapeutic agents for myocardial I/R.