Curcumin and its Multi-target Function Against Pain and Inflammation: An Update of Pre-clinical Data

Tapping into Nature's Arsenal: Harnessing the Potential of Natural Antioxidants for Human Health and Disease Prevention

Numerous natural antioxidants commonly found in our daily diet have demonstrated significant benefits for human health and various diseases by counteracting the impact of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Their chemical properties enable a range of biological actions, including antihypertensive, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anticancer effects. Despite promising outcomes from preclinical studies, ongoing debate persists regarding their reproducibility in human clinical models. This controversy largely stems from a lack of understanding of the pharmacokinetic properties of these compounds, coupled with the predominant focus on monotherapies in research, neglecting potential synergistic effects arising from combining different antioxidants. This study aims to provide an updated overview of natural antioxidants, operating under the hypothesis that a multitherapeutic approach surpasses monotherapy in efficacy. Additionally, this study underscores the importance of integrating these antioxidants into the daily diet, as they have the potential to prevent the onset and progression of various diseases. To reinforce this perspective, clinical findings pertaining to the treatment and prevention of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and conditions associated with ischemia and reperfusion phenomena, including myocardial infarction, postoperative atrial fibrillation, and stroke, are presented as key references.

Advancements in Dermatological Applications of Curcumin: Clinical Efficacy and Mechanistic Insights in the Management of Skin Disorders

Curcumin, derived from Curcuma longa (turmeric), exhibits significant potential in dermatology, addressing conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic wounds, skin cancer, and infections through its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. This review synthesizes evidence on curcumin's mechanisms, including modulation of immune responses and promotion of wound healing, showcasing its efficacy in reducing inflammation, cytokine levels, and enhancing skin barrier functions. Studies highlight curcumin's ability to selectively target tumor cells, suggesting a multifaceted approach to cancer therapy with minimal side effects. Despite promising therapeutic benefits, challenges remain in bioavailability, potency, and targeted delivery, underscoring the need for further research to optimize dosages, delivery methods, and assess long-term safety. The integration of curcumin into dermatological practice requires a balanced consideration of evidence-based efficacy and safety. Curcumin's comprehensive utility in dermatology, coupled with the necessity for advanced scientific exploration, emphasizes the importance of combining traditional knowledge with contemporary research to improve patient care in dermatology. This approach could significantly enhance outcomes for individuals with skin-related conditions, marking curcumin as a versatile and promising agent in the field.

Curcumin relieves arecoline-induced oral submucous fibrosis via inhibiting the LTBP2/NF-κB axis

BACKGROUND

Submucosal fibrosis (OSF) of the oral cavity is a chronic scarring disease. Arecoline (Are) is the driving factor for the occurrence and deterioration of OSF. Curcumin plays a vital anti-inflammatory role in Are-induced OSF development. However, its potential pharmacological mechanism needs to be elucidated.

METHODS

The relative molecular level was measured via qRT-PCR or Western blot. MTT assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry detected cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. The correlation between hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and LTBP2 promoter was confirmed through dual-luciferase reporter assay. ELISA was performed to detect inflammatory cytokines levels.

RESULTS

Curcumin alleviated Are-induced oral mucosal fibroblast cells fibrosis by reducing oral mucosa fibroblasts viability, promoting cell apoptosis, suppressing cell migration, and down-regulating the levels of fibrosis markers and inflammatory factors. Curcumin relieved Are-induced OSF via inhibiting HIF-1α. Mechanically, HIF-1α bound to the promoter of LTBP2 to transcriptionally activated LTBP2. LTBP2 knockdown relieved Are-induced OSF, and curcumin down-regulated LTBP2 via inhibiting HIF-1α to relieve Are-induced OSF. Moreover, curcumin decreased NF-κB signal associated proteins via inhibiting LTBP2 to relieve Are-induced OSF.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin reduced the transcription level of LTBP2 by inhibiting HIF-1α, thereby inactivating NF-κB pathway to alleviate Are-induced OSF.

Piperine, quercetin, and curcumin identified as promising natural products for topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

Leishmania braziliensis (L. braziliensis) causes cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the New World. The costs and the side effects of current treatments render imperative the development of new therapies that are affordable and easy to administer. Topical treatment would be the ideal option for the treatment of CL. This underscores the urgent need for affordable and effective treatments, with natural compounds being explored as potential solutions. The alkaloid piperine (PIP), the polyphenol curcumin (CUR), and the flavonoid quercetin (QUE), known for their diverse biological properties, are promising candidates to address these parasitic diseases. Initially, the in vitro cytotoxicity activity of the compounds was evaluated using U-937 cells, followed by the assessment of the leishmanicidal activity of these compounds against amastigotes of L. braziliensis. Subsequently, a golden hamster model with stationary-phase L. braziliensis promastigote infections was employed. Once the ulcer appeared, hamsters were treated with QUE, PIP, or CUR formulations and compared to the control group treated with meglumine antimoniate administered intralesionally. We observed that the three organic compounds showed high in vitro leishmanicidal activity with effective concentrations of less than 50 mM, with PIP having the highest activity at a concentration of 8 mM. None of the compounds showed cytotoxic activity for U937 macrophages with values between 500 and 700 mM. In vivo, topical treatment with QUE daily for 15 days produced cured in 100% of hamsters while the effectiveness of CUR and PIP was 83% and 67%, respectively. No failures were observed with QUE. Collectively, our data suggest that topical formulations mainly for QUE but also for CUR and PIP could be a promising topical treatment for CL. Not only the ease of obtaining or synthesizing the organic compounds evaluated in this work but also their commercial availability eliminates one of the most important barriers or bottlenecks in drug development, thus facilitating the roadmap for the development of a topical drug for the management of CL caused by L. braziliensis.

Effects of curcumin supplementation on abdominal surgical wound healing

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of curcumin supplementation on abdominal surgical wound healing in rats using clinical, histological, and hematological parameters.

METHODS

Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the curcumin group, and the control group. The curcumin group received, in addition to water and standard feed, curcumin via gavage at the dose of 200 mg/kg for seven days preceding and seven days following surgery. The control group received only water and standard feed. Both groups underwent median laparotomy and left colotomy. On the eighth postoperative day, the groups were euthanized, and the left colon was resected for histological analysis.

RESULTS

In the preoperative evaluation, there was a significant decrease in the mean C-reactive protein levels in the curcumin group (0.06) compared to the control group (0.112) (p = 0.0001). In the postoperative wound healing assessment, a significant decrease was observed in inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.0006) and blood vessel count (p = 0.0002) in the curcumin group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin supplementation was able to significantly reduce inflammatory parameters in both pre-and post-operative phases of abdominal surgical wounds in rats.

Polyphenols as Potential Geroprotectors

Significance: Currently, a large amount of evidence of beneficial effects of diets enriched with polyphenols on various aspects of health has been accumulated. These phytochemicals have a geroprotective potential slowing down the pathological processes associated with aging and ensuring longevity. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to determine the adherence of individual polyphenols to geroprotector criteria. Data from experimental models, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies were analyzed. Recent Advances: Sixty-two polyphenols have been described to increase the life span and improve biomarkers of aging in animal models. They act via evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms, including hormesis and maintenance of redox homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, response to cellular damage, metabolic control, and anti-inflammatory and senolytic activity. Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that certain polyphenols have a potential for prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular conditions in humans. Critical Issues: Among the reviewed phytochemicals, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, epicatechin, genistein, resveratrol, and curcumin were identified as compounds with the highest geroprotective potential. However, there is a lack of unambiguous information on the effectiveness and safety of polyphenols for increasing health span, preventing and treating aging-associated diseases in humans. Future Directions: Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of polyphenols considering their long-term consumption, metabolic modification and bioavailability, complex interactions between different groups of polyphenols and with other phytochemicals, as well as their effects on individuals with different health status. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 564-593.

The effect and mechanism of novel methoxy curcumin analogs based on network pharmacology

In this study, a series of novel compounds were synthesized by introducing the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl and isatin groups into the monocarbonyl skeleton of curcumin. The possible biological activities and potential targets for these compounds were explored through network pharmacology. The results revealed that these compounds could significantly inhibit production of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α, and suppress phosphorylation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) protein. Moreover, molecular docking experiments showed that the ERK protein was the potential target for these compounds. In summary, this study, through network pharmacology, presents a novel series of methoxy curcumin analogs as potent anti-inflammatory drugs.

Ginsenoside Rg1, lights up the way for the potential prevention of Alzheimer's disease due to its therapeutic effects on the drug-controllable risk factors of Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine, Shen Nong, BenCao Jing, and Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Panax ginseng, and its prescriptions have been used for the treatment of dementia, depression, weight loss, Xiaoke disease (similar to diabetes), and vertigo. All these diseases are associated with the drug-controllable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD), including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Ginsenoside Rg1, one of the main active ingredients of P. ginseng and its congener Panax notoginseng, possesses therapeutic potentials against AD and associated diseases. This suggests that ginsenoside Rg1 might have the potential for AD prevention and treatment. Although the anti-AD effects of ginsenoside Rg1 have received more attention, a systematic review of its effects on depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension is not available.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This systematic literature review comprehensively summarized existing literature on the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 in AD prevention for the propose of providing a foundation of future research aimed at enabling the use of such drugs in clinical practice.

METHODS

Information on ginsenoside Rg1 was collected from relevant published articles identified through a literature search in electronic scientific databases (PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar). The keywords used were "Ginsenoside Rg1," "Panax ginseng," "Source," "Alzheimer's disease," "Brain disorders," "Depression," "Obesity," "Diabetes," and "Hypertension."

RESULTS

The monomer ginsenoside Rg1 can be relatively easily obtained and has therapeutic potentials against AD. In vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the therapeutic potentials of ginsenoside Rg1 against the drug-controllable risk factors of AD including depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Thus, ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates diseases resulting from AD risk factors by regulating multiple targets and pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

Ginsenoside Rg1 has the potentials to prevent AD by alleviating depression, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

The Effects of Periodontal Treatment on Rheumatoid Arthritis and of Anti-Rheumatic Drugs on Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis are chronic inflammatory diseases that widely spread and share the same patterns of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on RA and, conversely, the impact of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on periodontitis. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched using the MESH terms "periodontitis" and "rheumatoid arthritis" from January 2012 to September 2023. A total of 49 articles was included in the final analysis, 10 of which were randomized controlled trials. A total of 31 records concerns the effect of NSPT on parameters of RA disease activity, including a 28-joint disease activity score, anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, rheumatoid factor, C reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pro-inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins in serum, saliva, gingival crevicular fluid, and synovial fluid. A total of 18 articles investigated the effect of DMARDs on periodontal indexes and on specific cytokine levels. A quality assessment and risk-of-bias of the studies were also performed. Despite some conflicting results, there is evidence that RA patients and periodontitis patients benefit from NSPT and DMARDs, respectively. The limitations of the studies examined are the small samples and the short follow-up (usually 6 months). Further research is mandatory to evaluate if screening and treatment of periodontitis should be performed systematically in RA patients, and if the administration of DMARDs is useful in reducing the production of cytokines in the periodontium.

Traditional Chinese medicine alleviating neuropathic pain targeting purinergic receptor P2 in purinergic signaling: A review

Past studies have suggested that Chinese herbal may alleviate neuropathic pain, and the mechanism might target the inhibition of purinergic receptor P2. This review discusses whether traditional Chinese medicine target P2 receptors in neuropathic pain and its mechanism in order to provide references for future clinical drug development. The related literatures were searched from Pubmed, Embase, Sinomed, and CNKI databases before June 2023. The search terms included"neuropathic pain", "purinergic receptor P2", "P2", "traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", and "herb". We described the traditional Chinese medicine alleviating neuropathic pain via purinergic receptor P2 signaling pathway including P2X2/3 R, P2X3R, P2X4R, P2X7R, P2Y1R. Inhibition of activating glial cells, changing synaptic transmission, increasing painful postsynaptic potential, and activating inflammatory signaling pathways maybe the mechanism. Purine receptor P2 can mediate the occurrence of neuropathic pain. And many of traditional Chinese medicines can target P2 receptors to relieve neuropathic pain, which provides reasonable evidences for the future development of drugs. Also, the safety and efficacy and mechanism need more in-depth experimental research.

Curcumin inhibits the pruritus in mice through mast cell MrgprB2 receptor

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is a diketone compound extracted from the rhizomes of some plants in the Zingiberaceae and Araceae family. It possesses a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, the cellular and molecular antipruritic mechanisms of curcumin remain to be explored.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study the role of curcumin in pruritus and determine whether its antipruritic effect is related to MrgprB2 receptor.

METHODS

The effect of curcumin on pruritus in mice was examined by scratching behavior test. The antipruritic mechanism of curcumin was explored by using transgenic mice (MrgprB2^-/- mice, MrgprB2Cre^Td/tomato mice), histological analysis, western blot and immunofluorescence. In addition, the relationship between curcumin and MrgprB2/X2 receptor was studied in vitro by using calcium imaging, plasmid transfection and molecular docking RESULTS: In the current study, we found that curcumin had obvious antipruritic effect. Its antipruritic effect was related to the regulation of MrgprB2 receptor activation and mast cells tryptase release. In vitro, mouse peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 could be inhibited by curcumin. In addition, curcumin was also found to suppress the calcium flux in MrgprX2 or MrgprB2-overexpression HEK cells induced by compound 48/80, substance P, and PAMP 9-20, displaying the specific relation with the MrgprB2/X2 receptor. Moreover, molecular docking results showed that curcumin had affinity to MrgprX2 protein.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these results indicated that curcumin has the potential to treat pruritus induced by mast cell MrgprB2 receptor.

Curcumin inhibits human leiomyoma xenograft tumor growth and induces dissolution of the extracellular matrix

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a curcumin-supplemented diet would prevent and/or treat uterine leiomyoma growth in our mouse xenograft model.

DESIGN

Animal study.

SETTING

Laboratory study.

PATIENT(S)

N/A.

INTERVENTION(S)

Curcumin-supplemented diet.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Dietary intake, blood concentrations, tumor size, extracellular matrix protein concentrations, apoptosis markers.

RESULT(S)

We found that curcumin was well tolerated as a dietary supplement, free curcumin and its metabolites were detected in the serum, and exposure resulted in approximately 60% less leiomyoma xenograft growth as well as dissolution of the peripheral extracellular matrix architecture of the xenografts. The production of matrix proteins, including collagens, decreased, whereas the number of apoptotic cells in the xenografts increased. Additionally, when xenografts were placed in a uterine intramural location, we found a significantly increased apoptotic response to curcumin in the diet.

CONCLUSION(S)

Mice on a diet supplemented with curcumin could achieve serum concentrations sufficient to regulate human leiomyoma xenograft growth, and curcumin could play both preventive and curative roles in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma as an oral nutritional supplement.

Cannabis Bioactive Compound-Based Formulations: New Perspectives for the Management of Orofacial Pain

The management of orofacial pain to alleviate the quality of life of affected patients is becoming increasingly challenging for scientific research and healthcare professionals. From this perspective, in addition to conventional therapies, new alternatives are being sought, increasingly looking at the use of both natural and synthetic products. Cannabis sativa L. represents an interesting source of bioactive compounds, including non-psychoactive cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, many of which are effective in improving pain intensity. Here, we aim to analyze the possible mechanisms of action of the bioactive natural and synthetic hemp-derived compounds responsible for the modulatory effects on pain-related pathways. The ability of these compounds to act on multiple mechanisms through a synergistic effect, reducing both the release of inflammatory mediators and regulating the response of the endocannabinoid system, makes them interesting agents for alternative formulations to be used in orofacial pain.

Micellar Curcumin: Pharmacokinetics and Effects on Inflammation Markers and PCSK-9 Concentrations in Healthy Subjects in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Active-Controlled, Crossover Trial

SCOPE

Preclinical models have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects of curcumin. Innovative formulations have been developed to overcome the poor bioavailability of native curcumin. The study hypothesizes that the bioavailability of micellar curcumin is superior to native curcumin and investigates the potential anti-inflammatory and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) concentration lowering effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this double-blind, randomized, crossover trial, 15 healthy volunteers receive micellar or native curcumin (105 mg day^-1 ) for 7 days with a ≥7 days washout period. Curcumin and metabolite concentrations are quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD), and pharmacokinetics are calculated. To analyze anti-inflammatory effects, blood samples (baseline, 2 h, 7 days) are stimulated with 50 ng mL^-1 lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Interleukin (IL)-6, tumor-necrosis factor (TNF-α), and PCSK9 concentrations are quantified. Micellar curcumin demonstrates improved bioavailability (≈39-fold higher maximum concentrations, ≈14-fold higher area-under-the-time-concentration curve, p < 0.001) but does not reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in the chosen model. Subjects receiving micellar curcumin have significantly lower PCSK9 concentrations (≈10% reduction) after 7 days compared to baseline (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Micellar curcumin demonstrates an improved oral bioavailability but does not show anti-inflammatory effects in this model. Potential effects on PCSK9 concentrations warrant further investigation.

The Efficacy of Curcumin Patch as an Adjuvant Therapeutic Agent in Managing Acute Orofacial Pain on the Post-Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Surgery Patients: A Pragmatic Trial

OBJECTIVE

 Acute pain is one of the most common pains experienced by post-cleft lip or cleft surgery patients regardless of the administration of analgesic agents. This current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a curcumin patch as an adjuvant analgesic agent on the post-cleft lip and cleft palate surgery patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 Fifty-five (33 male; 22 female) participants aged 36 months or less are recruited in this pragmatic trial and randomly assigned to a control group, where no curcumin patch was applied; or the experimental group, where the participants wore a curcumin patch with a dosage of 100mg. All participants (regardless of the group) received a standardized postsurgery analgesic agent immediately after the surgery was completed. A face, leg, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scale was used to evaluate pain levels for three subsequent time points.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

 All data were then analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare the mean differences between the two groups.

RESULTS

 The results of the current study revealed that there was no significant difference found between the control and the experimental group when mean pain scores were compared for the first evaluation time. Yet, there was a significant difference (p<0.01) between the two groups' mean pain scores on the second evaluation time.

CONCLUSION

 Curcumin patch was found to be effective when used as an adjuvant analgesic agent to reduce acute-orofacial postsurgery pain in cleft lip and cleft surgery patients.

Targeting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Therapeutic Perspectives of Phytochemicals

Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide that declines the quality of life; it poses a substantial economic burden for the patient and society. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain, and it is also the pathological basis of several spinal degenerative diseases, such as intervertebral disc herniation and spinal stenosis. The current clinical drug treatment of IDD focuses on the symptoms and not their pathogenesis, which results in frequent recurrence and gradual aggravation. Moreover, the side effects associated with the long-term use of these drugs further limit their use. The pathological mechanism of IDD is complex, and oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in promoting IDD. They induce the destruction of the extracellular matrix in IVD and reduce the number of living cells and functional cells, thereby destroying the function of IVD and promoting the occurrence and development of IDD. Phytochemicals from fruits, vegetables, grains, and other herbs play a protective role in the treatment of IDD as they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This article reviews the protective effects of phytochemicals on IDD and their regulatory effects on different molecular pathways related to the pathogenesis of IDD. Moreover, the therapeutic limitations and future prospects of IDD treatment have also been reviewed. Phytochemicals are promising candidates for further development and research on IDD treatment.

Curcumin and metformin synergistically modulate peripheral and central immune mechanisms of pain

Metformin is a well-tolerated antidiabetic drug and has recently been repurposed for numerous diseases, including pain. However, a higher dose of metformin is required for effective analgesia, which can potentiate its dose-dependent gastrointestinal side effects. Curcumin is a natural polyphenol and has beneficial therapeutic effects on pain. Curcumin has been used as an analgesic adjuvant with several analgesic drugs, allowing synergistic antinociceptive effects. Nevertheless, whether curcumin can exert synergistic analgesia with metformin is still unknown. In the present study, the nature of curcumin-metformin anti-inflammatory interaction was evaluated in in vitro using lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage and BV-2 microglia cells. In both macrophage and microglia, curcumin effectively potentiates the anti-inflammatory effects of metformin, indicating potential synergistic effects in both peripheral and central pathways of pain. The nature of the interaction between curcumin and metformin was further recapitulated using a mouse model of formalin-induced pain. Coadministration of curcumin and metformin at a 1:1 fixed ratio of their ED₅₀ doses significantly reduced the dose required to produce a 50% effect compared to the theoretically required dose in phase II of the formalin test with a combination index value of 0.24. Besides, the synergistic interaction does not appear to involve severe CNS side effects indicated by no motor alterations, no alterations in short-term and long-term locomotive behaviors, and the general well-being of mice. Our findings suggest that curcumin exerts synergistic anti-inflammation with metformin with no potential CNS adverse effects.

Therapeutic Influence on Important Targets Associated with Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Cancer Treatment

Simple Summary

There is no doubt that the need for new effective methods of cancer treatment remains challenging, as cancer is the second cause of death based on the number of cases in the world. In this review, we investigated the role of one of the leading determinants in the development and progression of various types of cancer—oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as clinical and experimental data from the studies of promising drugs of natural origin, such as flavonoids, that target these stages of oncogenesis. This can all help in the expansion and systematization of the existing knowledge regarding the fight against cancer, the facilitation of the development of effective anti-cancer drugs, and the progression of research in this field, in order to improve the treatment of these disorders.

Abstract

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are the interconnected pathological processes, which lead to cancer initiation and progression. The growing level of oxidative and inflammatory damage was shown to increase cancer severity and contribute to tumor spread. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is associated with the reduced capacity of the endogenous cell defense mechanisms and/or metabolic imbalance, is the main contributor to oxidative stress. An abnormal level of ROS was defined as a predisposing factor for the cell transformation that could trigger pro-oncogenic signaling pathways, induce changes in gene expression, and facilitate accumulation of mutations, DNA damage, and genomic instability. Additionally, the activation of transcription factors caused by a prolonged oxidative stress, including NF-κB, p53, HIF1α, etc., leads to the expression of several genes responsible for inflammation. The resulting hyperactivation of inflammatory mediators, including TNFα, TGF-β, interleukins, and prostaglandins can contribute to the development of neoplasia. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were shown to trigger adaptive reactions and the acquisition of resistance by tumor cells to apoptosis, while promoting proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. Moreover, the chronic inflammatory response leads to the excessive production of free radicals, which further aggravate the initiated reactions. This review summarizes the recent data and progress in the discovery of mechanisms that associate oxidative stress and chronic inflammation with cancer onset and metastasis. In addition, the review provides insights for the development of therapeutic approaches and the discovery of natural substances that will be able to simultaneously inhibit several key oncological and inflammation-related targets.

Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: The databases such as Pubmed and Cochrane Library were searched to collect the article about Curcuma longa extract and curcumin in the treatment of OA. Then, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected and their data were extracted. Finally, the RevMan5.3 was utilized for risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis, the STATA15.0 were utilized for publication bias assessment, and GRADE tool were used for the evidence quality assessment of primary outcomes.

Results: A total of 15 RCTs involving 1621 participants were included. (1) Compared with placebo, Curcuma longa extract and curcumin (C.) can decrease the visual analog scale (VAS) and The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score-pain, the WOMAC score-function and the WOMAC score-stiffness. In terms of adverse events, Curcuma longa extract and curcumin are comparable with those of placebo. (2) Compared with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Curcuma longa extract and curcumin have similar effects on joint pain, function and stiffness. The incidence of adverse events in Curcuma longa extract and curcumin was lower. (3) Compared with the NSAIDs group, C.+NSAIDs can also decrease the VAS and WOMAC score-pain, the WOMAC score-function and the WOMAC score-stiffness. In terms of adverse events, the addition of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin to NSAIDs did not increase adverse events.

Conclusion:Curcuma longa extract and curcumin may be a safer and effective supplement for OA patients. It is recommended to use Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplement for OA patients for more than 12 weeks.

Targeting P2 receptors in purinergic signaling: a new strategy of active ingredients in traditional Chinese herbals for diseases treatment

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and its metabolites adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and adenosine in purinergic signaling pathway play important roles in many diseases. Activation of P2 receptors (P2R) channels and subsequent membrane depolarization can induce accumulation of extracellular ATP, and furtherly cause kinds of diseases, such as pain- and immune-related diseases, cardiac dysfunction, and tumorigenesis. Active ingredients of traditional Chinese herbals which exhibit superior pharmacological activities on diversified P2R channels have been considered as an alternative strategy of disease treatment. Experimental evidence of potential ingredients in Chinese herbs targeting P2R and their pharmacological activities were outlined in the study.

Interferon Gamma-Mediated Oxidative Stress Induces Apoptosis, Neuroinflammation, Zinc Ion Influx, and TRPM2 Channel Activation in Neuronal Cell Line: Modulator Role of Curcumin

Host defenses in the brain are modulated by the activation of several factors such as oxygen free radical species (ROS), Ca²⁺ influx, and TRPM2 activation, and they are well-known adverse factors in neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases. Importantly, recent data indicated a protective action of curcumin (CRC) via inhibition of TRPM2 on the inflammation factors, ROS, and apoptosis in hypoxia-induced SH-SY5Y neuronal cells. However, the relationship between interferon gamma (IFNg) exposure and TRPM2 activation in the SH-SY5Y cells are not fully identified. The SH-SY5Y cells as a neuronal cell line model were used in several neuroinflammation studies. Hence, we used the SH-SY5Y cells in the current study, and they were divided into four main groups as control, CRC, IFNg, and IFNg+CRC. The data presented here indicate that IFNg induced excessive Ca²⁺ influx via activation of TRPM2. The IFNg treatment further increased cell death, cell debris amount, apoptosis, and cytokine generations (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) which were due to increased cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS generations as well as increased activations of caspase-3 and caspase-9. The expression levels of TRPM2, PARP-1, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 were increased in the cells by the IFNg treatment. However, CRC treatment reduced the increase of expression levels, cytokine generations, caspase activations, ROS release, Ca²⁺ influx, cell death, and apoptosis levels via inhibition of TRPM2 in the SH-SY5Y cells that were treated with IFNg. Moreover, the treatment of TRPM2 blockers (ACA and 2-APB) potentiated the modulator effects of CRC. In conclusion, these results suggest that neuroinflammation via IFNg lead to the TRPM2 activation in the SH-SY5Y cells, whereas CRC prevents IFNg-mediated TRPM2 activation, cell death, and cytokine generations.