Nano-Curcumin Prevents Cardiac Injury, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation, and Modulates TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK Signaling in Copper Sulfate-Intoxicated Rats

Role of extracellular vesicles associated with microRNAs and their interplay with cuproptosis in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis (OP)-associated fractures can result in severe morbidity and disability, reduced quality of life, and death. Previous studies have suggested that small noncoding RNAs, for example, small regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs), play a key role in OP by inhibiting target gene expression. Cuproptosis, a recently proposed copper-induced cell death pathway, is linked with OP. Here, we describe the contribution of exosomal miRNAs and cuproptosis to OP. First, we highlight the characteristics of exosomes and roles of exosome-related miRNAs. Next, we discuss the relationship between cuproptosis and OP. Subsequently, we analyze the crosstalk of exosomal miRNAs with cuproptosis in the development of OP. This review aims to investigate a new clinical treatment method for OP.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of curcumin and piperine co-supplementation on inflammatory factors, cardiac biomarkers, atrial fibrillation, and clinical outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is one of the preferred treatments for patients with heart problems, especially in individuals with other comorbidities and when multiple arteries are narrowed. This study aimed to assess the effects of administrating curcumin-piperine on patients who underwent CABG surgery.

METHODS

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, in which 80 eligible adults who underwent CABG surgery, were randomized into 4 groups. Patients received 3 tablets daily for 5 days after the surgery, which contained curcumin-piperine (each tablet contained 500 mg curcumin +5 mg piperine) or a placebo (each tablet contained 505 mg maltodextrin). Group A received 3 placebo tablets, group B received 2 placebos and one curcumin-piperine tablet, group C received 1 placebo and 2 curcumin-piperine tablets, and group D received 3 curcumin-piperine tablets. Before and after the intervention, C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), cardiometabolic factors, clinical outcomes, and 28-day mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

Between-group analysis showed that CRP significantly decreased (P = 0.028), and TAC significantly increased (P = 0.033) after the intervention (Post hoc analysis showed that for CRP, the difference was between group B and D, and for TAC was between group C and D). Between-group analysis also showed that creatine kinase mono-phosphate (CK-MB) marginally reduced (P = 0.077); however, changes for troponin I (P = 0.692), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P = 0.668), ejection fraction (P = 0.340), and arterial fibrillation (P = 0.99) were not significant. Blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.820) and serum creatinine (P = 0.244) did not show notable changes between groups.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with curcumin-piperine had a promising effect on serum CRP and TAC. It also had a favorable impact on CK-MB among patients who underwent CABG surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20201129049534N4, available on https://en.irct.ir/trial/56930.

Nanoplastics induced health risk: Insights into intestinal barrier homeostasis and potential remediation strategy by dietary intervention

Aged nanoplastics (aged-NPs) have unique characteristics endowed by environmental actions, such as rough surface, high oxygen content. Although studies have highlighted the potential hazards of aged-NPs, limited research has provided strategies for aged-NPs pollution remediation. The dietary intervention of quercetin is a novel insight to address the health risks of aged-NPs. This study explored the impact of aged-NPs on intestinal barrier homeostasis at the environmentally relevant dose and investigated the alleviating effects of quercetin on aged-NPs toxicity through transcriptomics and molecular biology analysis. It indicated that aged-NPs induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, which was characterized by higher permeability, increased inflammation, and loss of epithelial integrity, while quercetin restored it. Aged-NPs disrupted redox homeostasis, upregulated inflammatory genes controlled by AP-1, and led to Bax-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis. Quercetin intervention effectively mitigated inflammation and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2. Thus, quercetin decreased intestinal free radical levels, inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. This study unveiled the harmful effects of aged-NPs on intestinal homeostasis and the practicability of dietary intervention against aged-NPs toxicity. These findings broaden the understanding of the NPs toxicity and provide an effective dietary strategy to relieve the health risks of NPs. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Growing levels of NPs pollution have represented severe health hazards to the population. This study focuses on the toxic mechanism of aged-NPs on the intestinal barrier and the alleviating effect of quercetin dietary intervention, which considers the environmental action and relevant dose. It revealed the harmful effects of aged-NPs on intestinal inflammation with the key point of free radical generation. Furthermore, a quercetin-rich diet holds significant promise for addressing and reversing intestinal damage caused by aged-NPs by maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis. These findings provide an effective dietary strategy to remediate human health risks caused by NPs.

Copper exposure induces inflammation and PANoptosis through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in Wilson disease

Copper is a toxic heavy metal that causes various damage when it accumulates in the body beyond the physiological threshold. Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder characterized by impaired copper metabolism. Reproductive damage in male patients with WD is gradually attracting attention. However, the underlying mechanisms of copper toxicity are unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of inflammation and PANoptosis in testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis caused by copper deposition using the WD model toxic milk (TX) mice. Copper chelator-penicillamine and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) inhibitor-eritoran were used to intervene in TX mice in our animal experiment methods. Testis samples were collected from mice for further analysis. The results showed that the morphology and ultrastructure of the testis and epididymis in TX mice were damaged, and the sperm counts decreased significantly. The TLR4/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway was activated by copper deposition, which led to the upregulation of serum and testicular inflammatory factors in TX mice. Meanwhile, pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis were significant in the testis of TX mice. Both chelated copper or inhibited TLR4 expression markedly suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the expression of inflammatory factors. PANoptosis in the testis of TX mice was also reversed. Our study indicated that pathological copper exposure induces inflammation and PANoptosis through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to toxic testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in WD.

Nanocurcumin Reduces High Glucose and Particulate Matter-Induced Endothelial Inflammation: Mitochondrial Function and Involvement of miR-221/222

Purpose

Particulate matter (PM) 2.5, harmful air pollutants, and diabetes are associated with high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the combined effects of PM and diabetes on CVD remain unclear.

Methods

Endothelial cells (ECs) treated with high glucose (HG) and PM mimic hyperglycemia and air pollutant exposure in CVD. Endothelial inflammation was evaluated by Western blot and immunofluorescence of ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion. The mechanisms underlying endothelial inflammation were elucidated through MitoSOX Red analysis, JC-1 staining, MitoTracker analysis, and Western blot analysis of mitochondrial fission-related, autophagy-related, and mitophagy-related proteins. Furthermore. nanocurcumin (NCur) pretreatment was used to test if it has a protective effect.

Results

ECs under co-exposure to HG and PM increased ICAM-1 expression and monocyte adhesion, whereas NCur pretreatment attenuated these changes and improved endothelial inflammation. PM exposure increased mitochondrial ROS levels, worsened mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted mitochondrial fission, induced mitophagy, and aggravated inflammation in HG-treated ECs, while NCur reversed these changes. Also, HG and PM-induced endothelial inflammation is through the JNK signaling pathway and miR-221/222 specifically targeting ICAM-1 and BNIP3. PM exposure also aggravated mitochondrial ROS levels, mitochondrial fission, mitophagy, and endothelial inflammation in STZ-induced hyperglycemic mice, whereas NCur attenuated these changes.

Conclusion

This study elucidated the mechanisms underlying HG and PM-induced endothelial inflammation in vitro and in vivo. HG and PM treatment increased mitochondrial ROS, mitochondrial fission, and mitophagy in ECs, whereas NCur reversed these conditions. In addition, miR-221/222 plays a role in the amelioration of endothelial inflammation through targeting Bnip3 and ICAM-1, and NCur pretreatment can modulate miR-221/222 levels. Therefore, NCur may be a promising approach to intervene in diabetes and air pollution-induced CVD.

Chitosan tamarind-based nanoparticles as a promising approach for topical application of curcumin intended for burn healing: in vitro and in vivo study

One of the most prevalent worldwide problems that affect all ages and genders is skin burn. The goal of our study was to assess the ability of curcumin nanoparticles to cure a rat burn model. Three formulations were selected after several tests were performed including investigation of encapsulation efficiency, particle size and zeta potential measurements. In vitro release was achieved on the three selected formulations. The effectiveness of the chosen formulation for healing was evaluated. The induced burn wound was smeared, starting just after excision, once daily with curcumin nanoparticles for 18 days. Our findings revealed that curcumin nanoparticles improved the burn healing potential by augmenting the skin regeneration indices as evidenced by enhancing the new production of hyaluronic acid and collagen type I. Additionally, curcumin nanoparticles could increase levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha smooth muscle activity while drastically reducing the skin's tumour necrosis factor content, revealing a significant potential for burn healing process that is also reflected in the histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Finally, our results demonstrated that curcumin nanoparticles revealed a significant potential for burn healing than curcumin alone due to its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Nanobiotechnology-based strategies in alleviation of chemotherapy-mediated cardiotoxicity

The cardiovascular diseases have been among the most common malignancies and the first leading cause of death, even higher than cancer. The cardiovascular diseases can be developed as a result of cardiac dysfunction and damages to heart tissue. Exposure to toxic agents and chemicals that induce cardiac dysfunction has been of interest in recent years. The chemotherapy drugs are commonly used for cancer therapy and in these patients, cardiovascular diseases have been widely observed that is due to negative impact of chemotherapy drugs on the heart. These drugs increase oxidative damage and inflammation, and mediate apoptosis and cardiac dysfunction. Hence, nanotechnological approaches have been emerged as new strategies in attenuation of chemotherapy-mediated cardiotoxicity. The first advantage of nanoparticles can be explored in targeted and selective delivery of drugs to reduce their accumulation in heart tissue. Nanostructures can deliver bioactive and therapeutic compounds in reducing cardiotoxicity and alleviation toxic impacts of chemotherapy drugs. The functionalization of nanostructures increases their selectivity against tumor cells and reduces accumulation of drugs in heart tissue. The bioplatforms such as chitosan and alginate nanostructures can also deliver chemotherapy drugs and reduce their cardiotoxicity. The function of nanostructures is versatile in reduction of cardiotoxicity by chemotherapy drugs and new kind of platforms is hydrogels that can mediate sustained release of drug to reduce its toxic impacts on heart tissue. The various kinds of nanoplatforms have been developed for alleviation of cardiotoxicity and their future clinical application depends on their biocompatibility. High concentration level of chitosan nanoparticles can stimulate cardiotoxicity. Therefore, if nanotechnology is going to be deployed for drug delivery and reducing cardiotoxicity, the first pre-requirement is to lack toxicity on normal cells and have high biocompatibility.

Impact of curcumin on p38 MAPK: therapeutic implications

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to impact a number of signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription (JAK/STAT). P38 belongs to the MAPKs, is known as a stress-activated MAPK and is involved in diverse biological responses. P38 is activated in various signaling cascades. P38 plays a role in inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, motility and survival. This cascade can serve as a therapeutic target in many disorders. Extensive evidence confirms that curcumin impacts the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, through which it exerts anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptotic effects. Hence, curcumin can positively affect inflammatory disorders and cancers, as well as to increase glucose uptake in cells. This review discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of curcumin as effected through p38 MAPK.

Roles of Nrf2/HO-1 and ICAM-1 in the Protective Effect of Nano-Curcumin against Copper-Induced Lung Injury

Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element for maintaining normal homeostasis in living organisms. Yet, an elevated level of Cu beyond homeostatic capacity may lead to oxidative damage of cellular components in several organs, including the lungs. This work investigated the effects of curcumin (Curc) and nano-curcumin (nCurc) against Cu-induced lung injury, accenting the roles of oxidative stress, inflammation, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor/heme oxygenase-1 Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Rats were challenged with 100 mg/kg of copper sulfate (CuSO4) while being treated with Curc or nCurc for 7 days. Cu-triggered lung oxidative stress detected as dysregulation of oxidative/antioxidant markers, a downregulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling, and an increase in the inflammatory markers interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). Additionally, it decreased the expression of lung-specific proteins, surfactant protein-C (SP-C), and mucin-1 (MUC-1), induced apoptosis, and caused changes in lung histology. Curc and nCurc alleviated CuSO4-induced lung injury by suppressing oxidative damage and inflammation and activating Nrf-2/HO-1. They also prevented apoptosis and restored the normal expression of SP-C and MUC-1. We concluded that nCurc exhibited superior efficacy compared with Curc in mitigating CuSO4-induced lung injury. This was associated with reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic responses and increased Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and expression of SP-C and MUC-1.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Dietary Polyphenols through Inhibitory Activity against Metalloproteinases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent metalloproteinases that play important roles in a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and brain diseases. Dietary polyphenols are thought to have a variety of beneficial effects on these diseases characterized by inflammation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that MMPs are in most cases upregulated in various inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Studies using patient-derived human samples, animal studies, and cellular experiments have suggested that polyphenols may be beneficial against inflammatory diseases by suppressing MMP gene expression and enzyme activity. One important mechanism by which polyphenols exert their activity is the downregulation of reactive oxygen species that promote MMP expression. Another important mechanism is the direct binding of polyphenols to MMPs and their inhibition of enzyme activity. Molecular docking analyses have provided a structural basis for the interaction between polyphenols and MMPs and will help to explore new polyphenol-based drugs with anti-inflammatory properties.

Betulinic acid protects against cardiotoxicity of the organophosphorus pesticide chlorpyrifos by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

The widespread application of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides can affect the environment as well as the animal and human health. Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad-spectrum OP pesticide used in agriculture and can cause several toxic effects in which oxidative stresses and inflammation play a key role. This study aimed to evaluate the protective activity of betulinic acid (BA), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pentacyclic triterpene, against CPF cardiotoxicity in rats. The rats were divided into four groups. CPF (10 mg/kg) and BA (25 mg/kg) were orally administered for 28 days, and blood and heart samples were collected. CPF-administered rats showed an increase in serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase (CK)-MB, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), accompanied with multiple myocardial tissue alterations. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were increased, and antioxidant were decrease in CPF-administered rats. BA ameliorated cardiac function markers and tissue injury, decreased LPO, NO, NF-κB, and proinflammatory cytokines, and increased antioxidants. In addition, BA decreased proapoptosis markers, and increased B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, IL-10, Nrf2, and HO-1 in the heart of CPF-treated rats. In conclusion, BA protected against cardiotoxicity in CPF-administered rats by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and enhanced Nrf2 and antioxidants.

Glutathione system enhancement for cardiac protection: pharmacological options against oxidative stress and ferroptosis

The glutathione (GSH) system is considered to be one of the most powerful endogenous antioxidant systems in the cardiovascular system due to its key contribution to detoxifying xenobiotics and scavenging overreactive oxygen species (ROS). Numerous investigations have suggested that disruption of the GSH system is a critical element in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury. Meanwhile, a newly proposed type of cell death, ferroptosis, has been demonstrated to be closely related to the GSH system, which affects the process and outcome of myocardial injury. Moreover, in facing various pathological challenges, the mammalian heart, which possesses high levels of mitochondria and weak antioxidant capacity, is susceptible to oxidant production and oxidative damage. Therefore, targeted enhancement of the GSH system along with prevention of ferroptosis in the myocardium is a promising therapeutic strategy. In this review, we first systematically describe the physiological functions and anabolism of the GSH system, as well as its effects on cardiac injury. Then, we discuss the relationship between the GSH system and ferroptosis in myocardial injury. Moreover, a comprehensive summary of the activation strategies of the GSH system is presented, where we mainly identify several promising herbal monomers, which may provide valuable guidelines for the exploration of new therapeutic approaches.

Plasma Copper Concentration Is Associated with Cardiovascular Mortality in Male Kidney Transplant Recipients

Kidney transplant recipients (KTR) are at increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. We investigated whether, in KTR, post-transplantation copper status is associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality and potential effect modification by sex. In this cohort study, plasma copper was measured using mass spectrometry in extensively-phenotyped KTR with a functioning allograft >1-year. Cox regression analyses with the inclusion of multiplicative interaction terms were performed. In 660 KTR (53 ± 13 years old, 56% male), the median baseline plasma copper was 15.42 (IQR 13.53-17.63) µmol/L. During a median follow-up of 5 years, 141 KTR died, 53 (38%) due to cardiovascular causes. Higher plasma copper was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in the overall KTR population (HR 1.37; 95% CI, 1.07-1.77 per 1-SD, p = 0.01). Sex was a significant effect modifier of this association (P_interaction = 0.01). Among male KTR, higher plasma copper concentration was independently associated with a two-fold higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.09; 95% CI, 1.42-3.07 per 1-SD, p < 0.001). Among female KTR, this association was absent. This evidence offers a rationale for considering a sex-specific assessment of copper's role in cardiovascular risk evaluation. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether copper-targeted interventions may decrease cardiovascular mortality in male KTR.

Impact of petroleum industry on goats in Saudi Arabia: heavy metal accumulation, oxidative stress, and tissue injury

Heavy metals (HMs) constitute a group of persistent toxic pollutants, and the petroleum industry is one of the sources of these metals. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V) in Plantago ovata and milk and tissues of domestic goats in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Plant samples and blood, milk, muscle, liver, and kidney samples were collected from domestic goats and the levels of Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were determined. Liver and kidney tissue injury, oxidative stress, and expression of pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers were evaluated. Pb, Cd, V, and Ni were increased in Plantago ovata as well as in milk, blood, muscle, liver, and kidney of goats collected from the polluted site. Aminotransferases, creatinine, and urea were increased in serum, and histopathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney of goats at the oil extraction site. Malondialdehyde and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Bax, and caspase-3 were increased, whereas cellular antioxidants and Bcl-2 were decreased in liver and kidney of goats at the polluted site. In conclusion, petroleum industry caused liver and kidney injury, oxidative stress, and upregulated pro-inflammatory and apoptosis markers in goats. These findings highlight the negative impact of petroleum industry on the environment and call attention to the assessment of its effect on the health of nearby communities.

Melatonin Attenuates Extracellular Matrix Accumulation and Cardiac Injury Manifested by Copper

Copper-induced cardiac injury is not widely reported in spite of its ability to cause oxidative damage and tissue injury. Structural and morphological changes in the cardiac tissue are triggered via oxidative stress and inflammatory responses following copper exposure. The varied and unavoidable exposure of copper through contaminated food and water warrants a safe and effective agent against its harmful effects. Since the heart is highly sensitive to changes in the redox balance, the present study was undertaken to examine the protective effects of melatonin against copper-induced cardiac injury. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to 100 ppm of elemental copper via drinking water for 4 months. The cardiac tissue was evaluated for various biochemical, histological, and protein expression studies. Animals exposed to copper exhibited induced oxidative stress and cardiac injury compared to normal control. To this end, we found that melatonin treatment ameliorated copper-induced alterations in tissue oxidative variables like ROS, nitrate, MDA, and GSH. In addition, histological examinations unravelled decreased cardiac muscle dilation, atrophy, and cardiomyopathy in melatonin-treated rats. Furthermore, melatonin-treated rats were associated with reduced tissue copper levels, collagen deposition, α-SMA, and increased HO-1 expression as compared to rats exposed exclusively to copper. Moreover, the levels of NF-κB and cardiac markers such as CK-MB, cTnI, and cTnT were found to be decreased in the melatonin-treated animals. Altogether, melatonin-triggered increase in antioxidant capacity resulting in reduced aggregation of ECM components demonstrates the therapeutic potential of melatonin in the treatment of cardiac injury and tissue fibrosis.

Nano-Curcumin Prevents Copper Reproductive Toxicity by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Improving Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling and Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Male Rats

Copper is essential for several cellular processes and is an important catalytic factor for many proteins. However, excess copper can provoke oxidative stress and reproductive toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of liposomal nano-curcumin (N-CUR) and CUR on testicular oxidative injury, inflammation, and apoptosis, and altered steroidogenesis and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling induced by copper sulfate (CuSO4). Rats received CuSO4 and N-CUR or CUR via oral gavage for 7 days. CuSO4 induced histopathological changes and altered pituitary-gonadal axis manifested by decreased serum gonadotropins and testosterone. Testicular steroidogenesis genes (StAR, 3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and 17β-HSD) and androgen receptor (AR) were downregulated in rats that received CuSO4. N-CUR and CUR prevented testicular tissue injury, increased circulating FSH, LH, and testosterone, and upregulated testicular steroidogenesis genes and AR. Additionally, N-CUR and CUR decreased testicular MDA, NO, NF-κB, iNOS, TNF-α, Bax, and caspase-3 while enhanced Bcl-2, Nrf2, and the antioxidants GSH, HO-1, SOD, and catalase. In conclusion, N-CUR and CUR prevented CuSO4-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats by suppressing oxidative injury and inflammatory response and boosting steroidogenesis, sex hormones, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. N-CUR was more effective in ameliorating tissue injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and enhancing steroidogenesis and Nrf2/HO-1 than the native form.

Curcumin treatment attenuates cisplatin-induced gastric mucosal inflammation and apoptosis through the NF- κ B and MAPKs signaling pathway

To investigate the protective effects of curcumin (Cur) on gastric mucosal injury induced by cisplatin (DDP), and explore possible molecular mechanisms. A mouse of gastric mucosal injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of DDP (27 mg/kg). Thirty mice were randomly divided into control group, DDP group and DDP + Cur group. Serum and gastric mucosal samples were collected on the 7th day after Cur treatment. The index of gastric mucosa injury was calculated, and the expression levels of inflammation, apoptosis and signaling pathway proteins were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining, ELISA and western blotting analysis. These data showed that Cur treatment significantly attenuated DDP-induced decrease in body weight, food intake, fat and muscle ratios, and improved the gross gastric injury, scores of ulcer index, and histopathology changes triggered by DDP ( p < .05). Meanwhile, Cur significantly decreased serum IL-23 and IL-17 proteins, reduced the expression levels of gastric mucosal IL-1β, TNF- α and MPO, and restored the level of IL-10 protein ( p < .05). Moreover, Cur treatment significantly inhibited the expression levels of Caspase-3, PARP and Bax, and increased the expression of Bcl-2 protein. Furthermore, Cur treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of IL-1R, MyD88 and TAK1, and also repressed the activation of NF-κB and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. And more importantly, Cur treatment significantly inhibited DDP-induced gastric mucosal JNK1/2, ASK1, P38 and JUN phosphorylation, and promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and C-Myc proteins. Our data suggest that Cur treatment alleviates DDP-induced gastric mucosal inflammation and apoptosis, which may be mediated through the NF- κ B and MAPKs signaling pathway.