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Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0
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Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Bioactives and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 28507

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Beatrice E. Bachmeier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Interests: noncommunicable diseases; clinical and preclinical studies; real world evidence; patient reported outcomes; biomolecular research; cellular biology; plant derived bioactives; phytopharmaceuticals; biomarkers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The plant-derived polyphenol Curcumin has been used in health and disease for thousands of years and its therapeutic effects have been successfully utilized in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to treat inflammatory diseases. Current results from modern biomolecular research reveal the modulatory effects of Curcumin on a variety of signal transduction pathways associated with inflammation and cancer. In this context, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic, and even anti-metastatic activities are discussed. On the cellular level, reduced activity of several transcription factors, such as NFkB or AP-1 and suppression of inflammatory cytokines, matrix degrading enzymes, metastasis related genes and even microRNAs are reported. On functional levels, these molecular effects translate into reduced proliferative, invasive and metastatic capacity, as well as induced tumor cell apoptosis. All these effects have been observed not only in vitro but also in animal models. In combination with anti-neoplastic drugs like taxols or kinase inhibitors or radiation therapy, Curcumin potentiates their therapeuthic power and shows even protective effects against undesired side effects.

Natural plant-derived compounds like Curcumin have one significant advantage: They largely do not exert side effects. This feature qualifies Curcumin for primary prevention, in healthy persons with a predisposition to cancer, arteriosclerosis or chronic inflammatory dieseases. Nonetheless, Curcumin is considered "safe", however, toxic effects especially concerning high dosages, long-term intake and pharmacological interactions with other compounds have to be tested.

This Special Issue examines in detail, and provides an update on, the molecular targets, protective effects, and modes of action of natural plant-derived compounds and their roles in the prevention and treatment of human diseases.

Due to the success of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd editions, we would like to add more results and new insights from recent research projects.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/curcumin_health

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/curcumin_health_new

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijms/special_issues/Curcumin_3

Prof. Dr. Beatrice E. Bachmeier
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • curcumin
  • natural compounds
  • bioactives
  • biomarkers
  • molecular pathways
  • cancer
  • inflammation
  • prevention
  • combination therapy
  • toxicity/safety

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Related Special Issues

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 2437 KiB  
Article
Development of Stable Amino-Pyrimidine–Curcumin Analogs: Synthesis, Equilibria in Solution, and Potential Anti-Proliferative Activity
by Matteo Mari, Matteo Boniburini, Marianna Tosato, Luca Rigamonti, Laura Cuoghi, Silvia Belluti, Carol Imbriano, Giulia Avino, Mattia Asti and Erika Ferrari
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 13963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241813963 - 11 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1673
Abstract
With the clear need for better cancer treatment, naturally occurring molecules represent a powerful inspiration. Recently, curcumin has attracted attention for its pleiotropic anticancer activity in vitro, especially against colorectal and prostate cancer cells. Unfortunately, these encouraging results were disappointing in vivo due [...] Read more.
With the clear need for better cancer treatment, naturally occurring molecules represent a powerful inspiration. Recently, curcumin has attracted attention for its pleiotropic anticancer activity in vitro, especially against colorectal and prostate cancer cells. Unfortunately, these encouraging results were disappointing in vivo due to curcumin’s low stability and poor bioavailability. To overcome these issues, herein, the synthesis of eight new pyrimidine–curcumin derivatives is reported. The compounds were fully characterized (1H/13C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometri), UV-Vis spectroscopy), particularly their acid/base behavior; overall protonation constants were estimated, and species distribution, as a function of pH, was predicted, suggesting that all the compounds are in their neutral form at pH 7.4. All the compounds were extremely stable in simulated physiological media (phosphate-buffered saline and simulated plasma). The compounds were tested in vitro (48 h incubation treatment) to assess their effect on cell viability in prostate cancer (LNCaP and PC3) and colorectal cancer (HT29 and HCT116) cell lines. Two compounds showed the same anti-proliferative activity as curcumin against HCT116 cells and improved cytotoxicity against PC3 cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0)
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19 pages, 5348 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a Curcumin Derivative and Osimertinib on Fatty Acyl Metabolism and Mitochondrial Functions in HCC827 Cells and Tumors
by Min-Tsang Hsieh, Pei-Chih Lee, Yi-Ting Chiang, Hui-Yi Lin and Der-Yen Lee
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12190; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512190 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1860
Abstract
Drug combination therapy is a key approach in cancer treatments, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Evaluation of intracellular response in cancer cells to drug treatment may disclose the underlying mechanism of drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to [...] Read more.
Drug combination therapy is a key approach in cancer treatments, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy and overcome drug resistance. Evaluation of intracellular response in cancer cells to drug treatment may disclose the underlying mechanism of drug resistance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of osimertinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and a curcumin derivative, 35d, on HCC827 cells and tumors by analyzing alterations in metabolome and related regulations. HCC827 tumor-bearing SCID mice and cultured HCC827 cells were separately examined. The treatment comprised four conditions: vehicle-only, 35d-only, osimertinib-only, and a combination of 35d and osimertinib. The treated tumors/cells were subsequently subjected to metabolomics profiling, fatty acyl analysis, mitochondrial potential measurement, and cell viability assay. Osimertinib induced changes in the ratio of short-chain (SC) to long-chain (LC) fatty acyls, particularly acylcarnitines (ACs), in both tumors and cells. Furthermore, 35d enhanced this effect by further lowering the SC/LC ratio of most ACs. Osimertinib and 35d also exerted detrimental effects on mitochondria through distinct mechanisms. Osimertinib upregulated the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPTI), while 35d induced the expression of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60). The alterations in ACs and CPTI were correlated with mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited cell growth. Our results suggest that osimertinib and 35d disrupted the fatty acyl metabolism and induced mitochondrial stress in cancer cells. This study provides insights into the potential application of fatty acyl metabolism inhibitors, such as osimertinib or other TKIs, and mitochondrial stress inducers, such as curcumin derivatives, as combination therapy for cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0)
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13 pages, 1974 KiB  
Article
The Combined Treatment of Curcumin with Verapamil Ameliorates the Cardiovascular Pathology in a Williams–Beuren Syndrome Mouse Model
by Noura Abdalla, Paula Ortiz-Romero, Isaac Rodriguez-Rovira, Luis A. Pérez-Jurado, Gustavo Egea and Victoria Campuzano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 3261; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24043261 - 7 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2159
Abstract
Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare disorder caused by a recurrent microdeletion with hallmarks of cardiovascular manifestations, mainly supra-valvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). Unfortunately, there is currently no efficient treatment. We investigated the effect of chronic oral treatment with curcumin and verapamil on the [...] Read more.
Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare disorder caused by a recurrent microdeletion with hallmarks of cardiovascular manifestations, mainly supra-valvular aortic stenosis (SVAS). Unfortunately, there is currently no efficient treatment. We investigated the effect of chronic oral treatment with curcumin and verapamil on the cardiovascular phenotype of a murine model of WBS harbouring a similar deletion, CD (complete deletion) mice. We analysed systolic blood pressure in vivo and the histopathology of the ascending aorta and the left ventricular myocardium to determine the effects of treatments and their underlying mechanism. Molecular analysis showed significantly upregulated xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) expression in the aorta and left ventricular myocardium of CD mice. This overexpression is concomitant with increased levels of nitrated proteins as a result of byproduct-mediated oxidative stress damage, indicating that XOR-generated oxidative stress impacts the pathophysiology of cardiovascular manifestations in WBS. Only the combined therapy of curcumin and verapamil resulted in a significant improvement of cardiovascular parameters via activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NRF2) and reduction of XOR and nitrated protein levels. Our data suggested that the inhibition of XOR and oxidative stress damage could help prevent the severe cardiovascular injuries of this disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0)
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Review

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32 pages, 15407 KiB  
Review
Curcumin Supplementation and Human Disease: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials
by Timothy M. Panknin, Carol L. Howe, Meg Hauer, Bhanu Bucchireddigari, Anthony M. Rossi and Janet L. Funk
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4476; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054476 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 15336
Abstract
Medicinal properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a plant used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, are attributed to its polyphenolic curcuminoids, where curcumin predominates. Although “curcumin” supplements are a top-selling botanical with promising pre-clinical effects, questions remain regarding biological activity in humans. [...] Read more.
Medicinal properties of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), a plant used for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, are attributed to its polyphenolic curcuminoids, where curcumin predominates. Although “curcumin” supplements are a top-selling botanical with promising pre-clinical effects, questions remain regarding biological activity in humans. To address this, a scoping review was conducted to assess human clinical trials reporting oral curcumin effects on disease outcomes. Eight databases were searched using established guidelines, yielding 389 citations (from 9528 initial) that met inclusion criteria. Half focused on obesity-associated metabolic disorders (29%) or musculoskeletal disorders (17%), where inflammation is a key driver, and beneficial effects on clinical outcomes and/or biomarkers were reported for most citations (75%) in studies that were primarily double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trials (77%, D-RCT). Citations for the next most studied disease categories (neurocognitive [11%] or gastrointestinal disorders [10%], or cancer [9%]), were far fewer in number and yielded mixed results depending on study quality and condition studied. Although additional research is needed, including systematic evaluation of diverse curcumin formulations and doses in larger D-RCT studies, the preponderance of current evidence for several highly studied diseases (e.g., metabolic syndrome, osteoarthritis), which are also clinically common, are suggestive of clinical benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0)
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18 pages, 1213 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Curcumin on Immune Response: An Immunomodulatory Strategy to Treat Sepsis
by Alessandro Allegra, Giuseppe Mirabile, Roberta Ettari, Giovanni Pioggia and Sebastiano Gangemi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(23), 14710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232314710 - 25 Nov 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6824
Abstract
Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies cause an alteration in the immune response which can increase the rate of infectious diseases and worsened prognoses. They can also alter the immune response, thus, making the infection even worse. Curcumin is the most biologically active component of [...] Read more.
Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies cause an alteration in the immune response which can increase the rate of infectious diseases and worsened prognoses. They can also alter the immune response, thus, making the infection even worse. Curcumin is the most biologically active component of the turmeric root and appears to be an antimicrobial agent. Curcumin cooperates with various cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B, T, and natural killer cells to modify the body’s defence capacity. Curcumin also inhibits inflammatory responses by suppressing different metabolic pathways, reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines, and increases the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Curcumin may also affect oxidative stress and the non-coding genetic material. This review analyses the relationships between immunodeficiency and the onset of infectious diseases and discusses the effects of curcumin and its derivatives on the immune response. In addition, we analyse some of the preclinical and clinical studies that support its possible use in prophylaxis or in the treatment of infectious diseases. Lastly, we examine how nanotechnologies can enhance the clinical use of curcumin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Curcumin in Health and Disease 4.0)
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