Objectives To explore the effects of curcumin and cisplatin on A549 lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis, and explore the influence of the two drugs on matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and E-cadherin protein. Methods MTT assay was performed to detect the effects of curcumin, cisplatin alone and the combination on A549 lung cancer cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to detect the effects of curcumin, cisplatin alone and the combination on the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of MMP-9 and E-cadherin. Results The proliferation inhibition of A549 lung cancer cell rate in 5, 10, 20, 40 μmol/L of curcumin was 6.50%±1.06%, 11.70%±0.88%, 22.97%±0.82%, 27.93%±0.94%, respectively. Compared with control group, the proliferation inhibition rates in four different curcumin groups were significantly increased (all P<0.01). The differences in the proliferation inhibition rates among four different curcumin groups were statistically significant (allP<0.05). The proliferation inhibition rates of A549 lung cancer cell in 1, 2, 4 mg/L of cisplatin were 7.12%±0.86%, 20.07%±1.14%, 26.88%±0.51%, respectively. Compared with control group, the proliferation inhibition rates in three different cisplatin groups were significantly increased (allP<0.01). The differences in the proliferation inhibition rates among three different cisplatin groups were statistically significant (allP<0.01). The proliferation inhibition rates of A549 lung cancer cell in curcumin (20 μmol/L) combined with cisplatin (1, 2, 4 mg/L respectively) were 28.37%±0.57%, 39.72%±0.64%, 46.27%±0.86%, respectively. Compared with control group and curcumin or cisplatin used alone, the proliferation inhibition rates of three combined groups were significantly increased (allP<0.01). The invasion inhibition rates of A549 lung cancer cell in curcumin group (20 μmol/L), cisplatin group (2 mg/L) and combined group (curcumin 20 μmol/L plus cisplatin 2 mg/L) were 38.62%±0.23%, 36.52%±0.33%, 63.78%±0.59%, respectively. Compared with control group and curcumin or cisplatin used alone, the invasion inhibition rates of combined group were significantly increased (allP<0.01). The protein grey values for curcumin group (20 μmol/L), cisplatin group (2 mg/L) and combined group (curcumin 20 μmol/L plus cisplatin 2 mg/L) were 0.768±0.047, 0.654±0.104, 0.684±0.008, 0.444±0.104 (MMP-9) and 0.603±0.170, 0.792±0.050, 0.784±0.045, 0.879±0.110 (E-cadherin), respectively. Compared with control group and curcumin or cisplatin used alone, the protein grey values of combined group were significantly different (allP<0.01 orP<0.05). Conclusions Curcumin and cisplatin combination can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer A549 cells. Its mechanism may be related to downregulating MMP-9 and upregulating E-cadherin.
Objective To investigate the effect of curcumin on calcitionin gene related peptide (CGRP) expression after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. Methods A total of 200 rats, weighing 250-300 g, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=50): sham-operation group, normal saline (NS) group, low-dose curcumin group (30 mg/kg), and high-dose curcumin group (100 mg/kg). In sham-operation group, only vertebral lamina excision was performed without SCI; the SCI model was established in the other 3 groups. At immediate after modeling, 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg curcumin were injected intraperitoneally in 2 curcumin groups, equivalent NS was given in NS group (30 mg/kg), but no treatment in sham-operation group. At 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after operation, the motor neural function was evaluated by the inclined plane test and Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores; immunohistochemical staining and Western blot assay were used to observe CGRP expression. Results BBB score and inclined plane test score of NS group, low-dose curcumin group, and high-dose curcumin group were significantly lower than those of sham-operation group at each time point (P lt; 0.05). BBB score of low-dose curcumin group and high-dose curcumin group was significantly higher than that of NS group at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after SCI (P lt; 0.05), and the score of high-dose group was significantly higher than that of low-dose curcumin group at 7, 14, and 21 days after SCI (P lt; 0.05). Inclined plane test score of low-dose curcumin group and high-dose curcumin group was significantly higher than that of NS group at 7, 14, and 21 days after SCI (P lt; 0.05), and the score of high-dose curcumin group was significantly higher than that of low-dose curcumin group at 7, 14, and 21 days after SCI (P lt; 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining results showed that the CGRP positive cells of sham-operation group was significantly more than those of the other 3 groups, and the CGRP positive cells of high-dose curcumin group were significantly more than those of low-dose curcumin group at each time point (P lt; 0.05); the CGRP positive cells of low- and high-dose curcumin groups were significantly more than those of NS group at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after SCI (P lt; 0.05). Western blot assay results showed that the CGRP protein expressed at each time point after SCI in sham-operation group; the CGRP protein expression gradually decrease with time passing in NS group; but the CGRP protein expression gradually increased with time passing in low- and high-dose curcumin groups, and reached the peak at 14 days, then maintained a high level. Conclusion After SCI in rats, 30 mg/kg curcumin can improve rats’ motor function, and 100 mg/kg curcumin effect is more obvious, especially in promoting the expression of CGRP. That may be the mechanism of protection of the nervous system.
To observe the effect of different dosage of curcumin on expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in the tissue of cystiform in air-pouch mouse models after the injection of polyethylene wear particles, and to investigate its mechanism of intervening inflammatory response induced by wear particles. Methods Seventy-two kunming strain mice were used to establ ish air-pouch animal models by referring to the method of Yang et al. and injecting 3 mL suspension of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene wear particles (concentration 1 × 108 cells/mL) into dorsal cyst cavity. Then the animals were randomized into 3 groups (n=24 per group): group A (control group), 0.6 mL/day normal sal ine by gavage; group B(low-dosage experimental group), 0.6 mL/day curcumin solution at a concentration of 1.6 mg/mL by gavage; group C (highdosage experimental group), 0.6 mL/day curcumin solution at a concentration of 3.2 mg/mL by gavage. General condition of the animals was observed after operation. The mice were killed 3, 7 and 14 days after operation (8 mice per group at a time), the tissue of cystiform was harvested to receive gross, histology and immunohistochemistry observation, as well as RT-PCR and Western blot detection. Results All mice survived till the end of experiment. White cystiform tissue was evident on the back of mice subcutaneously in each group. For diameter of the cyst cavity at each time point, group A was obviously greater than groups B and C, and group C was significantly less than group B. Microscope observation showed that inflammatory response in group A was ber than that of groups B and C, and group C was obviously less than group B at 7 and 14 days. There was a significant difference between groups B and C and group A in terms of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression at 7 and 14 days after curcumin del ivery (P lt; 0.05), and no significant differences were evident at 3 days (P gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between group B and group C in MMP-2 expression at 7 days after curcumin del ivery (P gt; 0.05), and significant difference was evident at 14 days (P lt; 0.05). There was significant difference bewteen group B and group C in MMP-9 expression at 7 and 14 days after curcumin del ivery (P lt; 0.05). Nuclear translocation of NF-κB P65 was inhibited remarkably after curcumin del ivery,and there were significant differences among three groups at 7 and 14 days (P lt; 0.05), and no significant differences were evident at 3 days (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene wear particles can stimulate expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cystiform tissue. Curcumin can restrain expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in cystiform tissue of air-pouch animal models, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 may be regulated by the activation of NF-κB.
ObjectiveAfter using hyaluronic acid (HA) to modify curcumin (CUR), the effects of calcium phosphate cement (CPC) combined with HA/CUR on the proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblasts were investigated.MethodsFirst, HA and CUR were esterified and covalently combined to prepare HA/CUR, and the characteristics were observed and the infrared spectrum was tested. Then, HA, CUR, and HA/CUR were mixed with CPC according to 5% (W/W) to prepare HA-CPC, CUR-CPC, and HA/CUR-CPC, respectively. Setting time detection, scanning electron microscope observation, injectable performance test, and compression strength test were conducted; and the CPC was used as a control. Osteoblasts were isolated and cultured from the skull of newborn Sprague Dawley rats, and the 2nd generation cells were cultured with the 4 types of bone cement, respectively. The effects of HA/CUR-CPC on the proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblasts were estimated by the scanning electron microscopy observation, live/dead cell fluorescence staining, cell counting, osteopontin (OPN) immunofluorescence staining, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining,and alizarin red staining.ResultsInfrared spectroscopy test showed that HA and CUR successfully covalently combined. The HA/CUR-CPC group had no significant difference in initial setting time, final setting time, injectable rate, and compressive strength when compared with the other 3 groups (P>0.05); scanning electron microscope observation showed that HA/CUR was scattered on CPC surface. After co-culture of bone cement and osteoblasts, scanning electron microscopy observation showed that the osteoblasts, which had normal morphology and the growth characteristics of osteoblasts, clustered and adhered to HA/CUR-CPC. There was no significant difference in cell survival rate between HA/CUR-CPC group and other groups (P>0.05), and the number of cells significantly increased (P<0.05); the degrees of OPN immunofluorescence staining, ALP staining, and alizarin red staining were stronger than other groups.ConclusionHA/CUR-CPC has good biocompatibility and mechanical properties, which can promote the proliferation and osteogenesis of osteoblasts.
Objective To investigate the proliferation inhibitory effect and to explore the molecular mechanism of curcumin on pulmonary fibroblasts. Methods Fibroblasts derived from lung tissue of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF) was cultured in vitro and incubated with curcumin at different concentrations for different time. Fibroblasts were randomized into 5 groups, ie. a control group and 4 curcumin groups ( intervened by 5, 10, 20, 40 μmol / L curcumin, respectively) . MTT assay was used to determine the inhibitory rate of curcumin on the proliferation of pulmonary fibroblasts. Apoptosis and the Caspase-3 expression of pulmonary fibroblasts were identified by flow cytometry ( FCM) . Variables were compared with One-Way ANOVA. The correlations between variables were analyzed using Pearson’scorrelation coefficient. Results Curcumin inhibited pulmonary fibroblasts proliferation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner( r =0. 886, r = 0. 832, respectively, all P lt; 0. 01) . Apoptosis rate of pulmonary fibroblasts in 4 curcumin groups was ( 29. 58 ±2. 13) % , ( 64. 36 ±3. 92) %, ( 72. 98 ±4. 42) % , ( 83. 14 ±2. 51) % , respectively, which was significantly higher than that in the control group[ ( 3. 84 ±1. 88) % , P lt;0. 01] . The positive expression rate of apoptosis-regulating protein caspase-3 was ( 26. 24 ±3. 64) % ,( 44. 87 ±5. 31) % , ( 57. 44 ±4. 23) % , ( 73. 65 ±5. 01) % , respectively, which was significantly higher than that of the control group[ ( 4. 02 ±0. 62) % , P lt; 0. 01] . Conclusions In vitro, curcumin can significantly inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of pulmonary fibroblasts of patients with IPF. The mechanism maybe associated with up-regulating expression of Caspase-3.
ObjectiveTo prepare curcumin loaded monomethoxyl poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolicacid) (mPEG-PLGA) nanopaticles (CUR-NPs), investigate the effect of curcumin (CUR) and CUR-NPs on reversing corticosteroid resistance induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and compare biological function between CUR and CUR-NPs in macrophages RAW264.7. MethodsmPEG-PLGA nanoparticles loaded with CUR were prepared via emulsion solvent evaporation.In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, budesonide (BUD) was used to treat macrophages RAW264.7.In LPS and CSE stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, BUD (10-10-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-10-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-7 mol/L)+BUD(10-9-10-5 mol/L), CUR(10-9-10-5 mol/L)+BUD(10-7 mol/L), and CUR-NPs(10-9-10-5 mol/L)+BUD(10-7 mol/L) were respectively used to treat macrophages RAW264.7 activated.The level of IL-8 in cell culture supernatant was measured by ELISA.In CSE stimulated macrophages RAW264.7, CUR(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) and CUR-NPs(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) were used to treat macrophages RAW264.7.The mRNA level of HDAC2 was measured by real-time PCR, the protein level of HDAC2 was measured by Western blot.Cellular uptake of CUR and CUR-NPs in macrophages RAW264.7 was determined by cellular fluorescence intensity observed and detected by laser confocal microscopy imaging. ResultsThe morphology of CUR-NPs was spherical and the mean particle size was (356.4±146.6)nm.Compared with LPS stimulation, co-stimulation of LPS and CSE led to a significant decrease in the maximum inhibitory rate of BUD on IL-8 (P < 0.05) and a significant increase in the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of BUD on IL-8 (P < 0.05).When using LPS+CSE to stimulate, compared with BUD (10-10-10-5 mol/L) group, the maximum inhibitory rate of BUD in CUR (10-7 mol/L)+BUD (10-9-10-5 mol/L) group on IL-8 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and the IC50 of BUD decreased significantly (P < 0.05).When using LPS+CSE to stimulate, CUR and CUR-NPs in 10-9, 10-8 and 10-7 mol/L concentration, the inhibitory rate of CUR-NPs+BUD (10-7 mol/L) on IL-8 was significantly higher than that of CUR+BUD (10-7 mol/L) (P < 0.05). CSE stimulation induced a significant decrease in the mRNA and protein expression of HDAC2. Compared with CSE group, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC2 of CUR(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) group and CUR-NPs(10-7 and 10-6 mol/L) group were significantly higher (P < 0.05).In 10-7 mol/L concentration, the mRNA and protein levels of HDAC2 in CUR-NPs group were significantly higher than those in CUR group.In 10-7 mol/L concentration, cellular uptake of CUR in CUR-NPs was significantly higher than the native CUR. ConclusionsCUR and CUR-NPs can reverse the corticosteroid resistance induced by CSE.CUR-NPs can improve the cellular uptake of CUR.In the case of low concentration, CUR-NPs have more biological activity than CUR.
Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of thermosensitive hydrogel containing curcumin-vitamin E (VE) complex (hereinafter referred to as “curcumin-VE hydrogel”) on radiation-induced oral mucositis in mice. Methods Curcumin-VE hydrogel was prepared using the synthesized curcumin-VE complex as the carrier and poloxam as the substrate. The structure of curcumin-VE complex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, the microstructure of curcumin-VE hydrogel was determined by scanning electron microscope, and the gelation temperature was determined by rheometer, gel swelling and degradation were tested and gel adhesion was determined using a universal testing machine. Thirty healthy male BALB/C mice with specific pathogen free grade were randomly divided into three groups, with ten mice in each group. The radiation group and radiation+hydrogel group were modeled by a single high dose of radiation (25 Gy), while the control group had anesthesia but no radiation. The control group and radiation group were given daily feed and water 7 days after radiation. In addition to daily feed and water, the radiation+hydrogel group was given curcumin-VE hydrogel twice a day. The mice were sacreficed on the 8th day after radiation. The weight changes of each group were recorded after radiation. The ulceration area of tongue was measured by toluidine blue. The tongue of mouse were pathologically observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase and the level of malondialdehyde in tongue tissue were determined. The levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in tongue tissue were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The distribution and positive expression of phosphorylated histone H2AX (γ-H2AX) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Results Curcumin-VE hydrogel had a porous network structure and the gelation temperature was 30℃, the swelling rate was close to 300%, the gel degradation rate was up to 95% after 48 h, and the adhesion strength was 12.748 kPa. Compared with the radiation group, the weight of mice in the radiation+hydrogel group increased (P<0.05), the ulcer area decreased (P<0.05); the activity of CAT increased (P<0.05); the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 decreased (P<0.05); the expression of γ-H2AX was down-regulated (P<0.05). Conclusion Curcumin-VE hydrogel can delay or weaken the process of radiation-induced oral mucositis by reducing the DNA damage caused by radiation, inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species, and effectively reducing the level of inflammation in tongue tissue.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of curcumin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation and apoptosis in alveolar macrophage via microRNA-132 (miR-132)/high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1).MethodsThe cultured mouse alveolar macrophage line (RAW264.7 cells) were divided into the control group, the LPS group, the LPS+50 μmol/L curcumin group, and the LPS+100 μmol/L curcumin group. Forty-eight hours after drug treatment, the levels of miR-132/HMGB1, inflammatory mediator and apoptotic were detected. Secondly, the empty vector, synthetic miR-132 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into another cultured mouse alveolar macrophage line (RAW264.7 cells) to detect the inflammation and apoptosis of alveolar macrophage after transfection.ResultsCompared with the control group, in the LPS group, the apoptosis of alveolar macrophage, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and the expression of miR-132 increased, while the expression of HMGB1 decreased (P<0.05); compared with the LPS group, in the two curcumin groups, the apoptosis of alveolar macrophage, the levels of IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, and the expression of miR-132 decreased, while the expression of HMGB1 increased (P<0.05); and the greater the drug concentration, the more obvious the effect (P<0.05). In addition, up-regulation of miR-132 reduced the expression of HMGB1 in alveolar macrophage, increased inflammatory factor, and induced apoptosis in alveolar macrophage; however, down-regulation of miR-132 increased the expression of HMGB1 in alveolar macrophage, reduced inflammatory factor, and inhibited apoptosis in alveolar macrophage (P<0.05).ConclusionCurcumin could decrease LPS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in alveolar macrophage via decreasing miR-132 and increasing HMGB1.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur) against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in vitro. Human embryonic lung fibroblasts were cultured in vitro. The tetrazolium salt (MTS) method was used to detect the effects of Cur on cell viability. The cells were divided into control group, HCMV group, HCMV + (PFA) group and HCMV + Cur group in this study. The cytopathic effect (CPE) of each group was observed by plaque test, then the copy number of HCMV DNA in each group was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and the expression of HCMV proteins in different sequence was detected by Western blot. The results showed that when the concentration of Cur was not higher than 15 μmol/L, there was no significant change in cell growth and viability in the Cur group compared with the control group (P>0.05). After the cells were infected by HCMV for 5 d, the cells began to show CPE, and the number of plaques increased with time. Pretreatment with Cur significantly reduced CPE in a dose-dependent manner. After the cells were infected by HCMV, the DNA copy number and protein expression gradually increased in a time-dependent manner. Pretreatment with Cur significantly inhibited HCMV DNA copies and downregulate HCMV protein expression levels in a concentration-dependent manner, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, Cur may exert anti-HCMV activity by inhibiting the replication of HCMV DNA and down-regulating the expression levels of different sequence proteins of HCMV. This study provides a new experimental basis for the development of anti-HCMV infectious drugs.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of curcumin on expression of iNOS mRNA, study the protective and therapeutic effects on rats with severe acute panceratitis associated renal injury, and explore the possible mechanisms. MethodsA total of 24 rats were randomly divided into control group (n=8), severe acute panceratitis with renal injury group (injury group, n=8), and curcumin-treated group (treated group, n=8).The rats of control group and injury group were given 1.5 mL saline through intragastric administration at 3 h before operation, while the rats of treated group were fed with same amount of curcumin diluent at 3 h before operation.The rats of injury group and treated group with pancreatic head clamping method to establish the model of severe acute pancreatitis.At 12 h after modeling, rats in control group and injury group were perfused with 1.5 mL saline, and rats in treated group were intragastrically administrated to the same volume of curcumin diluent.All the rats were sacrificed at 18 h after modeling.The levels of serum amylase, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were detected and pathological chang of pancreas and the left kidney were observed under light microscope.The renal cell apoptosis were analyzed using TUNEL staining in three groups.The serum levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in three groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbert assay (ELISA).The expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA in the right kidney were detected with realtime polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in three groups. ResultsCompared with the control group, the levels of serum amylase, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10, the cell apoptosis and the expressions of iNOS mRNA in injury group and treated group were significantly increased (P < 0.05).In the treated group, the level of IL-10 was higher than the injury group (P < 0.05), and the difference of other indexes were lower than the injury group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsCurcumin has a better protective effect on severe acute pancreatitis associated renal injury.It may be through inhibited the expressions of IL-1βand IL-6, stimulated the expression of IL-10, and down-regulation of iNOS mRNA expression to reduce the generation of oxygen free radicals and NO damage to cell and reducing the cell apoptosis and necrosis of kidney.