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Diabetes mellitus is characterized by increased central arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction leading to increased risk of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Curcuma longa on arterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 136 patients of type 2 diabetes. Among them, 114 completed at least one follow‐up visit and included for data analysis. Arterial stiffness parameters were measured at baseline and every month for 3 months and endothelial dysfunction markers at baseline and after 3 months of treatment with C. longa or placebo. These parameters were compared between the two groups. Both C. longa and placebo groups were comparable at baseline. After 3 months of treatment, C. longa produced significant reduction from baseline in carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (p = .002), left brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (p = .001), aortic augmentation pressure (p = .007), aortic augmentation index (p = .007), and aortic augmentation index at heart rate 75 (p = .018) as compared with the placebo group. Three months treatment with C. longa significantly decreases arterial stiffness as compared with placebo in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Objectives To evaluate the association of VDR polymorphisms (FokI, TaqI and ApaI) with vitamin D levels and glycemic status in type 2 diabetes patients from Southern India. Methods In this observational study, genotype frequencies and vitamin D levels of 200 cases (type 2 diabetes patients) were compared with 300 controls (unrelated anonymised stored samples of healthy volunteers) from south India. Serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured by immunoassay technique, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured using HPLC and genotyping of VDR polymorphisms were carried out using Real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT PCR). Results About 69.2% of type 2 diabetes patients were found to have vitamin D deficiency. FokI polymorphism showed variations in serum 25 (OH) D levels, with AA and AG genotypes having significantly lower serum 25 (OH) D levels as compared to GG [13.24 (8.4) ng/ml, 15.02 (7.07) ng/ml and 20.67 (13.64) ng/ml respectively]. There was no difference in HbA1c levels with respect to the vitamin D levels and VDR polymorphisms. Conclusions AA and AG genotypes of FokI polymorphisms are associated with low serum 25 (OH) D levels. However there was no association between VDR polymorphisms and glycemic status in south Indian type 2 diabetes patients.

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Mitochondrion, “the power house” of the cell plays a vital role in generating energy for the intricate functions of the cells. Mitochondria also play important roles in various apoptotic pathways. Around 80-90% of the ATP generated in cells is contributed by these organelles through the process of oxidative phosphorylation. Though this process is essential for the functioning of cells it also generates various Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which are toxic to cells. Hence mitochondrial dysfunction is hypothesized to be an important factor in the occurrence of disorders related to aging such as neurodegeneration and malignancies. Several commonly used drugs in clinical practice exert their action by interacting with mitochondrial pathways. This review attempts to focus on the various groups of drugs which act on mitochondria and are utilized for therapy of conditions like cancer, diabetes mellitus, neurodegeneration and so on.

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