Curcumin as a Therapeutic Option in Retinal Diseases

Abstract

The retina is subjected to oxidative stress due to its high vascularization, long time light exposition and a high density of mitochondria. Oxidative stress can lead to pathological processes, like cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and inflammation ending in retinal pathologies. Curcumin, a major bioactive component obtained from the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome has been used for centuries in Asian countries for cooking and for curing all kinds of diseases like dysentery, chest congestion and pain in general, due to its antioxidant effects. Curcumin prevents the formation of reactive oxygen species and so it is a good protective agent. Curcumin has shown also anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Curcumin is a natural product, which can be a therapeutic option in a variety of retinal diseases due to its pleiotropic properties. Some drawbacks are its poor solubility, bioavailability and lack of stability at physiological conditions; which have been shown in curcumin skeptical publications. In this review, we provide some lights and shadows on curcumin administration on the major retinal pathologies.

Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress Modifies Inflammation and Angiogenesis Biomarkers in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells (ARPE-19): Role of CYP2E1 and its Inhibition by Antioxidants

“…Furthermore, interaction between photoreceptors and RPE cells is critical for maintaining visual function, and its alteration can lead to compromised vision. Our group has already demonstrated that antioxidants can delay photoreceptor degeneration in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa [21][22][23], and this protective effect certainly requires the integrity of RPE [24,25].…”

The potential health benefits of dietary natural plant products in age related eye diseases

“…The diabetic retinopathy is a metabolic disorder that alters the photoreceptors and the blood vessels of the retina. It is one of the major complications of type 1 and 2 diabetes ( López-Malo et al., 2020 ). Worldwide, diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness, especially among people that are yet to reach their retirement age ( Lopez-Galvez et al., 2014 ), and has been estimated to affect over 140 million people ( Yau et al., 2012 ).…”

Mitochondrial Dysfunction as a Novel Target for Neuroprotective Nutraceuticals in Ocular Diseases

“…Curcumin has strong free radical scavenging activity due to its functional groups and sequentially improves mitochondrial functions through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) [142]. However, its poor solubility and low bioavailability have limited the clinical applications of curcumin (see a recent review in detail [143]). New strategies, including liposomes and nanoparticle carriers, or modified formulations may be an ideal approach to deliver curcumin to the lesions.…”