Curcumin suppresses pro-inflammatory adhesion response in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells

Abstract

Atherosclerosis, a progressive pathological disorder, is a leading cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. The expression of cell adhesion molecules by the endothelium and the attachment of monocytes to endothelium may play a pivotal role in the early atherogenic process. Curcumin, a polyphenol obtained from the root of turmeric, is the main component of curry powder. Previous studies indicated that curcumin exhibits a variety of pharmacological effects, including anti‐inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti‐hypertensive properties. In the current study, we found that curcumin could suppress the IL‐1β‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and the activation of redox‐sensitive transcription factors NF‐κB p50 and p65. Moreover, curcumin could inhibit the expression of adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1), vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1), and E‐selectin, and further decrease the adhesiveness to a human monocytic cell line (U937) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These findings may identify the novel role and potential translational application of curcumin, suggesting its potential applicability as an anti‐atherosclerotic agent. Practical applications In the current study, we examine the inhibitory effects of curcumin on monocyte adhesion to cultured human endothelial cells and the expression of adhesion molecules by IL‐1β in HUVECs and elucidate its possible mechanism of action. Our findings may identify the novel role and potential translational application of curcumin, suggesting its potential applicability as an anti‐atherosclerotic agent.

Targeting endothelial vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 in atherosclerosis: drug discovery and development of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1–directed novel therapeutics

“…Most notably, it prevents pathological VCAM-1 overexpression and leucocyte recruitment via the immunoblockade of antecedent NF-κB- and Toll-like receptor 4 –dependent pathways. 90–94 This atheroprotective potential has been corroborated in vivo with various animal models of experimental atherosclerosis. 95 , 96 , 140 In particular, Um et al 96 observed that curcumin treatment decreased mRNA and protein expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, and MCP-1 and resultant monocyte adhesion at atheroprone arterial regions in hypercholesterolaemic New Zealand white rabbits.…”

Analysis of the Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Osteoarthritic Potential of Flonat Fast®, a Combination of Harpagophytum Procumbens DC. ex Meisn., Boswellia Serrata Roxb., Curcuma longa L., Bromelain and Escin (Aesculus hippocastanum), Evaluated in In Vitro Models of Inflammation Relevant to Osteoarthritis

“…We clearly observed that exposure of endothelial cells to Flonat Fast ® components reduced the expression of adhesion molecules involved in the attraction (MCP-1) and following firm adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells (VCAM-1, and to a lesser extent ICAM-1) with a functional return expressed in a significant reduction of the number of monocytes adhering to the endothelium. Modulation of endothelial adhesion molecule expression has already been studied with success in the presence of E [ 71 ], BS [ 72 ], and C [ 73 ], but, to our knowledge, no literature reports for B and HP. Our data fully support this evidence, as we did not observe any modulatory effect of B and HP on their own.…”