Targeting Inflammation-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Diseases by Curcumin and Other Nutraceuticals

Abstract

Extensive research within the past two decades has revealed that obesity, a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer, and other chronic diseases, is a proinflammatory disease. Several spices have been shown to exhibit activity against obesity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Among them, curcumin, a yellow pigment derived from the spice turmeric (an essential component of curry powder), has been investigated most extensively as a treatment for obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Curcumin directly interacts with adipocytes, pancreatic cells, hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, and muscle cells. There, it suppresses the proinflammatory transcription factors nuclear factor-kappa B, signal transducer and activators of transcription-3, and Wnt/β-catenin, and it activates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and Nrf2 cell-signaling pathways, thus leading to the downregulation of adipokines, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, resistin, leptin, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and the upregulation of adiponectin and other gene products. These curcumin-induced alterations reverse insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and other symptoms linked to obesity. Other structurally homologous nutraceuticals, derived from red chili, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, and ginger, also exhibit effects against obesity and insulin resistance.

Role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 in metabolic homeostasis and insulin action: A novel opportunity for diabetes treatment?

“…The capability of Nrf2 activation in preventing obesity, protecting pancreatic β cells and enhancing insulin action makes Nrf2 activators a novel category in diabetic therapeutics. Particularly, natural compounds have been proven to be effective in insulin sensitization and preventing diabetic complications in animal and pre-clinical human studies [97] . Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their benefits for diabetics and possible usefulness in clinical treatment.…”

The COP9 Signalosome Controls Adipocyte Differentiation by Regulating CHOP Protein Stability

“…Inhibitors of CSN associated kinases such curcumin and curcumin-like substances block the production of VEGF in tumor cells [6] as well as in adipocytes [5]. Inhibition of adipocyte VEGF production is one explanation for the fact that obesity can be downregulated by curcumin and resveratrol [7], although the exact mechanism remained obscure.…”

Brazilian Society for Food and Nutrition position statement: nutrigenetic tests

“…Curcumin, a yellow pigment found in the rhizome of Curcuma longa and known as turmeric, represents an example of a food component that induces an indirect mechanism of gene expression regulation (Fig. 3) [38]. Several studies have characterized the anti-inflammatory actions of curcumin, combined with its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antitumoral effects (reviewed in ref.…”