Therapeutic potential of curcumin in diabetic retinopathy (Review)

Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a type of retinal microangiopathy caused by diabetes mellitus. It has become the leading cause of blindness among working individuals worldwide. DR is becoming increasingly common among younger diabetic patients and there is a need for lifelong treatment. The pathogenic mechanisms of DR are influenced by a number of factors, such as hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, inflammatory response and oxidative stress, among others. Currently, the treatment methods for DR mainly include retinal photocoagulation, vitrectomy, or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. However, these methods have some disadvantages and limitations. Therefore, it is a matter of great interest and urgency to discover drugs that can target the pathogenesis of DR. Since ancient times, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have accumulated extensive experiences in the use of Chinese herbal medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, curcumin has the effects of promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. A number of studies have also demonstrated that curcumin has multiple biological activities, including exerting anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor properties. In recent years, studies have also confirmed that curcumin can prevent a variety of diabetic complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the preventive and curative effects of curcumin on DR and its mechanisms of action have not yet been fully elucidated. The present review aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in diabetes mellitus and DR.

Glucose-Impaired Corneal Re-Epithelialization Is Promoted by a Novel Derivate of Dimethyl Fumarate

“…In our study, we correlate ERK1/2 phosphorylation to Nrf2/HO-1 axis activation using the selective ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059. As validated in previous studies, PD98059 was able to prevent ERK1/2 phosphorylation in our model ( Figure 4 ); in such a condition, we detected a strong reduction of VP13/126 capability to induce Nrf2 translocation and HO-1 up-regulation ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 ) [ 24 , 60 , 61 ]. Our results confirm the upstream involvement of ERK1/2 signaling with respect to the VP13/126-induced activation of Nrf2 in HG-stimulated SIRC.…”

Experiment-Based Interventions to Diabetic Retinopathy: Present and Advances

“…Another study further supports the use of curcumin in treating DR and puts forward a potential protective mechanism of curcumin via reducing oxidative stress and maintaining the Nrf2 pathway homeostasis [116]. However, the exact mechanism of curcumin in treating DR is not fully understood yet, leaving a potential field for researchers to investigate [117].…”

The Potential Antioxidant Activity and Characterization of Bioactive Compounds of Stahlianthus involucratus

“…Similarly, afzelin acts as the oxidants to scavenge free radicals, superoxide anion, and reactive oxygen species [46]. Additionally, curcumin is widely found in the Zingiberaceae family plants, such as C. longa [47], which is well known for its numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, antiobesity, antiosteoporosis, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties [48][49][50][51].…”