Curcumin induces regeneration of β cells and suppression of phosphorylated-NF-κB in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to assess the immunomodulatory effect of curcumin on innate and adaptive immune responses, as well as its inhibitory power on hyperglycemia in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic CD1 mice. Material and methods Mice were divided into six groups as follows: normal control mice (I), mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with either citrate (II), DEMSO (III), or curcumin (170 mg/kg, 3 times/week, for 28 days) (IV), as well as a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (160 mg/kg) (V) and STZ mice treated with curcumin (VI). The anti-diabetic effect was assessed by estimation of the blood glucose concentration on days 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31. Differential count of white blood cells and the levels of cytokines were also measured at all previous time points. Pancreatic islets were examined for histopathological changes, and the immunohistochemical analysis for insulin and phosphorylated-nuclear factor-kappa B (phospho-NF-κB) was done at the end of the study. Results After curcumin administration, hyperglycemia was improved compared to diabetic mice; however, glucose concentration remains above the normal level. Treatment with curcumin selectively increased the count of lymphocytes and monocytes but decreased the granulocyte count in STZ diabetic mice. Diabetic mice treated with curcumin showed lower levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β, as well as a higher level of IL-2 than in diabetic mice. Histopathological alterations that accompanied diabetes induction were ameliorated after curcumin administration. The pancreatic islets of treated diabetic mice displayed a decline in the immunostaining positivity of phospho-NF-κB compared to diabetic mice. Conclusion These results suggest that curcumin has anti-diabetic properties as it can improve the damage caused to the pancreatic β cells by its preferential immunomodulatory action on T helper1-related cytokines, as well as the immunosuppressive activity on proinflammatory cytokines.

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma as model for studying the cardiac protective effects of curcumin nanoparticles against cardiac damage in female mice

“…Ascetic fluid is the main source of nutrition for carcinoma development. The accumulation of ascetic fluid in the peritoneal cavity was either because of proliferation of tumor cells or the decrease in lymphatic recovery system 37 …”

White saffron (Curcuma mangga Val.) attenuates diabetes and improves pancreatic β-cell regeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…Natural compounds in various forms, such as berberine, curcumin, and mangiferin as well as extracts of medicinal plants have been found to have protective and regenerative effects on β-cells [36] . For instance, a recent study showed that curcumin had anti-diabetic effects as it could help to regenerate β-cells in vivo by the immunomodulatory effect on T helper1-related cytokines (IL-2) as well as the immunosuppressive action on IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-1β [37] . Other study showed that intraperitoneal injections of turmeric ( Curcuma lo nga) extract, which is the main source of curcumin, could significantly reduce blood glucose level from around 400–100 mg/dL and showed protective effects on pancreatic and renal structure and function [38] .…”

Effects of curcumin, a bioactive component of turmeric, on type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications: an updated review

“…43,44 A study on diabetic mice revealed that through the immunomodulatory impact on T helper1-related cytokines and the immunosuppressive activity on pro-inflammatory cytokines, curcumin (170 mg per kg, three times a week) can ameliorate damage to pancreatic cells. 45 In an additional study, 10 mg kg −1 day −1 of curcumin supplementation within a course of 42 days reduced inflammation and fibrosis by obstructing the P38 and AKT signal pathways as well as suppressing hyperglycemia-induced inflammation. 46 Kim et al (2016) revealed that curcumin prevents the accumulation of renal lipids and oxidative stress through the AMPK and Nrf2 signaling pathways, exerting renoprotective effects.…”

“…56 Therefore, curcumin-induced PPARγ has a protective effect against abnormal cellular glucose levels and AGE accumulation, which are two important consequences of diabetes. Furthermore, curcumin can prevent or delay T2DM by increasing insulin secretion, 22 improving β-cell function, 45 preventing β-cell death, 3 increasing adiponectin levels, and decreasing C peptide levels along with insulin resistance. 80 Also, it can modulate lysosomal enzyme activities in diabetes.…”