How Curcumin Targets Inflammatory Mediators in Diabetes: Therapeutic Insights and Possible Solutions

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a multifactorial chronic metabolic disorder, characterized by altered metabolism of macro-nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Diabetic retinopathy, diabetic cardiomyopathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic periodontitis, and diabetic nephropathy are the prominent complications of diabetes. Inflammatory mediators are primarily responsible for these complications. Curcumin, a polyphenol derived from turmeric, is well known for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The regulation of several signaling pathways effectively targets inflammatory mediators in diabetes. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities against a wide range of molecular targets have been shown to have therapeutic potential for a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders, including diabetes. Curcumin’s biological examination has shown that it is a powerful anti-oxidant that stops cells from growing by releasing active free thiol groups at the target location. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that targets inflammatory mediators in diabetes, and its resistant form leads to better therapeutic outcomes in diabetes complications. Moreover, Curcumin is an anti-oxidant and NF-B inhibitor that may be useful in treating diabetes. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit diabetes-related enzymes, such as a-glucosidase, aldose reductase and aldose reductase inhibitors. Through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and its suppression of vascular endothelial development and nuclear transcription factors, curcumin has the ability to prevent, or reduce, the course of diabetic retinopathy. Curcumin improves insulin sensitivity by suppressing phosphorylation of ERK/JNK in HG-induced insulin-resistant cells and strengthening the PI3K-AKT-GSK3B signaling pathway. In the present article, we aimed to discuss the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in diabetes regulated by various molecular signaling pathways.

The Molecular Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Regulation of Ageing Hallmarks

“…The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of curcumin have made it a potential nutritional supplement [ 208 , 209 , 210 , 211 ]. The anti-inflammatory role of curcumin has been well established in recent decades [ 196 , 211 , 212 , 213 , 214 , 215 , 216 ]. For instance, it has been reported that curcumin can potentially reduce the activity of several inflammation-related transcription factors, including NF-κB, AP-1, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1).…”

Curcumin Attenuates Periodontal Injury via Inhibiting Ferroptosis of Ligature-Induced Periodontitis in Mice

“…Curcumin is a main active ingredient of the Chinese herbal medicine Curcuma longa which possesses strong pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, antiapoptotic and neuroprotective effects in various diseases [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. It has been reported that excessive ROS production and lipid peroxidation could be suppressed by curcumin intervention [ 24 ].…”

The role of dietary antioxidants in type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders: An assessment of the benefit profile

“…It inhibits diabetes-related enzymes, including α-glucosidase and aldose reductase, while increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Curcumin improves insulin sensitivity by reducing ERK/c-Jun N -terminal kinase-mediated phosphorylation of insulin-resistant cells and activating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt-GSK3B signaling pathway [ 158 ]. The anti-diabetic effect of curcumin possibly comes from its ability to suppress OS and the inflammatory process.…”

“…The anti-diabetic effect of curcumin possibly comes from its ability to suppress OS and the inflammatory process. It targets inflammatory pathways and modulates/normalizes inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF–α, INF-γ), systemic inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., RANTES), and other inflammatory cytokines [ [158] , [159] , [163] ]. Curcumin regulates the expression of keap1 and restores the function of NRF2, promoting insulin sensitivity and redox homeostasis [ 158 , 160 , 161 ].…”

“…It targets inflammatory pathways and modulates/normalizes inflammatory mediators (e.g., TNF–α, INF-γ), systemic inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., RANTES), and other inflammatory cytokines [ [158] , [159] , [163] ]. Curcumin regulates the expression of keap1 and restores the function of NRF2, promoting insulin sensitivity and redox homeostasis [ 158 , 160 , 161 ]. A systematic review of 16 clinical studies showed that curcumin reduces the body mass index, fasting blood glucose levels, and HbA1c levels [ 165 ].…”