Inhibitory effect of curcumin in human endometriosis endometrial cells via downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor

Abstract

Endometriosis, which affects up to 10% of women of reproductive age, is defined as endometrial-like gland and stroma tissue growths outside the uterine cavity. Despite increasing research efforts, there are no current effective treatment methods for this disease, therefore investigations for therapeutic strategies are of primary concern. In preliminary work, the authors demonstrated that curcumin inhibits endometriosis in vivo. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate the association between endometriotic stromal cells and curcumin and to clarify the underlying mechanism of action. A total of 14 patients with endometriosis were enrolled in the present study. The purity of endometrial stromal cell cultures was proven by standard immunofluorescent staining of vimentin. The cell proliferation and curcumin effects on endometrial stromal cells were assessed by the MTT assay and Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. For cell cycle analysis, phase distribution was detected by flow cytometry. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry staining. Apoptosis was assessed using Annexin V‑fluorescein isothiocyanate staining. The results indicated that the treatment of curcumin decreased human ectopic and eutopic stromal cell growth. Following treatment with curcumin, human endometriotic stromal cells demonstrated an increased percentage of G1‑phase cells and decreased percentages of S‑phase cells, particularly in the group treated with 50 µmol/l curcumin. Treatment with curcumin additionally decreased expression of VEGF. The data provide evidence that curcumin reduces cell survival in human endometriotic stromal cells, and this may be mediated via downregulation of the VEGF signaling pathway.

Peimine inhibits the growth and motility of prostate cancer cells and induces apoptosis by disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis through Ca2+/CaMKII/JNK pathway

“…Vimentin spots were counted from more than 10 microscopic views. Microscopic images were processed as described . All experiments were in triplicate.…”

“…34 All experiments were in triplicate. Z-25307; Thermo Fisher Scientific) and stained with DAPI (1:1000; catalog no.…”

“…Microscopic images were processed as described. 34 All experiments were in triplicate.…”

Diet and Nutrition in Gynecological Disorders: A Focus on Clinical Studies

“…Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound found in turmeric, which is derived from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa Linn [ 81 ]. The anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of curcumin on endometriosis were reported previously in in vitro and animal studies [ 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 ]. The Vienna-based ENDOFLEX study is currently recruiting patients with endometriosis for an interventional clinical trial randomized for placebo versus the dietary supplement flexofytol, with planned administration of 42 mg of curcumin twice a day for a duration of 4 months.…”

Anti‐Angiogenic Alternative and Complementary Medicines for the Treatment of Endometriosis: A Review of Potential Molecular Mechanisms

“…Following treatment with curcumin, an increase the percentage of cells in G1 and decrease in the percentage of S phase cells were observed among human endometriotic stromal cells, along with the reduced expression of VEGF. Curcumin has been shown to reduce cell proliferation, human ectopic and eutopic stromal cell growth, and inhibit VEGF secretion in humans [ 104 ]. Furthermore, curcumin inhibited cell proliferation and caused cell apoptosis, and reduced inflammation through suppression of inflammatory cytokines expression.…”