Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Abstract

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a multifactorial condition characterized by insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, and sometimes fibrosis. To date, no effective pharmacological therapy has been approved for the treatment of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. Recently, numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have described the efficacy of nutraceutical compounds in the diet has been tested. Among them, curcumin is the most widely used polyphenol in the diet showing potent anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities. This review aims to summarize the most important basic studies (in vitro and animal models studies), describing the molecular mechanisms by which curcumin acts in the context of MASLD, providing the rationale for its effective translational use in humans.

Targeting Metabolic Diseases: The Role of Nutraceuticals in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

“…In addition, it inhibits hepatic fatty acid synthase (FAS) activity and increases the beta oxidation of fatty acids. Curcumin specifically downregulated FAS, leading to an effective reduction in fat storage [ 51 , 53 ]. Furthermore, curcumin supplementation was found to suppress the transcription factors PPARγ and CCAAT binding protein α (C/EBPα), which are essential transcription factors in adipogenesis and lipogenesis, mainly in adipose tissue.…”

The Influence of Diet and Its Components on the Development and Prevention of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

“…Curcumin, a component of the commonly used spice in Asian cuisine, turmeric, extracted from the rhizome of turmeric, exhibits anti-cancer effects in HCC. Apart from its anti-cancer properties, curcumin also offers anti-inflammatory characteristics [ 76 , 77 , 78 ]. Its pro-apoptotic effects on cancer cells have been demonstrated, along with its beneficial impact on glucose tolerance and anti-steatosis in the liver.…”

Curcuma Longa Methanolic Extract and Losartan Improves Memory Impairment and Oxidative Stress induced by a High Caloric Diet in Wistar Rats

“…One of the active constituents of Turmeric is curcumin (Curc) which is a polyphenol responsible for the main therapeutic properties of this plant, mainly its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Curc is characterized by its capacity to traverse the barrier blood-brain providing direct contact with neurons and possible neuroprotection (Guariglia et al, 2023).…”