Therapeutic potential of curcumin for multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), characterized by demyelination, neuronal injury, and breaching of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Epidemiological studies have shown that immunological, genetic, and environmental factors contribute to the progression and development of MS. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are crucial immunological participant in the pathophysiology of MS. The aberrant production of IL-17 and IL-22 by Th17 cells crosses BBB promotes its disruption and interferes with transmission of nerve signals through activation of neuroinflammation in the CNS. These inflammatory responses promote demyelination through transcriptional activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription-1 (STAT-1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interferon ϒ (IFNϒ), and Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase-1 (SHP-1). B cells also contribute to disease progression through abnormal regulation of antibodies, cytokines, and antigen presentation. Additionally, oxidative stress has been known as a causative agent for the MS. Curcumin is a hydrophobic yellowish diphenolic component of turmeric, which can interact and modulate multiple cell signaling pathways and prevent the development of various autoimmune neurological diseases including MS. Studies have reported curcumin as a potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant agent that could modulate cell cycle regulatory proteins, enzymes, cytokines, and transcription factors in CNS-related disorders including MS. The current study summarizes the reported knowledge on therapeutic potential of curcumin against MS, with future indication as neuroprotective and neuropharmacological drug.

Protective Effect of Genistein on Condylar Cartilage through Downregulating NF-κB Expression in Experimentally Created Osteoarthritis Rats

“…NF-κB is a crucial transcription factor that participates in the development of inflammatory and immune diseases activated by inflammatory responses [12,28]. In an inactive state, NF-κB binds to the I-κB member.…”

The Role of Mitochondria in Inflammation: From Cancer to Neurodegenerative Disorders

“…Similarly, the ent-kauranoid diterpenoid glaucocalyxin B, isolated from the aerial parts of Rabdosia japonica, decreased NO, TNFα, IL-1β, COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-activated microglia cells [111]. These plant derivatives might represent a promising approach in targeting neuroinflammation, and different studies are aiming to define their optimal bioavailability, even if their use in clinic has yet to be defined [112,113]. Another therapeutic approach to reduce neuroinflammation is blocking necroptotic pathways with synthetic inhibitors (RIP1 inhibitors, RIP3 inhibitors, MLKL inhibitors) to mitigate NDD progression [114].…”

Curcumin’s Nanomedicine Formulations for Therapeutic Application in Neurological Diseases

“…Over the past half-decade, CUR has gained attention as a key molecule in neurological disorders, being tested both for its effectiveness and safety. Numerous preclinical studies have suggested its use in treating disorders such as AD [40,41], Parkinson disease (PD) [42,43], multiple sclerosis (MS) [44,45], migraine [46,47], epilepsy [48,49], stroke [50,51], traumatic brain injury [52,53], and spinal cord injury [54]. Various studies indicate that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-amyloidogenic, antidepressant, antidiabetic, and antiaging properties of CUR are responsible for the neuroprotective effects as in Figure 2 [55][56][57].…”