Curcumin as an Environmental Potent Antioxidant Decreases Risk of Arthrosclerosis

Background & Aims of the Study: Oxidative stress increases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) gene expression in endothelial cells that contributes to vascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Oxidative stress generates by dys-regulated redox balance between ROS producing systems and antioxidant systems. Also, Curcumin (Cur) as a main part of turmeric has anti- inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer and antitumor effects. This study was conducted to test the Curcumin as an environmental potent antioxidant decreases risk of arthrosclerosis. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted during 2015 in Iran. Cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells were incubated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (20, 40 and 80 µM) and Curcumin (10 µM) for 24h. Then, the level of PDGF gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR in untreated and treated cells. Results: The results demonstrated significant increase in the level of PDGF gene expression in H2O2 treated groups versus control. Also, treated groups with H2O2 -Curcumin showed notable decrease in the level of PDGF gene expression compared with H2O2 treated groups.  Conclusion: Our results support valuable data about the application of Curcumin for protection against atherosclerosis.