Effects of curcumin on HDL functionality

Pharmacol Res. 2017 May;119:208-218. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.008. Epub 2017 Feb 10. . Ganjali S1, Blesso CN2, Banach M3, Pirro M4, Majeed M5, Sahebkar A6. Author information 1 Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. 2 Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States. 3 Department of Hypertension, WAM University Hospital in Lodz, Medical University of Lodz, Zeromskiego 113, Lodz, Poland; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland. 4 Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy. 5 Sabinsa Corporation, East Windsor, NJ, United States. 6 Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Electronic address: sahebkara@mums.ac.ir. Abstract Curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol, is a yellow pigment of the Curcuma longa (turmeric) plant. Curcumin has many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-obesity, anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Recently, it has been found that curcumin affects lipid metabolism, and subsequently, may alleviate hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. Plasma HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is an independent negative risk predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, numerous clinical and genetic studies have yielded disappointing results about the therapeutic benefit of raising plasma HDL-C levels. Therefore, research efforts are now focused on improving HDL functionality, independent of HDL-C levels. The quality of HDL particles can vary considerably due to heterogeneity in composition. Consistent with its complexity in composition and metabolism, a wide range of biological activities is reported for HDL, including antioxidant, anti-glycation, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-apoptotic and immune modulatory activities. Protective properties of curcumin may influence HDL functionality; therefore, we reviewed the literature to determine whether curcumin can augment HDL function. In this review, we concluded that curcumin may modulate markers of HDL function, such as apo-AI, CETP, LCAT, PON1, MPO activities and levels. Curcumin may subsequently improve conditions in which HDL is dysfunctional and may have potential as a therapeutic drug in future. Further clinical trials with bioavailability-improved formulations of curcumin are warranted to examine its effects on lipid metabolism and HDL function. KEYWORDS: Atherosclerosis; Cholesterol efflux; Curcumin; Dyslipidemia; High-density lipoprotein PMID: 28192240 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.02.008 [Indexed for MEDLINE]