Curcumin intake could lower serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels in obese subjects

Abstract

Controlling of inflammatory process associated with obesity is a big challenge. Both Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) may play a role in this process. Aim to evaluate serum MPC-1 and MIF levels in obese subjects and detect the effect of oral curcumin intake. The study included 60 obese subjects (30 children and 30 adults). The trial subjects received a 500 mg curcumin capsule with the main meal for 4 weeks. Controls received a placebo capsule for 4 weeks. A total of 60 normal weights enrolled as controls. The MIF and MCP-1 levels were measured on days 1 and 29 using commercially available ELISA kits. The mean serum level of MPC-1 and MIF were significantly higher in obese group than in controls. Curcumin intake resulted in statistically significant decrease in serum MPC-1 and serum MIF in children and adults. Our results showed that curcumin could help in lowering MIF and MPC-1 associated with obesity. It could help in prevention of obesity complications.