Novel role of curcumin in the prevention of cytokine-induced islet death in vitro and diabetogenesis in vivo

Abstract

Background and purpose: Oxidative stress caused by cytokine exposure is a major cause of pancreatic islet death in vitro and of diabetogenesis. Antioxidant compounds may prevent cytokine-induced damage to islet cells. Hence, we studied the potential of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, in vitro to protect islets against pro-inflammatory cytokines and in vivo to prevent the progression of diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD-STZ). Experimental approach: Pancreatic islets from C57/BL6J mice were pretreated with curcumin (10 μM) and then exposed to a combination of cytokines. Islet viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, inducible NO synthase and NF-κB translocation were studied. Curcumin pretreated (7.5 mg kg -1 day -1) C57/BL6J mice were given MLD-STZ (40 mg kg -1), and various parameters of diabetes induction and progression were monitored. Key results: Curcumin protected islets from cytokine-induced islet death in vitro by scavenging ROS and normalized cytokine-induced NF-κB translocation by inhibiting phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα). In vivo, curcumin also prevented MLD-STZ, as revealed by sustained normoglycaemia, normal glucose clearance and maintained pancreatic GLUT2 levels. Pro-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the serum and pancreas were raised in STZ-treated animals, but not in animals pretreated with curcumin before STZ. Conclusions and implications: Here, we have demonstrated for the first time that curcumin in vitro protects pancreatic islets against cytokine-induced death and dysfunction and in vivo prevents STZ-induced diabetes. © 2008 Macmillan Publishers Limited All rights reserved.