Studies have shown that curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and spread of tumor cells, enhance the body's sensitivity to cells, and improve the killing effect of tumors. Curcumin's targets include transcription factors, growth factors, enzymes, and genes. It is mainly achieved in the following ways:
1 Inhibit tumor cell invasion and metastasis
Studies have found that curcumin on the one hand promotes the secretion of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and inhibits the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2); on the other hand, curcumin reduces ER-negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The expression of angiogenic factors [such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VECF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)], to achieve the purpose of inhibiting tumor proliferation.
2 Inhibit tumor cell proliferation and differentiation
Curcumin can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of tumor cells by inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), MMP-9, and other proteins, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.
The mechanism by which curcumin inhibits tumor cell proliferation and differentiation may be:
①Inhibit the expression of cyclins and block the cell cycle;
②It regulates the signal transduction of the TGF-β/Smads pathway by affecting the expression of cell downstream proteins Smad2, Smad4, and Smad7.
3 Promote the self-apoptosis of cancer cells
Curcumin promotes tumor cell apoptosis mainly through the following three aspects:
①The activation of caspase-8 (Caspase-8) leads to the further release of cytochrome C from mitochondria, which activates and activates Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, and induces the activity of polyadenosine diphosphate (ADP) ribose polymerase. and tumor cell apoptosis;
②Curcumin can also reduce the expression of some oncogenic transcription factors, such as nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), etc.;
③Curcumin can regulate the physiological state of most tumor cells, affect angiogenesis and matrix metalloproteinase activity, and inhibit the expression of chemotherapeutic factors, adhesion molecules, and COX-2.
4 Enhance the chemosensitivity of tumor cells
As one of the commonly used methods for the treatment of tumors, the biggest obstacle to chemotherapy is its drug resistance, which is related to the inhibition of NF-κB and apoptosis. Curcumin can significantly inhibit the activation of NF-κB induced by anticancer drugs, reduce the overexpression of P-glycoprotein and apoptosis suppressor gene (Survivin), and reduce the activity of MMP in the process of tumor invasion.
