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nutrients and also a route to enter general circulation. of hepatocytes. Furthermore, QPCR assay revealed that
HCC cells secrete various angiogenesis activators like curcumin led to dose dependent damage in nuclear as
VEGF, platelet derived growth factor, TGF-β. Among these, well as mitochondrial genomes.
VEGF is most critical antigenic factor. Cancer cells grow
[3]
in hypoxic conditions that lead to expression of several EpCAM as a target in cancer therapy
hypoxia response genes which are involved in metabolic EpCAM is potentially a promising target as it is highly
[58]
dysregulation. These include inflammatory angiogenic expressed in most cancer cells as well as on cancer stem
molecules secreted by tumor cells like cyclooxygenase-2 cells. In normal tissue, EpCAM is localized to basolateral
(COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Angiogenesis membranes. Thus, the ease of access for EpCAM-binding
requires the expressions of COX-2, VEGF and matrix antibodies is lower for normal cells than for cancer cells.
metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Anti angiogenic effects of EpCAM is strongly over expressed in cancer cells and thus
curcumin have been demonstrated. COX-2 and VEGF are might be partly unbound and more accessible for targeting
[54]
associated with angiogenesis in HCC. ROS generated antibodies and curcumin-loaded lipid-polymer-lecithin
[59]
as a result of oxidative stress in the cells also causes hybrid nanoparticles have been used against EpCAM for
up regulation of MMPs that causes angiogenesis and targeted delivery to colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. [67]
[60]
invasiveness. Cao et al. found that curcumin treatment
[61]
inhibited the cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in ROLE OF CURCUMIN IN DECREASING ADVERSE
cancer cells. Curcumin also exhibited inhibitory action on EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY
cancer metastasis by inhibiting the secretion of MMP-9. [62]
Neuroprotective effect of curcumin
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) refers to the functional plasticity Cisplatin is potent chemotherapeutic agent with adverse
of the aggressive and metastatic tumor cells forming the effects like nephrotoxicity and peripheral neuropathy.
[68]
non-endothelial tumor cell-lined microvascular channels Mendonca et al. reported the neuroprotective effect of
which contribute to the tumor progression. VM is detected curcumin against cisplatin induced cytotoxicity without
in gliomas. Liang et al. demonstrated that curcumin any interference of curcumin with the cytotoxic activity
[64]
[63]
inhibits vasculogenic mimicry through down regulation of of cisplatin.
protein and mRNA expression of erythropoietin producing
hepatocellular carcinoma-A2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase Anti-inflammatory action
and MMP-2. The same authors reported that curcumin Curcumin has proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant,
antimicrobial,
hepatoprotective,
immunostimulant,
was found to inhibit the VM formation of glioma U251 antiseptic, and antimutagenic properties. This anti-
[69]
cells which they were unable to form network structures, inflammatory action of turmeric helps to decrease the
inhibit the migration and invasion in a dose dependent side effects like gastro intestinal inflammation due to
manner and reduced the mRNA expression of EphA2, PI3K chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
and MMP-2 as detected by quantitative polymerase chain
reaction (QPCR). Anti-infective action
Patients who receive chemotherapy are immuno-
Prevents metastasis and tumor progression compromised and prone to multiple infections. Curcumin
TNF-α inhibition with its beneficial anti-infective action would help to
TNF-α has a very important role in tumor cell survival prevent infections and take care of minor infections. [70-72]
and metastasis. Curcumin inhibits TNF-α expression.
However, the hydrophobicity and low bioavailability of ROLE OF CURCUMIN IN WOUND HEALING
curcumin are the major barriers. Thus, scientists have
encapsulated curcumin in microcells to make it a sustained After liver resection of the tumor, liver regeneration takes
release preparation in order to increase its solubility and place. Patients with cancer have poor nutrition and poor
[65]
bioavailability. Moreover curcumin bearing microcells healing following chemotherapy. The catabolic phase
significantly reduced the levels of the liver enzymes following surgery is enhanced and hence healing takes a
in HCC induced animal group as compared to the free long time. Curcumin would be beneficial to expedite the
form curcumin. In addition, curcumin bearing microcells liver regeneration. [73]
induced expression of proapoptotic molecules like p53
and Bax. POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS OF CURCUMIN
DNA damage induced by curcumin Curcumin is generally considered safe and has been used
Mitochondrial DNA (mDNA), being in closer contact to since ages in Asian countries as a condiment. The low
ROS produced in mitochondria, is more prone to oxidative incidence of colorectal carcinoma in India has been linked
damage. Cao et al. reported mitochondrial and nuclear to the consumption of curcumin in all meals. There have
[66]
DNA damage induced by curcumin in human hepatoma been no side effects in the daily consumption in cooked
(HepG2) cells, a cell line that retains many characteristics food. However, when consumed raw in larger doses, it may

Hepatoma Research | Volume 2 | March 9, 2016 67