title: Investigation of the effects of curcumin on serum cytokines in obese individuals: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity is a disorder often accompanied by a heightened state of systemic inflammation and immunoactivation. The present randomized crossover trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin, a bioactive polyphenol with established anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, on the serum levels of a panel of cytokines and mediators in obese individuals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty obese individuals were randomized to receive curcumin at a daily dose of 1 g or a matched placebo for 4 weeks. Following a 2-week wash-out period, each group was assigned to the alternate treatment regimen for another 4 weeks. Serum samples were collected at the start and end of each study period. Serum levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, VEGF, IFNγ, EGF, MCP-1, and TNF α were measured using a multiplex Biochip Array Technology based method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean serum IL-1β (P = 0.042), IL-4 (P = 0.008), and VEGF (P = 0.01) were found to be significantly reduced by curcumin therapy. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in the concentrations of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFNγ, EGF, and MCP-1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of the present trial suggested that curcumin may exert immunomodulatory effects via altering the circulating concentrations of IL-1β, IL-4, and VEGF.
authors.affiliation: Cardiovascular Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ; Department of Biotechnology, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Shiva
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-7446-3927
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganjali
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ; Neurogenic Inflammation Research Centre, Department of Medical Biotechnology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Amirhossein
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-8656-1444
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sahebkar
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Elahe
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mahdipour
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ; Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Khadijeh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jamialahmadi
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant Breeding, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Sepideh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Torabi
authors.affiliation: Deputy of Research, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Saeed
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Akhlaghi
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Education, Mayfield House, University of Brighton, Room 342, Brighton BN1 9PH, UK.
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0957-8349
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ferns
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Mohammad Reza
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Parizadeh
authors.affiliation: Biochemistry of Nutrition Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Majid
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ghayour-Mobarhan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003474:Curcumin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016207:Cytokines; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D003474:Curcumin