Nanocurcumin–pyrroloquinoline formulation prevents hypertrophy–induced pathological damage by relieving mitochondrial stress in cardiomyocytes under hypoxic conditions

A combination of natural compounds may prevent heart damage under low-oxygen conditions, such as at high altitude. An optimal oxygen supply is crucial for heart muscle cells, and prolonged periods with insufficient oxygen can cause irreparable heart damage. Deepika Saraswat at the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences in New Delhi, India, and co-workers investigated a combination of two natural compounds for preventing heart damage due to oxygen deficit, focusing on the effects on mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cell. They combined nanocucurmin (the active ingredient in turmeric, nano-sized for improved absorption) and pyrroloquinoline quinone (found in kiwifruit and breastmilk). They found that the compounds prevented heart damage in rats, and were more effective in combination than singly. These results may help to protect heart health in mountain climbers, and under other low-oxygen conditions.