Curcumin Inhibited Endothelin mRNA Expression Induced by TGF-β in Bovine Endothelial Cell

Objectives: Curcumin is a plant polyphenol compound used as a traditional supplement in many countries. The potential therapeutic or preventive effects of curcumin may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current in vitro study aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) stimulated by transforming growth factorbeta (TGF-β) in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs). Methods: Bovine aortic endothelial cells derived from bovine aorta were maintained in low glucose DMEM (Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium). The time-course and different concentrations of TGF-β (2 ng/mL and 10 ng/mL) were used to evaluate ET-1 mRNA expression. Also, the BAECs were treated with 10 µM of SB431542 (chemical inhibitor of TGF-β receptor) as positive control and different doses of curcumin (5 µM, 10 µM, and 15 µM). The expression of ET-1 mRNA was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA with SPSS software. Results: ET-1 mRNA expression significantly increased in six hours in the TGF-β-treated group (2.79 ± 0.9). SB431542, as well as curcumin 10 µM and 15 µM significantly decreased the expression of ET-1 mRNA by 2.3±0.15, 1.5±0.16, and 1.02±0.01, respectively. Conclusions: Curcumin downregulated ET-1 mRNA; this result suggested a possible underlying molecular mechanism mediated through ET-1 to exert its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.