Curcumin abrogates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Evidence for novel mechanisms involving SOCS-1, -3 and p38 MAPK.

Curcumin is the active compound in the extract of Curcuma longa rhizomes with anti-inflammatory properties mediated by inhibition of intracellular signalling. SOCS and MAPKinases are involved in the signalling events controlling the expression of IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2, which have important roles on chronic inflammatory diseases. The aim was to assess if these pathways are involved in curcumin-mediated effects on LPS-induced expression of these cytokines in macrophages. RAW 264.7 murine macrophages were stimulated with Escherichia coli LPS in the presence and absence of non-cytotoxic concentrations of curcumin. Curcumin potently inhibited LPS-induced expression of IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 mRNA and prevented LPS-induced inhibition of SOCS-1 and -3 expression and the inhibition of the activation of p38 MAPKinase by modulation of its nuclear translocation. In conclusion, curcumin potently inhibits expression of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines in macrophages via mechanisms that involve modulation of expression and activity of SOCS-1 and SOCS-3 and of p38 MAPK.