Impact of curcumin on p38 MAPK: therapeutic implications.

Alexandra E Butler, Amirhossein Sahebkar, Tannaz Jamialahmadi, Hedieh Sadat Shamsnia, Mahtab Roustaei, Danial Ahmadvand, Dorsa Amirlou, Sanam Soltani, Saeideh Momtaz, Amir Hossein Abdolghaffari

Journal: Inflammopharmacology 2023;31(5):2201-2212

PMID: 37498375

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Abstract

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is a herbal remedy which possesses numerous biological attributes including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin has been shown to impact a number of signaling pathways including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), Wingless/Integrated (Wnt), Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transcription (JAK/STAT). P38 belongs to the MAPKs, is known as a stress-activated MAPK and is involved in diverse biological responses. P38 is activated in various signaling cascades. P38 plays a role in inflammation, cell differentiation, proliferation, motility and survival. This cascade can serve as a therapeutic target in many disorders. Extensive evidence confirms that curcumin impacts the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, through which it exerts anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and apoptotic effects. Hence, curcumin can positively affect inflammatory disorders and cancers, as well as to increase glucose uptake in cells. This review discusses the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of curcumin as effected through p38 MAPK.

Address: Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.; GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.; Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain.; Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, and Toxicology and Diseases Group, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.; Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. [email protected].; GI Pharmacology Interest Group (GPIG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. [email protected].; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. [email protected].; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. [email protected].; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. [email protected].; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01265-2

MeSH Terms: Curcumin, p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases, Signal Transduction, NF-kappa B, Janus Kinases, MAP Kinase Signaling System