Curcumin increases the expression of PPARγ and decreases TNF-α expression in heart of db/db diabetic mice

Abstract

Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Curcumin is a potential antidiabetic agent which regulates gene expression and different signaling pathways. This study aims to determine the effect of curcumin on PGC-1α, PPARγ and TNF-α expression in heart of db/db diabetic mice. To this end, three groups of mice (n = 3) were used: WT, db/db and db/db+C. Curcumin (0.75%) was administered in their diet for 8 weeks. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. Curcumin prevented the sudden weight loss in db/db mice, but did not show effect on the blood glucose levels. Curcumin increased PPARγ and diminished TNF-γ protein in db/db mice, but did not alter the expression of PGC-1α. Curcumin regulates expression of PPARγ and TNF-α, but not of PGC-1α.