Curcumin Inhibits Platelet-Derived Growth Factor–Stimulated Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Function and Injury-Induced Neointima Formation

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Abstract
Objective— Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis are key events involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and fibroblast growth factor, released during vascular injury plays a pivotal role in regulating these events. Curcumin (diferuloyl methane), a major component of the spice turmeric (Curcuma longa), has been shown recently to have beneficial effects in chronic conditions, such as inflammation, cancer, cystic fibrosis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The objective of this study was to investigate the ability of curcumin to inhibit PDGF-stimulated migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis in cultured VSMCs and neointima formation after carotid artery injury in rats. Methods and Results— Curcumin (1 to 25 μM) produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of PDGF-elicited VSMC migration, proliferation, and collagen synthesis assessed by chemotaxis, [3H]thymidine incorporation, and [3H]... Curcumin, the major component of the food additive turmeric, inhibits PDGF-stimulated smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis. Curcumin attenuates neointima development, collagen accumulation, and upregulation of PDGF receptors in a rat arterial balloon-injury model. These effects may be attributed to the inhibition of PDGF signal transduction by curcumin.