Curcumin attenuates migration of vascular smooth muscle cells via inhibiting NFκB-mediated NLRP3 expression in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Migration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of hypertension and several other vascular diseases. Curcumin (1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione), a bioactive constituent from Curcuma longa, is commonly used as a spice, food additive or dietary pigment. It has several health benefits including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. This study examined the roles of curcumin in VSMC migration in hypertension and underlying mechanism. VSMC was isolated and prepared from thoracic aorta of Wistar-Kyoto rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). VSMC migration was evaluated with Boyden chamber assay and wound-healing assay. Curcumin attenuated VSMC migration, inhibited nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) expression and reduced interleukin (IL)-1 beta concentration in VSMC of SHR, which were similar to the effects of NLRP3 knockdown on IL-1 beta concentration and VSMC migration. Curcumin inhibited NF kappa B activation in VSMC of SHR, which was similar to the effects of NF kappa B inhibitor BAY11-7082 on NF kappa B activation. In another in vitro model of rat VSMC migration, curcumin also inhibited angiotensin II-induced VSMC migration, NF kappa B activation, NLRP3 expression and IL-1 beta production. Intragastric administration of curcumin in SHR attenuated hypertension and reduced NF kappa B activation, NLRP3 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expressions and aortic media thickness. These results indicate that curcumin inhibits VSMC migration via inhibiting NF kappa B-mediated NLRP3 expression in VSMC of SHR or in angiotensin II-treated VSMC. Curcumin attenuates hypertension, vascular inflammation and vascular remodeling in SHR. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.