Pancreatic Disorders & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Curcumin Potential and Problems in Pancreatic Cancer

Adeeb Shehzad*

Curcumin, a diferuloylmethane and derivative of turmeric is one of the well-described and profoundly investigated phytochemicals, which has been utilized since old occasions for the treatment of different illnesses. Several in-vitro, in-vivo and human studies have examined the underlying molecular mechanism by which curcumin may intercede chemotherapy and anticancer effects including pancreatic cancer. Curcumin can inhibit of pancreatic malignancy through the modulation of multiple molecular targets such as transcription factors (NF-kB, STAT3, b-catenin, and AP-1), growth factors (EGF, PDGF, and VEGF), enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, and MMPs), kinases (cyclin D1, CDKs,
Akt, PKC, and AMPK), inflammatory cytokines (TNF, MCP, IL-1, and IL-6), upregulation of proapoptotic (Bax, Bad, and Bak) and downregulation of antiapoptotic proteins (Bcl2 and BclxL). A number of in-vivo studies and clinical trials have shown that curcumin is safe and well tolerated even at very high doses but curcumin’s efficacy is hindered by low bioavailability and rapid elimination from the body. Different factors contributing to the low bioavailability include low plasma level, tissue distribution, rapid metabolism, and elimination from the body. Even though, curcumin poor absorption and low systemic bioavailability limit its translation into clinics, some of the methods for its use can be approached to enhance the absorption and achieve a therapeutic level of curcumin. Recent clinical trials suggest a potential role for curcumin regarding pancreatic cancer therapy.

Published Date: 2021-01-25; Received Date: 2021-01-04