Effects of Preoperative Curcumin on the Inflammatory Response During Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Porcine Model

BACKGROUND: Curcumin is a polyphenol extracted from the turmeric plant which may have anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that curcumin pretreatment would result in a reduction in inflammatory markers in a large animal model of extracorporeal support. METHODS: A total of seven samples were obtained from three swine treated with curcumin and 16 samples were obtained from six swine in the control group (procedure terminated in two swine before last sample could be obtained). RESULTS: Samples for interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-1b had concentrations below the limit of detection at all points and were discarded from further analysis. IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 concentrations were lower in curcumin pretreated animals when compared to control animals. This decrease was statistically significant for TNF-α, and ICAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: This project may provide information for the development of a translational study in humans as we noted that curcumin pretreatment in a large animal model of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extracorporeal support resulted in a decrease in TNF-α and ICAM-1 expression compared to control animals.