ABSTRACT
In obesity, multiple contributing factors may promote increased oxidative stress, including hyperglycemia, hyperleptinemia, increased tissue lipid availability leading to lipotoxicity, inadequate antioxidant capacity, and chronic subclinical inflammation. In the healthy state, endogenous and exogenous antioxidants work cooperatively to maintain the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and prevent tissue damage. Cell culture and animal studies suggest that curcumin may modulate energy metabolism, ameliorate inflammation, and suppress angiogenesis, which might also account for its anticancer effects. In hamsters, supplementation of an high-fat diet with cur-cumin reduced blood lipids, leptin levels, and insulin resistance Furthermore, in a mouse model of obesity and insulin resistance, a generous amount of curcumin in the diet significantly improved glycemic control and reduced hepatic and adipose tissue inflammation, in addition to lowering body weight and fat mass as measured by magnetic resonance imaging. A diet rich in antioxidant compounds may enhance the benefits of weight loss, especially in patients with metabolic syndrome and high cardiovascular risk.
