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Turmeric May Benefit Endothelial Function

The vascular endothelium, or inner lining of vessels, regulates the passage of substances and cells from the blood to the tissues and is central to regulating the balance between blood vessel constriction and dilation. Endothelial dysfunction is characterized by a shift toward impaired vasodilation and a prothrombotic and proinflammatory state.

Impaired endothelial function is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and a key factor linking older age to increased risk of clinical CVD. As the vascular endothelium is a major target for oxidative stress, the potentially protective effects of dietary factors with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity are of research interest. One such factor of interest is curcumin, a key polyphenol in the spice turmeric.

In the first meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on endothelial function (1), researchers report that curcumin supplements were associated with significant increases in flow mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of a vessel’s ability to relax and dilate.

The investigators used Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool to assess the methodological quality of trials, and 10 studies meeting the criteria were included. Data were pooled using a random-effects model, and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were considered as the overall effect sizes. A significant increase in FMD following curcumin supplementation (WMD 1.49) was noted compared to control groups.

There was, however, no effect of curcumin supplement on pulse wave velocity or augmentation index (measures of arterial stiffness), endothelin-1 (vasoconstrictor) or soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (marker of occlusive coronary events). 

According to the authors, curcumin’s salutary effect on endothelial function may be by suppressing inflammation and/or oxidative damage via down-regulating tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a major inflammatory cytokine.

‘Glass 1/2-Full’ Outlook Lowers Cardiovascular Risk

Abundant evidence has shown that negative emotions are linked to adverse cardiac outcomes. However, a potential link between positive and negative mindsets and cardiac risk has been less well studied.

Researchers from the Dept. of Cardiology, Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital joined with other investigators to conduct a meta-analysis of the association between optimism and risk for future cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality (2). The results were published last month in JAMA Network Open.

The meta-analysis of 15 studies included nearly 230,000 individuals, and the mean follow-up was 13.8 years.

On pooled analysis, optimism was significantly associated with a 35% lower risk of cardiovascular events and a 14% lower risk of all-cause mortality.

The findings suggest that optimism is associated with cardiovascular benefits and that pessimism is associated with cardiovascular risk, with a pooled association that was similar to that for well-established cardiac risk factors.

The authors point out that mindsets can, in part, be modified making them a relevant target for clinical intervention. Future studies should seek to understand how to better promote an optimistic mindset and reduce pessimism. since a positive outlook appears to be important for preventive health.

References

1. Hallajzadeh J, et al. The effects of curcumin supple-mentation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Phyto Res. Epub August 18, 2019.
2. Rozanski A, et al. Association of optimism with cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open. E1912200, 2019.