Curcumin Inhibits Angiogenesis and Adipogenesis in Cell Culture System and in Mice Fed High Fat Diet

Angiogenesis is necessary for the growth of adipose tissue. Dietary polyphenols may suppress growth of adipose tissue through their antiangiogenic activity and by modulating adipocyte metabolism. In the present study, we examined the effect of curcumin on angiogenesis and adipocyte development in a cell culture system and in mice fed a high fat diet. Curcumin in a dose‐dependent manner suppressed adipocyte differentiation and caused apoptosis. It also inhibited adipokine‐induced angiogenesis of HUVEC. Supplementing high fat diet of mice with 500 mg curcumin/kg diet for 12 wks significantly reduced weight gain, adipocity, and microvessel density in adipose tissue coincided with reduced expression of VEGF and its receptor VEGFR‐2. Curcumin increased AMPK phosphorylation, reduced GPAT, and increased CPT‐1 expression, which lead to increased oxidation and decreased fatty acid esterification. The in vivo effect of curcumin on the expression of these enzymes was also confirmed by RT‐PCR in subcutaneous adipose tissue. In addition, dietary curcumin significantly lowered blood cholesterol levels and the expression of PPAR‐γ and C/EBP‐α two key transcription factors involved in adipogenesis and lipogenesis. The curcumin suppression of angiogenesis in adipose tissue together with its effect on lipid metabolism in adipocytes may contribute to the total body fat reduction. Our findings suggest that dietary curcumin supplementation may have potential benefit in preventing obesity. Supported by USDA agreement # 58‐1950‐7‐707.