Curcumin dietary supplementation ameliorates disease phenotype in an animal model of Huntington's disease. (20th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elifani, F; Amico, E; Pepe, G; Capocci, L; Castaldo, S; Rosa, P; Montano, E; Pollice, A; Madonna, M; Filosa, S; Calogero, A; Maglione, V; Crispi, S; Di Pardo, A
• Is Part Of: Human molecular genetics. Volume 28:Number 23(2019)
• Page Start: 4012
• Page End: 4021
• Publication Date: 2019-10-20
• Subjects: Human molecular genetics -- Periodicals; Human chromosome abnormalities -- Periodicals; 572.8
• DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz247
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-6906

Abstract

Abstract: Huntington's disease (HD) has traditionally been described as a disorder purely of the brain; however, evidence indicates that peripheral abnormalities are also commonly seen. Among others, severe unintended body weight loss represents a prevalent and often debilitating feature of HD pathology, with no therapies available. It correlates with disease progression and significantly affects the quality of life of HD patients. Curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol with multiple therapeutic properties, has been validated to exert important beneficial effects under health conditions as well as in different pathological settings, including neurodegenerative and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Here, we investigated the potential therapeutic action that curcumin-supplemented diet may exert on central and peripheral dysfunctions in R6/2 mice, a well-characterized HD animal model which recapitulates some features of human pathology. Maintenance of normal motor function, protection from neuropathology and from GI dysfunction and preservation of GI emptying and conserved intestinal contractility, proved the beneficial role of life-long dietary curcumin in HD and corroborated the potential of the compound to be exploited to alleviate very debilitating symptoms associated with the disease.