Effect of Curcumin on Serum Cathepsin D in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Inflammatory processes lead to increase the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Cathepsin D is one of the main proinflammatory mediators. In current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on serum cathepsin D in patients with MetS. MATERIALS AND METHODS The current study was conducted on 18-65 years old individuals with MetS according to the criteria of "IDF" guidelines. A total of 80 participants were randomly divided into two groups: treatment and control groups. The first group (n=40) were given 2 capsules containing 500mg of phosphatidylcholine complex of curcumin, and the other group (n=40) were given two 500mg capsules contain lactose as placebo for 6 weeks. Before (week 0) and after (week 6) the intervention, anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured and blood samples were taken. Serum cathepsin D was measured using an abcam ELISA kit. RESULTS There were no significant differences between treatment and control groups in regard to weight, BMI, waist circumference and serum cathepsin D levels before and after the intervention. Also, there were no significant differences between pre and post-trial values of serum cathepsin D. CONCLUSION The results shows curcumin has not a significant effect on cathepsin D level in patients with MetS.