Proteomic Approach of Curcuma longa Linn. on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell and Hepatic SMP30 in Mice Models of Obesity, Dyslipidemia, and Hepatic Steatosis

Associated with a rising prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and hepatic steatosis is increasing in the world. Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC), which derive from bone marrow and move to the peripheral blood, have been suggested to be a marker of cardiovascular risk and endothelial function. We have engaged on the characteristics of various herbal medicines on hepatic disorder diseases for years, including hepatic fibrosis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Specifically, we focus on obesity-mediated hepatic oxidative stress, a model generated by high liquid diet administration for 15 weeks, have hypertriglyceridemia and low levels of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) relative to normal diet mice. In the objective of current project proposal, we will apply the proteomics techniques to perform the study of molecular mechanism of biologic functions of Curcuma longa Linn. a herbal plant that related to possible hepatoprotective responses and function in vasoactive and diabetic factors. Therefore, the specific aims in this project are: Specific Aim I: We will clarify the activity of Curcuma longa to obesity or high fat diet-mediated aberrant hepatic function, including inflammatory cytokine gene expression; meanwhile, we also detect other potential factor(s) involved in endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction. Specific Aim II: We will identify and study the “possible” compounds originated from Curcuma longa responsible for lipogenesis and steatosis. In addition, we will investigate molecular mechanisms by possible Curcuma longa -mediated signaling in regulation of PPAR family and fatty acid synthase. Specific Aim III: Roles of Curcuma longa on endocannabinoids receptors and the mechanisms of hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis in obesity mice. Specific Aim IV： The long-term objective of this project is to conduct of proteomics approach in understanding the activity of Curcuma longa and generate enough information to open the way to couple phytomedicine with genomic sciences.

Project ID:PC10001-0636
External Project ID:NSC98-2320-B182-021-MY3