METABOLIC SYNDROME

Full list of author information is available at the end of the articlediabetes mellitus (DM) [1]. There is evidence that com-plications related to DM are associated with increased oxidative stress induced by generation of free radicals [2]. Antioxidant treatment which suppresses apoptosis of β-cells was shown to preserve β-cell function in diabetic mice [3]. Curcumin (1, 7 bis (4 hydroxy-3 methoxy phenol)-1, 6 heptadiene-3, 5 dione) is a yellow phenolic compound present in turmeric (Curcuma longa) a widely used spice both in vivo and in vitro [4]. Although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood, curcumin can protect against oxidative stress and induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, which exerts cytoprotective effects in mouse pancreatic beta-cells. These effects were mediated through the activation of Nrf2 by a PI3-kinase/Akt-mediated pathway in mouse β cells [5]. Curcumin (turmeric) exhibits therapeutic actions in DM. Abdel Aziz et al [6] reported that insulin secretion, HO-1 gene expression and HO activity were significantly increased when rat isolated islets of Langerhans were incubated in curcumin. This increase in insulin secretio