Downregulation of B lymphocyte stimulator expression by curcumin in B lymphocyte via suppressing nuclear translocation of NF-κB

Overexpression of B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) is closely involved in the pathogenesis and progression of some autoimmune diseases Curcumin a pharmacologically safe agent has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties However it is not clear whether curcumin affects the expression of BLyS In this study we report that curcumin inhibits the expression of BLyS and that a DNA-binding site for the transcriptional factor NF-kappa B in the BLyS promoter region is required for this regulation Moreover we find I hat curcumin reduces the DNA-binding activity of NF kappa B to the BLyS promoter region and suppresses nuclear translocation of p65 suggesting that curcumin may suppress BLyS expression via negatively interfering with NF-kappa B signaling These results suggest that curcumin may serve as a novel therapeutic agent in the treatment of autoimmune diseases by targeting BLyS (C) 2010 Elsevier BV All rights reserved