Curcumin for the prevention of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: A word of caution (Review)

Vermorken,A. J.M.; Zhu,J.; van de Ven,W. J.M.; Cui,Y.; Fryns,J. P.

doi:10.3892/etm_00000041

Curcumin for the prevention of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: A word of caution (Review)

Authors:
- A. J.M. Vermorken
- J. Zhu
- W. J.M. van de Ven
- Y. Cui
- J. P. Fryns
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Affiliations: Laboratory for Molecular Oncology, Department of Human Genetics, University of Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
Published online on: March 1, 2010 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm_00000041
Pages: 265-269

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Abstract

A recent pilot study found that curcumin, in certain patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), decreases the paraprotein load and the urinary N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen bone turnover marker. While this result is encouraging, the easy availability of the food component turmeric, containing curcumin, may lead to intake by MGUS patients without medical supervision. Curcumin is generally considered safe. Nevertheless, it is known that curcumin inhibits interleukin-12 production in dendritic cells, thereby dampening the Th1 response. It is also well established that Th1 cells are protective against invading pathogens and tumors. The present study describes a case in which bronchitis developed upon turmeric intake for gastrointestinal complaints. While one case does not provide proof of curcumin toxicity, a thorough literature overview suggests that turmeric may have an immunosuppressive effect, notably in patients with a compromised immune system. A warning against the use of turmeric or curcumin without medical supervision in immunocompromised patients seems therefore very opportune. Patients with MGUS, in whom the levels of non-affected immunoglobulins are reduced, should be carefully monitored for toxicity when curcumin is administered.

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