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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Target analysis and identification of curcumin against vascular calcification
Qingjie Li1,2,3,4, Qiaofeng Zhou1,3, Shihuan Li1,3
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, 437100, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
To investigate the mechanism of curcumin (CUR) on vascular calcification (VC), we screen for common targets of CUR and atherosclerosis and verify the targets genes in vivo and in vitro experiments. The common targets of CUR and AS were screened and obtained using different databases. These target genes were analyzed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. PPI network analysis was performed and to analyze the key targets. A rat VC model was constructed and CUR was fed for three weeks. The changes of vascular structure and calcium salt deposition were observed in H&E and Von Kossa staining. Further, the expression of these target proteins was detected in the primary VSMCs of VC. The 31 common targets were obtained. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 1284 terms and KEGG pathway enriched 66 pathways. The key genes were identified in the cytoHubba plugin. The molecular docking analysis showed that CUR bound strongly to EGFR, STAT3 and BCL2. The animal experiments showed the deposition calcium salt reduced by the CUR administration. These proteins BMP2, RUNX2, EGFR, STAT3 and BAX expression were upregulated in VC group and CUR attenuated the upregulated expression. The signal protein Akt and p65 expression increased in VC group and decreased in CUR group. We identified some common target genes of CUR and AS and identified these key genes. The anti-VC effect of CUR was associated with the inhibition of upregulation of EGFR, STAT3 and RUNX2 expression in VSMCs.
Insights
Curcumin (CUR) effectively reduces vascular calcification (VC) by targeting key genes like EGFR, STAT3, and RUNX2. This study identifies common targets of CUR and atherosclerosis, revealing CUR
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Vascular calcification (VC) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Curcumin (CUR), a natural compound, shows potential therapeutic effects but its mechanism in VC is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of CUR in preventing vascular calcification.
- To identify common molecular targets between CUR and atherosclerosis (AS).
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic analysis (GO, KEGG, PPI) to screen common targets of CUR and AS.
- In vivo study using a rat VC model treated with CUR.
- In vitro analysis of target gene/protein expression in primary vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Main Results:
- Identified 31 common targets, with EGFR, STAT3, and BCL2 showing strong binding to CUR.
- CUR administration reduced calcium salt deposition in rat arteries.
- CUR treatment attenuated the upregulation of BMP2, RUNX2, EGFR, STAT3, and BAX, and decreased Akt and p65 expression in VSMCs.
Conclusions:
- CUR exhibits anti-vascular calcification effects.
- The mechanism involves inhibiting the upregulation of key genes including EGFR, STAT3, and RUNX2 in VSMCs.
