The effects of curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress, Sirtuin-1 and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator 1α gene expression in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) patients: A randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background & aims: Curcumin is a biologically active phytochemical ingredient found in turmeric and has antioxidant pharmacologic actions that may benefit patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The aim in this trial was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin supplementation on oxidative stress enzymes, sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) and Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1 alpha) gene expression in PCOS patients. Methods: Seventy-two patients with PCOS were recruited for this randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial. Thirty-six patients received curcumin, 1500 mg (three times per day), and 36 patients received placebo for 3 months. Gene expression of SIRT1, PGC1 alpha and serum activity of glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were evaluated at the beginning of trial and at 3-month follow-up. Results: Sixty-seven patients with PCOS completed the trial. Curcumin supplementation significantly increased gene expression of PGC1 alpha (p = 0.011) and activity of the Gpx enzyme (p = 0.045). Curcumin also non-significantly increased gene expression of SIRT1 and activity of the SOD enzyme. Conclusions: Curcumin seems to be an efficient reducer of oxidative stress related complications in patients with PCOS. Further studies on curcumin should strengthen our findings. (c) 2020 Diabetes India. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.