Recent Advances in MXene Quantum Dots: A Platform with Unique Properties for General-Purpose Functional Materials with Novel Biomedical Applications.

Developing new, high-performance materials is a prerequisite for technological advancement. In comparison to bulk materials, quantum dots have a number of good advantages due to their small size, high surface area, and quantum dimensions. Quantum dots, two-dimensional materials with lateral dimensions less than 100 nm, can be generated by the quantum confinement effect. Mxene quantum dots (MQDs) retain some of their two-dimensional characteristics. They also exhibit novel physicochemical properties, including enhanced dispersibility in aqueous and nonaqueous phases, modification or doping capabilities, and photoluminescence. MQDs, due to their unique and diverse properties, have been receiving a great deal of attention as new members of the Mxene group and wide use for biotechnology, bioimaging, optoelectronics, catalysis, cancer therapy, etc. This review aims to provide an overview of the synthesis of MQDs, their optical properties, and their cancer therapy applications. MQDs exhibit remarkable photothermal and photodynamic features and can be suitable for bioimaging. In addition to obtaining bioimaging, photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) effects simultaneously, MQDs have high biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, providing evidence of their potential clinical utility. Herein, recent developments and future prospects concerning MQDs biomedical applications are discussed.

Exploring new therapeutic potentials of curcumin against post-surgical adhesion bands.

BACKGROUND: Adhesion band formation is a common cause of morbidity for patients undergoing surgeries. Anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties of curcumin, a pharmacologically active component of Curcuma longa, have been investigated in several studies. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of curcumin in attenuating post-operative adhesion band (PSAB) formation in both peritoneal and peritendinous surgeries in animal models. METHODS: Bio-mechanical, histological and quantitative evaluation of inflammation, and total fibrosis scores were graded and measured in the presence and absence of phytosomal curcumin. RESULTS: Results showed that phytosomal curcumin significantly decreased severity, length, density and tolerance of mobility of peritendinous adhesions as well as incidence and severity of abdominal fibrotic bands post-surgery. Curcumin may decrease inflammation by attenuating recruitment of inflammatory cells and regulating oxidant/anti-oxidant balance in post-operative tissue samples. Moreover, markedly lower fibrosis scores were obtained in the adhesive tissues of phytosomal curcumin-treated groups which correlated with a significant decrease in quantity, quality and grading of fibers, and collagen deposition in animal models. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that protective effects of phytosomal curcumin against PSAB formation is partially mediated by decreasing inflammation and fibrosis at site of surgery. Further studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic potential of this molecule in preventing PSAB.

Therapeutic Potential of Herbal Medicine against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disorder associated with obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease. A "multiple hit" model has been a widely accepted explanation for the disease's complicated pathogenesis. Despite advances in our knowledge of the processes underlying NAFLD, no conventional pharmaceutical therapy exists. The only currently approved option is to make lifestyle modifications, such as dietary and physical activity changes. The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of NAFLD has recently gained interest. Thus, we review the current knowledge about these agents based on clinical and preclinical studies. Moreover, the association between NAFLD and colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common and lethal malignancies, has recently emerged as a new study area. We overview the shared dysregulated pathways and the potential therapeutic effect of herbal medicines for CRC prevention in patients with NAFLD.

Role of lactobacillus strains in the management of colorectal cancer: An overview of recent advances.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most frequently occurring cancers worldwide. Current standard therapeutic drugs have been associated with serious side effects that can be life-threatening for some patients. Extensive efforts have been undertaken to find alternative therapies. Probiotic bacteria are among new therapeutic options under evaluation. Lactobacilli strains are among the most used probiotics in CRC. Recent studies have shown that consumption of lactobacillus strains, alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy drugs for CRC have exerted beneficial effects on tumor development and growth via several mechanisms, including induction of apoptosis, immunomodulation of inflammatory cytokines, and changing profile of gut microbial community. They affect the signaling pathways involved in cell migration and invasion leading to hampering of tumor metastatic behavior. This review summarizes recent experimental findings regarding antitumor function of the most used lactobacillus species in CRC, providing more supporting data for introducing probiotics as new encouraging therapeutic strategy in cancer prevention and treatment.

Therapeutic potential of active components of saffron in post-surgical adhesion band formation.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal adhesions are common and often develop after abdominal surgery. There are currently no useful targeted pharmacotherapies for adhesive disease. Saffron and its active constituents, Crocin and Crocetin, are wildly used in traditional medicine for alleviating the severity of inflammatory or malignant disease. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of the pharmacological active component of saffron in attenuating the formation of post-operative adhesion bands using different administration methods in a murine model. MATERIAL METHOD: saffron extract (100 mg/kg), Crocin (100 mg/kg), and Crocetin (100 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally and by gavage in various groups of male Wistar rat post-surgery. Also three groups were first treated intra-peritoneally by saffron extract, Crocin, and Crocetin (100 mg/kg) for 10 days and then had surgery. At the end of the experiments, animals sacrificed for biological assessment. RESULT: A hydro-alcoholic extract of saffron and crocin but not crocetin potently reduced the adhesion band frequency in treatment and pre-treatment groups in the mice given intra-peritoneal (i.p) injections. Following the saffron or crocin administration, histological evaluation and quantitative analysis represented less inflammatory cell infiltration and less collagen composition, compared to control group. Moreover, the oxidative stress was significantly reduced in treatment groups. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that a hydro-alcoholic extract of saffron or its active compound, crocin, is a potentially novel therapeutic strategy for the prevention of adhesions formation and might be used as beneficial anti-inflammatory or anti-fibrosis agents in clinical trials. TAXONOMY: Abdominal surgeries/post-surgical adhesions.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Roscoe) Extract Protects the Heart Against Inflammation and Fibrosis in Diabetic Rats.

BACKGROUND: Fibrosis and inflammation in the heart of patients with diabetes mellitus alongside increased production of free radicals and collagen are together known as diabetic cardiomyopathy. Ginger rhizome has antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, we investigated the effect of ginger extract on diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into 7 groups: control; diabetic; diabetic treated with different doses of ginger extract of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg; metformin (200 mg/kg); and metformin-valsartan (200 and 30 mg/kg, respectively). Serum levels of glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-muscle/brain were measured. Fibrosis and inflammation were determined by histologic assessment. Gene expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1, TGF-ß3 and angiotensin II type 1 receptor was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction in heart tissue. RESULTS: Serum glucose level in all treated groups, except for the ginger extract 100-mg/kg group, was significantly lower than in the diabetic group. Serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase-muscle/brain were significantly reduced in all treated groups compared with the diabetic group. In the study of fibrosis, collagen amount in the heart tissue of all treated groups, except the ginger extract 100-mg/kg group, was significantly lower than in the diabetic group. Inflammatory cell infiltrates were decreased, and disarrangement was improved in cardiac tissues of all treated groups compared with the diabetic group. Expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor and TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 genes in all treated groups downregulated compared with the diabetic group. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment by ginger extract reduced myocardial fibrosis and inflammation in the course of diabetic cardiomyopathy, possibly through regulation of the expression of genes involved in the SMAD/TGF-ß pathway.

Vaccines based on virus-like nano-particles for use against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus.

Recent advances in virus-like nanoparticles against Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) can initiate vaccine production faster for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), while ensuring the safety, easy administration, and long-term effects. Patients with this viral pathogen suffer from excess mortality. MERS-CoV can spread through bioaerosol transmission from animal or human sources. The appearance of an outbreak in South Korea sparked off a strong urge to design strategies for developing an effective vaccine since the emergence of MERS-CoV in 2012. Well unfortunately, this is an important fact in virus risk management. The studies showed that virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) could be effective in its goal of stopping the symptoms of MERS-CoV infection. Besides, due to the genetic similarities in the DNA sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 with MERS-CoV and the first identified severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) in China since 2002/2003, strategic approaches could be used to manage SARS-CoV 2. Gathering the vital piece of information obtained so far could lead to a breakthrough in the development of an effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, which is prioritized and focussed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This review focuses on the virus-like nanoparticle that got successful results in animal models of MERS-CoV.

Bacteria as a double-action sword in cancer.

Bacteria have long been known as one of the primary causative agents of cancer, however, recent studies suggest that they can be used as a promising agent in cancer therapy. Because of the limitations that conventional treatment faces due to the specific pathophysiology and the tumor environment, there is a great need for the new anticancer therapeutic agents. Bacteriotherapy utilizes live, attenuated strains or toxins, peptides, bacteriocins of the bacteria in the treatment of cancer. Moreover, they are widely used as a vector for delivering genes, peptides, or drugs to the tumor target. Interestingly, it was found that their combination with the conventional therapeutic approaches may enhance the treatment outcome. In the genome editing era, it is feasible to develop a novel generation of therapeutic bacteria with fewer side effects and more efficacy for cancer therapy. Here we review the current knowledge on the dual role of bacteria in the development of cancer as well as cancer therapy.

Intraperitoneal Administration of Telmisartan Prevents Postsurgical Adhesion Band Formation.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) have a potential role in reducing inflammation and fibrosis. We have integrated systems and molecular biology approaches to investigate the therapeutic potential of ARBs in preventing postsurgical adhesion band formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we have followed the ARRIVE guidelines point by point during experimental studies. Telmisartan (1 and 9 mg/kg), valsartan (1 and 9 mg/kg), and losartan (1 and 10 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally in different groups of male albino Wistar rat. After 7 d of treatment, macroscopic evidence and score of fibrotic bands based on scaling methods was performed. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis effects of telmisartan on reduction of fibrotic bands were investigated by using histopathology, ELISA, and real-time polymerase chain reaction methods. RESULTS: Telmisartan, but not losartan or valsartan, prevented the frequency as well as the stability of adhesion bands. Telmisartan appears to elicit anti-inflammatory responses by attenuating submucosal edema, suppressing proinflammatory cytokines, decreasing proinflammatory cell infiltration, and inhibiting oxidative stress at the site of peritoneal surgery. We also showed that telmisartan prevents fibrotic adhesion band formation by reducing excessive collagen deposition and suppression of profibrotic genes expression at the peritoneum adhesion tissues. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the potential application of telmisartan in preventing postsurgical adhesion band formation by inhibiting key pathologic responses of inflammation and fibrosis in postsurgery patients.

Vitamin D in inflammatory bowel disease: From biology to clinical implications.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract consisting two principal categories, ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The precise etiology of IBD remains unknown. Vitamin D is an important micronutrient that plays a critical biological role in various processes in human tissues. However, the relationship between disruption of the gut microbiota and the development of IBD is unclear. Some studies suggest that IBD is the cause of disrupted gut microbiota while others propose that gut microbiota itself can lead to development of IBD. Regardless of this complexity, it has emerged that vitamin D is an immunoregulatory factor that plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of IBD by affecting the gut microbiome and the inflammatory response. It has been reported that 38.1% of CD patients and 31.6% of UC patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency (VDD). In this review, we aimed to evaluate the association between VDD and IBD, summarizing recent clinical studies examining the effect of low vitamin D and the role of vitamin D supplementation on IBD clinical outcomes.

Therapeutic potency of crocin in the treatment of inflammatory diseases: Current status and perspective.

Crocin is the major component of saffron, which is used in phytomedicine for the treatment of several diseases including diabetes, fatty liver, depression, menstruation disorders, and, of special interest in this review, inflammatory diseases. Promising selective anti-inflammatory properties of this pharmacological active component have been observed in several studies. Saffron has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory properties against several inflammatory diseases and can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases either alone or in combination with other standard anti-inflammatory agents. This review summarizes the protective role of saffron and its pharmacologically active constituents in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases including digestive diseases, dermatitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, and neurodegenerative diseases for a better understanding and hence a better management of these diseases.

Memory enhancing effect of Nigella Sativa hydro-alcoholic extract on lipopolysaccharide-induced memory impairment in rats.

In this study, the effects of Nigella Sativa (NS) hydro-alcoholic extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced learning and memory impairments, hippocampal cytokine levels, and brain tissues oxidative damage were investigated in rats. The rats were grouped and treated: (1) control (saline), (2) LPS (1 mg/kg i.p.), and (3-5) 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg NS hydro-alcoholic extract 30 min before LPS injection. The treatment was started since 6 days before the behavioral experiments and continued during the behavioral tests (LPS injection 2 h before each behavioral experiment). Finally, the brains were removed for biochemical assessments. In Morris water maze (MWM) test, LPS increased the escape latency and traveled path compared to control group, whereas all doses of NS hydro-alcoholic extract decreased them compared to LPS group. In passive avoidance (PA) test, the latency to enter the dark compartment in LPS group was shorter than control group while in all treated groups it was longer than LPS group. LPS increased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and decreased thiol content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in the hippocampal tissues compared to control group while NS hydro-alcoholic extract decreased MDA and NO metabolites and increased thiol content, SOD, and CAT compared to LPS group. Findings of the current study indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of NS improved the LPS-induced learning and memory impairments induced by LPS in rats by improving hippocampal cytokine levels and brain tissues oxidative damage.

Nigella sativa prevented liver and renal tissue damage in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats.

Liver and renal dysfunction accompanying with the tissues' oxidative damage has been reported to occur during Inflammation. Nigella sativa has been well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate preventive effects of N. sativa on liver and renal tissue damage in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -treated rats. The rats were divided into five groups: (1) control; (2) LPS (1 mg/kg, IP, for 10 days), (3-5) N. sativa hydroethanolic extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) before LPS. Compared to LPS group, treatment by the extract decreased alondialdehyde, nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and interleukin-6 while increased thiol content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in both renal and liver tissues. N. sativa extract also decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotrans-ferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentration, while it increased serum protein and albumin compared with LPS group. In LPS group, serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were higher than control group. The extract reversed the negative effects of LPS. The results demonstrated that the N. sativa prevented liver and renal tissue damage in LPS-treated rats. It is suggested that the effects are due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Crocus sativus a natural food coloring and flavoring has potent anti-tumor properties.

BACKGROUND: Saffron, the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is a highly valued agricultural product that is used mainly as a food coloring and flavoring agent. Three main secondary metabolites of Crocus sativus including crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal are responsible for the color, the bitter taste and for the odor and aroma, respectively. As a component of traditional medicine, saffron has been utilized as a medicinal herb for treating various ailments including cramps, asthma, liver disease, menstruation disorders, pain, and in the pathogenesis of cancer. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To summarize the recent published data on the chemo-preventive properties of Crocus sativus in cancer treatment. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a non-systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A search of English-language literature was performed using Scopus, EMBASE and PubMed. We applied no restriction in time. Articles were searched using the keywords "Lung", "breast", "skin", "prostate", "leukemia", "cancer", "neoplasm", "tumor", "malignancy", "saffron", "crocus sativus", "crocin", "crocetin", "picrocrocin", and "safranal". RESULTS: Saffron has been reported to exert anti-tumor and anti-cancer effects in various types of cancer including lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, skin cancer and prostate cancer. This appears to be via various mechanisms including: the induction of apoptosis, arresting cell cycle progression, suppressing expression of matrix metalloproteinase, modulatory effects on some phase II detoxifying enzymes and decreasing expression of inflammatory molecules are potential mechanisms of saffron-induced anticancer effects. CONCLUSION: Saffron possesses potent anti-tumor properties and represents an efficacious and safe treatment.

Renoprotective effect of Nigella sativa against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.

Cisplatin is one of the important antineoplastic drugs. Its clinical use has been restricted due to severe kidney toxicity. Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is an herbaceous plant with many pharmacologic effects. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of aqueous-ethanolic extract of N. sativa and Vitamin E on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Eighty male rats were divided into eight groups: control, cisplatin (6 mg/kg; ip), preventive Vitamin E (100 mg/kg), preventive N. sativa (100,200 mg/kg), preventive + treatment Vitamin E, and preventive + treatment N. sativa (100, 200 mg/kg). Duration of this study was 11 days and cisplatin was injected on the 6th day of the experiment. Tissue damage in all groups that received N. sativa extract and Vitamin E showed a significant improvement compared with the cisplatin group. In addition, serum and tissue total thiol content in preventive and preventive + treatment N. sativa groups showed significant increase compared with cisplatin group. There was no significant difference in serum malondialdehyde concentration of the control rats compared with the preventive and preventive + treatment N. sativa groups. N. sativa extract and viamin E improved the pathology and oxidative stress in the rat kidney. However, more studies are needed to determine the mechanism of action of N. sativa on cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity.

Therapeutic potential of novel formulated forms of curcumin in the treatment of breast cancer by the targeting of cellular and physiological dysregulated pathways.

Breast cancer is among the most important causes of cancer related death in women. There is a need for novel agents for targeting key signaling pathways to either improve the efficacy of the current therapy, or reduce toxicity. There is some evidence that curcumin may have antitumor activity in breast cancer. Several clinical trials have investigated its activity in patients with breast cancer, including a recent trial in breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, in whom it was shown that curcumin reduced the severity of radiation dermatitis, although it is associated with low bioavailability. Several approaches have been developed to increase its absorption rate (e.g., nano crystals, liposomes, polymers, and micelles) and co-delivery of curcumin with adjuvants as well as different conjugation to enhance its bioavailability. In particular, micro-emulsions is an option for transdermal curcumin delivery, which has been reported to increase its absorption. Lipid-based nano-micelles is another approach to enhance curcumin absorption via gastrointestinal tract, while polymer-based nano-formulations (e.g., poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic [PLGA]) allows the release of curcumin at a sustained level. This review summarizes the current data of the therapeutic potential of novel formulations of curcumin with particular emphasis on recent preclinical and clinical studies in the treatment of breast cancer.

Saffron against Components of Metabolic Syndrome: Current Status and Prospective.

Saffron, the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L., is mainly used as a food coloring and flavoring agent. This agricultural product is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases including asthma, liver disease, menstruation disorders, and, of special interest in this review, metabolic syndrome. Saffron and its active components including crocin, crocetin, and safranal are potential therapeutic candidates for attenuating MetS complications including hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity, and dyslipidemia. This review summarizes the protective role of saffron and its constituents in the pathogenesis of MetS for a better understanding and hence a better management of this disease.

The effect of Nigella sativa on inflammation-induced myocardial fibrosis in male rats.

Nigella sativa (NS) (Ranunculaceae) used as a protective and therapeutic traditional medicine. This study evaluates the effect of NS on inflammation-induced myocardial fibrosis, serum and tissue inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress status in male rats. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: (1) control; (2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 1 mg/kg/day; (3) LPS + NS (hydroalcoholic extract), 100 mg/kg/day; (4) LPS + NS, 200 mg/kg/day; (5) LPS + NS, 400 mg/kg/day (n = 10 in each group). The duration of LPS administration was two weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were taken and ventricles were homogenized and stained for histological evaluation. Serum nitrite levels were lower in LPS group than the control group (22.98 ± 1.03 vs 28.5 ± 0.93 µmol/L), in which they were significantly increased by NS treatment (P < 0.05). Higher levels of heart interlukine-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were observed in LPS group compared to the controls (IL-6: 6805 ± 656 vs 4733 ± 691 pg/mL; TNF-α: 6504 ± 501 vs 5309 ± 452 pg/mL), in which they were reduced by NS 400 mg/kg compared to LPS groups (P < 0.05). A significant increment of malondialdehyde and reduction in heart total thiol, superoxide dismutase and catalase concentrations were observed in LPS group (p < 0.05) which significantly restored with treatment by three doses of NS. Histopathological studies showed higher inflammatory cell infiltrates, cardiac fibrosis, and collagen deposition in LPS group, which were reduced by the administration of NS. Treatment by NS reduced myocardial fibrosis in inflammation-induced fibrosis, possibly through improving oxidative/anti-oxidative balance.

Therapeutic Potential of Targeting Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway in Treatment of Colorectal Cancer: Rational and Progress.

Wnt/ß-catenin pathway is one of the main/frequent dysregulated pathways in several tumor types, including colon cancer. Aberrant activation of this pathway is associated with cell proliferation, invasive behaviors, and cell resistance, suggesting its potential value as a therapeutic target in treatment of CRC. Several agents have been developed for targeting of this pathway (e.g, natural agents: curcumin, 3,3-diindolylmethane, phytoestrogen; Synthetic/small Wnt inhibitors: Rofecoxib; PRI-724, CWP232291; and monoclonal antibody against frizzled receptors, Vanituctumab). This review summarizes the current knowledge about the therapeutic potential of targeting Wnt pathway with particular emphasis on preclinical/clinical studies in treatment of colorectal cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1979-1983, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Therapeutic Potential of Curcumin in Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives.

Pancreatic cancer is among the leading cause of deaths due to cancer with extremely poor prognosis. Gemcitabine is being used in the treatment of patient with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), although, the response rate is bellow 12%. A recent phase III trial revealed that FOLFIRINOX could be an option for the treatment of metastatic PDAC patients, although it is associated with increased toxicity. Therefore, identification of novel agents that either improves gemcitabine activity, within novel combinatorial approaches, or with a better efficacy than gemcitabine is warranted. The antitumor activity of curcumin in several tumors, including prostate, breast and colorectal cancers have investigated. A recent phase II trial explored the effects of curcumin in advanced pancreatic cancer patient. They found that oral curcumin was well tolerated. Another trial showed the activity of 8,000 mg of curcumin in combination with gemcitabine in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. This review summarizes the current knowledge about possible molecular mechanisms of curcumin in PDAC with particular emphasis on preclinical/clinical studies in pancreatic cancer treatment. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1634-1638, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.