Curcumin and Analogues as Potential Epigenetic Modulators: Prevention of Metabolic Diseases

The pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic complications has been widely studied in various countries, but effective prevention and treatment methods are still insufficient. Diabetes is caused by an absence of insulin or insulin resistance, which leads to metabolic disorders that involve carbohydrates, fats and proteins that mediate an increase in oxidative stress, release of inflammatory factors as well as micro-circulation disorders, and ultimately develop into diverse complications. In the last decade thru pathogenesis research, epigenetics have been found to affect metabolic diseases. Particularly, DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and miRNAs promote or inhibit diabetes and complications by regulating the expression of related factors. In this review, we discuss the effects of curcumin and analogues on diabetes and associated complications by regulating epigenetics. We summarize the preclinical and clinical research for curcumin and analogues in terms of diabetes management and associated complications, which may provide guidance for the development of targeted therapy.