Turmeric Safely Regulates Molecules that Control Metabolism

Kinase enzyme involved in cell growth and metabolism. ^(vii.70)

• mTOR is activated and over-expressed in chronic inflammatory conditions associated with aging, such as metabolic syndrome diseases and cancer. ^(vii.70)
• Promotes production of cholesterol by stimulating SREBP genes. SREBP2 genes and proteins also activate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the liver that can cause liver disease. ^{(vii.9, 70)}

Turmeric compounds block mTOR and its effects on metabolism:

• ↓ Inflammation that can activate mTOR. ^(vii.70)
• ↓ SREBP2 and prevents activation of HSCs in the liver. ^(vii.9)

5'adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. ^(vii.41)

• AMPK acts as a sensing mechanism that triggers certain gene activity in response to cell energy levels. ^{(vii.41, 49)}
• Helps regulate metabolism, appetite control, and cholesterol levels. ^{(vii.41, 49)}
• When dysregulated, AMPK contributes to metabolic syndrome conditions. ^{(vii.41, 49)}

In muscle cells, turmeric compounds stimulate production of AMPK. This helps metabolic syndrome conditions by:

• ↓ Insulin resistance. ^(vii.41)
• ↓ HMG-CoA, which promotes production of cholesterol in the liver. ^(vii.78)

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, a transcription factor protein. ^(vii.41)

PPAR-γ regulates genes involved in fat and sugar metabolism, inflammatory immune response, metabolic conditions, and fat cell growth and function. ^(vii.38)

To date, most research suggests that turmeric and some of its compounds increase PPAR-γ levels. TZD drugs used to treat diabetes also stimulate PPAR-γ, which in turn increases adiponectin - a beneficial anti-obesity hormone. The benefits of promoting PPAR-γ include: ^{(vii.1, 38, 40)}

• ↑ Supply of normally functioning small fat cells. ^(vii.37)
• ↑ Insulin sensitivity. ^(vii.38)
• ↓ Blood sugar levels. ^(vii.37)
• ↓ Activated HSC cells in the liver that promote fatty liver disease. ^(vii.1)

Turmeric and curcumin offer benefits similar to TZD drugs but without the adverse side effects of weight gain and heart disease. This may be because in fat cells curcumin and other turmeric compounds reduce the abnormally high expression of PPAR-γ. ^(vii.38)