A Pilot 12 Month, Randomized, Controlled Trial of Curcumin in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction (impaired endothelial function and increased large elastic artery stiffness), are highly prevalent in kidney transplant recipients and contribute to the high incidence of CVD in this patient population. The most common cause of kidney transplant failure is interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA). The incidence of IFTA is as high as 50% of kidney transplants at 1 year after transplantation. The pathophysiology of IFTA is not well understood. Possible mechanisms include chronic rejection or injury, inflammation, and drug toxicity. Kidney transplant recipients suffer from high rates of cognitive decline for which the investigators lack effective therapies. Thus, therapeutic interventions targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and cognitive impairment are a priority.

Curcumin may have positive effects in terms of cardiovascular and nephroprotection because of its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. The aim of this study is to elucidate the role of curcumin as a nutritional strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk factors as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in kidney transplant recipients. The study aims to examine if curcumin will improve endothelial function by reducing markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, the study will evaluate the potential benefit of curcumin on cognitive function in kidney transplant recipients.

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Preliminary data indicate that curcumin administration improves endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and may improve cognitive function.

The primary goal of this study is to investigate if curcumin is beneficial for kidney transplant recipients, a population with extensive baseline vascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment who have few treatment options. The possible mechanisms by which curcumin improves vascular function will be evaluated as well as whether curcumin improves cognitive function in these patients.

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