Urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) plays a vital role in the early phases of wound healing by aiding fibrin dissolution and promoting the migration, proliferation, and adhesion of various cells to the wound bed. The efficacy of botanicals in healing wounds is an area of active research. Among these, curcumin, a yellow pigment abundant in turmeric rhizome, has been the center of extensive studies. This study focused on the effect of curcumin on uPA expression and its consequence on fibrin dissolution and cellular migration. Treatment of human fibroblast cells with curcumin caused an upregulation of uPA mRNA and protein. Activation of JNK and p38 MAPK signal pathways was necessary for the upregulation of uPA. Curcumin treatment resulted in an increase in fibrinolytic activity and cell migration towards the wound area. The involvement of uPA in fibrinolysis and cell migration was confirmed by zymography and siRNA studies, respectively.

Keywords:
Curcumin, Urokinase plasminogen activator, Wound healing, Fibrinolysis, Cell migration
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© 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel
2010
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