Curcumin inhibits proliferation, migration and neointimal formation of vascular smooth muscle via activating miR-22

Curcumin has antitumor, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. To investigate the role of miR-22 during curcumin-induced changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and neointima formation in balloon-injured rat abdominal aorta. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised to the sham-operated (n = 10), operated control (injured, n = 10), and curcumin treatment (n = 10) groups. miR-22 expression was determined by real-time PCR. SP1 was assessed by western blot and real-time PCR. Rat aortic smooth muscle A7r5 cells were used to determine VSMC proliferation and migration, which were measured by the MTS, EdU staining, Transwell, and wound healing assays. miR-22 levels declined following arterial balloon injury in vivo (48% at 3d, p in vitro (45% at 24 h, p p p p p p in vivo. The miR-22/SP1 pathway is involved in the protective role of curcumin during arterial balloon injury, but the mechanisms remain unclear. miR-22 is involved in the inhibitory effects of curcumin on VSMCs’ proliferation, migration and neointima hyperplasia after arterial balloon injury in rats. Curcumin could be used to prevent neointimal hyperplasia after angioplasty.