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# Curcumin and Curcuminoids for Glaucoma Neuroprotection **Glaucoma** is an age-related optic neuropathy marked by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and vision impairment. Chronic **inflammation** and oxidative stress are central to glaucomatous damage, suggesting anti-inflammatory antioxidants as neuroprotectants. **Curcumin** (the major curcuminoid from turmeric) has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It **inhibits NF-κB** (a pro-inflammatory transcription factor) and can activate **Nrf2** (a master antioxidant regulator) ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36968023/#:~:text=Suppression%20of%20neuronal%20apoptosis%20and,diabetic%20rats%20by%20H)) . These pleiotropic effects make curcumin a candidate for optic nerve protection. In the eye, **microglia** (resident immune cells) amplify inflammation when activated. Curcumin dampens microglial over-activation and cytokine release. In high-pressure glaucoma models, curcumin improved microglial survival and reduced oxidative damage ([www.mdpi.com](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/1/48?type=check_update&version=1#:~:text=10,Ng)). In a retinal degeneration model (rd1 mice), curcumin suppressed microglial activation and chemokine secretion, decreasing apoptotic photoreceptors and improving function ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145208/#:~:text=Results%3A%20The%20number%20of%20apoptotic,derived%20661W%20cells)). Thus, by modulating **NF-κB**, **Nrf2**, and microglial pathways, curcumin blunts the neuroinflammatory cascade in optic neuropathies ([iovs.arvojournals.org](https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2546828#:~:text=Further%20studies%20demonstrated%20that%20curcumin,proteins%20and%20apoptotic%20cell%20numbers)) ([www.mdpi.com](https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/9/1/48?type=check_update&version=1#:~:text=H_,2%7D%20treated%20TMCs.%20The%20authors)) ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29145208/#:~:text=Results%3A%20The%20number%20of%20apoptotic,derived%20661W%20cells)). ## Mechanisms: NF-κB, Nrf2, and Microglia **NF-κB inhibition:** In models of glaucoma-related stress (e.g. oxidative insult to trabecular meshwork), curcumin dramatically reduced inflammatory markers. For example, curcumin (20 µM) nearly abolished H₂O₂-induced increases in NF-κB–driven cytokines IL-6, IL-1α, IL-8 and adhesion molecule ELAM-1 in trabecular cells ([iovs.arvojournals.org](https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2546828#:~:text=Further%20studies%20demonstrated%20that%20curcumin,proteins%20and%20apoptotic%20cell%20numbers)). This demonstrates curcumin’s ability to **suppress NF-κB–mediated inflammation** in ocular cells. Other studies corroborate that curcumin reduces proinflammatory mediators (e.g. TNF-α, IL-1β) in diverse neural tissues by NF-κB blockade ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36968023/#:~:text=Suppression%20of%20neuronal%20apoptosis%20and,dia

Curcumin and Curcuminoids: Anti-inflammatory Strategies for Glaucoma Neuroprotection

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