Demethoxycurcumin mitigates inflammatory responses in lumbar disc herniation via MAPK and NF-κB pathways in vivo and in vitro

The inflammatory radicular pain induced by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is a serious problem worldwide. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) is a yellow pigment derived from turmeric. Although it is considered a safe natural compound for managing inflammation-associated diseases, but the molecular mechanisms of LDH remain to be elucidated. In the current study, DMC reduced the production of IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells subjected to TNF-α-induced inflammation. Moreover, the inhibitory mechanism was activated upon suppression of activation of MAPKs and NF-κB signalling in NP cells. Further experiments with LDH model rats supported the in vitro results. These studies expand our knowledge of the effect of DMC on LDH; DMC may be a viable alternative to the drugs used to treat LDH.