| Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that leads to cartilage
damage with mostly accompanied by metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate
the effects of curcumin supplementation on metabolic parameters (lipid profile
and glycemic indices), inflammatory factors, visfatin levels, and obesity values in
women with RA. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was
conducted on 48 women with RA. The patients were treated with curcumin (500 mg
once a day) or placebo for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measurements,
dietary intakes, and physical activity levels of subjects were collected at baseline
and the end of the study. Curcumin supplementation significantly decreased
homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), erythrocyte sedimentation
rate, serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and triglycerides,
weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of patients compared with the placebo
at the end of the study (p < .05 for all). HOMA-IR and triglyceride levels significantly
increased within the placebo group. Changes in fasting blood sugar, insulin,
other lipids profile, and visfatin levels were not significant in any of the groups
(p > .05). These results support the consumption of curcumin, as a part of an integrated
approach to modulate metabolic factors, inflammation, and adiposity in
women with RA. |