Abstract
The CD36/FAT scavenger receptor/fatty acid translocase mediates uptake of fatty acids into various tissues. Other CD36 ligands include oxLDL, β‐amyloid, Plasmodium falciparum ‐infected erythrocytes, and bacteria. The ability of nutritional components to affect CD36 expression and to change the inflammatory and phagocytic response to lipids and bacteria in monocytes/macrophages could be important for modulating inflammation and atherosclerosis. Here we show that curcumin, a natural polyphenol from turmeric plant Curcuma longa, is rapidly taken up into cells and increases surface localization of CD36 leading to increased lipid uptake in THP‐1 monocytes/macrophages. The curcumin metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin, has no effect, most likely since it is not efficiently taken up into cells. In contrast, CD36 surface localization and lipid uptake were decreased by α‐tocopherol and more so by α‐tocopheryl phosphate. Interestingly, phagocytosis of inactivated Staphylococcus aureus fluorescent bioparticles was affected by these compounds in a similar manner as observed for lipids, suggesting that binding and uptake of lipids and bacteria may share common molecular mechanisms. Thus, these dietary components may not only directly modulate the cellular anti‐microbial and inflammatory response but also indirectly by influencing host‐microbe interactions. Supported by USDA Contract #58‐1950‐0‐014.
Grant Funding Source: Supported by USDA Contract #58‐1950‐0‐014.