The minor collagens in articular cartilage

Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix (ECM) that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type II collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartilage. However, little attention has been paid to less abundant molecular components, especially minor collagens, including type IV, VI, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, and XIV, etc. Although accounting for only a small fraction of the mature matrix, these minor collagens not only play essential structural roles in the mechanical properties, organization, and shape of articular cartilage, but also fulfil specific biological functions. Genetic studies of these minor collagens have revealed that they are associated with multiple connective tissue diseases, especially degenerative joint disease. The progressive destruction of cartilage involves the degradation of matrix constituents including these minor collagens. The generation and release of fragmented molecules could generate novel biochemical markers with the capacity to monitor disease progression, facilitate drug development and add to the existing toolbox for in vitro studies, preclinical research and clinical trials.

Kurkun or curcumin[diferuloylmethan], The biologically component of turmeric is a pleistropic anti cancer, Anti inflammatory and anti oxidant phytochemical agent

The concept that cancer, chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system and other vital organs can be postponed or even prevented by certain food-derived substances is currently eliciting considerable interest. Finding pharmacologically safe food-derived agents which are able to interfere with tumour development, inflammation and neurodegeneration is the holy grail of medicine and is therefore of considerable clinical value. Kurkum or Curcumin [diferuloylmethane] is the biologically active component of the naturally occurring yellow pigment in Turmeric which is isolated from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa. Turmeric is widely used in curries in East Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Curcumin has received a great deal of attention by numerous biomedical research teams since the 1980's due to its potent anti-cancer, antimetastatic and anti-inflammatory properties. There is also evidence that Curcumin may reverse neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease by breaking up amyloid plaques in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. More recent and highly controversial studies suggest that Curcumin may also correct the cystic fibrosis defect in mice. A better understanding of the biological function of Curcumin and structurally related compounds in each of these diseases will help development of clinically safe chemopreventive agents designed for the treatment of many clinical conditions including cancer, chronic inflammatory disease and neurodegeneration. In this review, the properties of Turmeric and its key ingredient Curcumin are discussed in the context of favourable actions against carcinogenesis and inflammation in an effort to highlight their nutritional benefits to Muslim readers of the journal