Curcumin Inhibits Phorbol Ester-induced Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 In Vivo through Suppression of Extracelluar Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) 1/2 and NF-${\kappa}$/B in Mouse Skin

Curcumin derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa L.. Zingiberaceae) has been shown to possess marked chemopreventive activities, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present work. curcumin was found to inhibit 12-Ο-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate(TPA)-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in female ICr mouse skin as determined by Western and Northern blot analysis as well as immunohistochemical staining. Curcumin treatment atlenuated TPA-stimulated epidermal NF-${\kappa}$B activation. which was associated with its blockade of degradation and phosphorylation of the inhibitory protein l${\kappa}$ Bu and also of subequent translocation of the p65 subunut to nucleus. (omitted)