Curcumin Protects SDH2 Mutant from Oxidative Stress and Improves Mitochondrial Function: Application Potential for Complex II Deficiency

Complex II deficiency is a rare inherited mitochondrial disorder characterized by structural and functional deficiency of complex II, for which there is currently no definitive drug treatment. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-aging properties. By constructing a mutant strain of the Saccharomyces cerevisiaeSDH2 gene, we can mimic the functional defects of Complex II caused by human SDHB mutations, and then explore the ameliorative effect of curcumin on Complex II functional defects. Cell viability was assessed using MTT and CFU. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by measuring DCFH-DA and antioxidant enzyme activity, while the expression levels of respiratory chain-related genes were detected by qRT-PCR. Experimental results demonstrate that curcumin can restore cell growth and viability, scavenge ROS from cells as well as positively regulate mitochondrial function; however, the above results are regulated by the concentration of curcumin. In conclusion, these findings provide experimental support for curcumin as a preliminary intervention for Complex II deficiency and other mitochondrial diseases, further enriching the evidence for the potential application of curcumin in mitochondrial-related diseases.