Curcumin Mediates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Colorectal Cancer Cells by Downregulating the Expression of Interleukin‑1β through the Nuclear Factor‑κB Signaling Pathway

Objective: In this study, we aimed to elucidate the protective effects and mechanism of interleukin (IL)‑1 β on curcumin‑induced apoptosis in SW480 cells. Materials and Methods: Expression levels of IL‑1 β in CRC tissues and cells were detected by the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assays. Followed by the incubation of cells with curcumin, the effect on IL‑1 β was measured. Moreover, after transfection, the effects of IL‑1 β on curcumin‑induced SW480 cellular processes were analyzed by cell counting kit‑8 and flow cytometric analysis. Results: According to the results of this study, IL‑1 β was significantly increased in CRC tissues and cells. However, after incubation of the cells with curcumin, IL‑1 β was downregulated and overexpression of IL‑1 β counteracted the antitumor functions of curcumin in SW480 cells. Further studies have shown that curcumin could promote apoptosis of SW480 cells by inhibiting nuclear factor‑κB (NF‑κB) signaling pathway. Conclusion: Our study validated that curcumin inhibits SW480 cell proliferation but promotes apoptosis by downregulating the expression of IL‑1 β probably through NF‑κB signaling pathway. IL‑1 β may an important target for the treatment of CRC.