Curcumin modulates iron-regulatory proteins in the liver. (A) TfR1 was analyzed in mice fed low-iron diets (containing either 5 mg/kg or 12 mg/kg dietary iron) in the presence or absence of 2% curcumin. Liver homogenates were prepared and TfR1 levels were assessed by Western blotting. Shown are means and SD; n = 5. (B) Ferritin was analyzed in mice fed normal or high-iron diets (containing either 50 mg/kg or 1000 mg/kg dietary iron) in the presence of absence of 2% curcumin. Total ferritin (ferritin H + ferritin L) was assessed by Western blotting in liver homogenates. Shown are means and SD; n = 5. (C) The ratio of active to total IRP was analyzed using bandshift assays as described in “RNA-binding protein gel-shift assay.” Liver homogenates were prepared from mice receiving 5 mg/kg dietary iron plus 0 curcumin, 1000 mg/kg dietary iron plus 0 curcumin, or 1000 mg/kg dietary iron plus 2% curcumin. Shown are means and SD; n = 3.