The effect of nanocurcumin on the incidence of atrial fibrillation, and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress level after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Objective: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most frequent dysrhythmias observed following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of curcumin on cardiovascular diseases; however, there is no clinical trial to examine its effect on POAF. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic effects of a nano-formulation of curcumin (SinaCurcumin™) versus placebo on POAF and levels of biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in patients undergoing CABG surgery.

Materials and methods: A total of 234 eligible patients were randomized to receive 240 mg curcumin nano-formulation or placebo three days prior to the surgery and on the first four postoperative days. The occurrence of POAF was monitored for at least 96 hr after the surgery. Also, C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed at baseline and the end of the study.

Results: Analyses were done in the intention-to-treat population. No significant difference was observed in the occurrence of POAF between the treatment (9.5%) and placebo (11.5%) groups. Also, curcumin intervention did not alter serum concentration of the hs-CRP, MDA, or GSH in comparison with placebo.

Conclusion: In conclusion, it seems that perioperative treatment with SinaCurcumin™ did not prevent POAF after CABG surgery.