Curcumin activates the SIRT1 pathways in all cellular compartments; experimental and preclinical studies pointed out that SIRT1, as a cardioprotective factor, is inhibited by stress factors associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction; reduced SIRT1 activity is observed in inflammatory settings, as well as during the ageing process, both phenomena being associated with oxidative stress. The gene discussed is SIRT1; the disease is myocardial infarction.