小檗碱改善代谢性疾病的肠道相关机制

The gut-related mechanisms of berberine in the treatment of metabolic diseases

小檗碱是中药黄连的主要成分,临床上常用作抗菌药物,近年来研究发现其有显著的降血糖、改善代谢性疾病相关症状的作用,但机制尚未完全明确.研究显示,小檗碱可通过影响肠道功能发挥作用,其可能机制包括调控肠道激素分泌、调整肠道菌群结构、改善肠道能量代谢、减轻低水平慢性炎性反应、保护肠道屏障功能等.通过探讨小檗碱改善代谢作用的肠道相关机制,可为小檗碱的临床应用提供理论参考,并为代谢性疾病的治疗方法开拓新思路。

Berberine, a major constituent of Chinese herb Coptis Chinensis commonly used as antibacterial agents, has recently been demonstrated to be effective in lowering glucose and alleviating symptoms of metabolic diseases. However, the mechanism has not yet been well explained. Recent researches suggest that the intestinal tract may be associated with its effect. The possible mechanisms include modulating gastrointestinal hormones, adjusting the structure of gut microbiota, improving intestinal metabolism, alleviating low-grade inflammation and protecting intestinal barrier. Further clarifying the intestinal-related mechanisms of berberine＇s improvement on metabolism can provide a theoretical basis for its clinical application and develop new ideas for the treatment of metabolic diseases.