Protective Effects of Berberine on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in db/db Mice via AMPK/SIRT1 Pathway Activation

Objective Berberine(BBR)has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).This study aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods In this study,db/db mice were chosen as an animal model for NAFLD.A total of 10 healthy C57BL/6J mice and 30 db/db mice were randomly allocated to one of 4 groups:the normal control(NC)group,the diabetic control(DC)group,the Metformin(MET)therapy group,and the BBR therapy group.The total cholesterol(TC),triacylglycerol(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c),aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels in the serum were measured.The glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),glutathione(GSH),malondialdehyde(MDA),superoxide dismutase(SOD),catalase(CAT),interleukin(IL)-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αand monocyte chemotactic protein 1(MCP-1)levels in liver tissue were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin(H&E),acid-Schiff(PAS)and TUNEL stanning was performed for histopathological analysis.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were conducted to detect the expression levels of key proteins in the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway.Results BBR could improve lipid metabolism,attenuate hepatic steatosis and alleviate liver injury significantly.The excessive oxidative stress,high levels of inflammation and abnormal apoptosis in db/db mice were reversed after BBR intervention.BBR clearly changed the expression of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/Sirtuin 1(SIRT1),and their downstream proteins.Conclusion BBR could reverse NAFLD-related liver injury,likely by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress,inflammation and apoptosis in hepatic tissue.

Network pharmacology and computational analysis of berberine and kuwanon Z as possible natural antiviral compounds in COVID-19

Background:Global efforts to discover effective therapeutic agents for combating coronavirus disease 19(COVID-19)have intensified the exploration of natural compounds with potential antiviral properties.In this study,we utilized network pharmacology and computational analysis to investigate the antiviral effects of Berberine and Kuwanon Z against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,the viruses responsible for COVID-19.Method:Utilizing comprehensive network pharmacology approaches,we elucidated the complex interactions between these compounds and the host biological system,highlighting their multitarget mechanisms.Network pharmacology identifies COVID-19 targets and compounds through integrated protein‒protein interaction and KEGG pathway analyses.Molecular docking simulation studies were performed to assess the binding affinities and structural interactions of Berberine and Kuwanon Z with key viral proteins,shedding light on their potential inhibitory effects on viral replication and entry.Results:Network-based analyses revealed the modulation of crucial pathways involved in the host antiviral response.Compound-target network analysis revealed complex interactions(122 nodes,121 edges),with significant interactions and an average node degree of 1.37.KEGG analysis revealed pathways such as the COVID-19 pathway,chemokines and Jak-sat in COVID-19.Docking studies revealed that Kuwanon Z had binding energies of-10.5 kcal/mol for JAK2 and-8.1 kcal/mol for the main protease.Conclusion:The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the pharmacological actions of Berberine and Kuwanon Z in the context of COVID-19,providing a basis for further experimental validation.These natural compounds exhibit promise as potential antiviral agents,offering a foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the ongoing battle against the global pandemic.

Lactoferrin modification of berberine nanoliposomes enhances the neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have shown that berberine has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease,including antagonizing tau phosphorylation,and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and neural cell apoptosis.However,its low bioavailability and adverse reactions with conventional administration limit its clinical application.In this study,we prepared berberine nanoliposomes using liposomes characterized by low toxicity,high entrapment efficiency,and biodegradability,and modified them with lactoferrin.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes had uniform particle size and high entrapment efficiency.We used the lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease established by injection of amyloid-beta 1-42 into the lateral ventricle.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in the hippocampus,reduced tau over-phosphorylation in the cerebral cortex,and improved mouse behavior.These findings suggest that modification with lactoferrin can enhance the neuroprotective effects of berberine nanoliposomes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Effect of Berberine Chloride on Experimental Murine Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium

Aim To investigate the effect in berberine chloride （BER） on experimental ulcerative colitis in mice. Methods BALB/C mice in 6 groups were allowed to drink either 4% dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） solution or distilled water freely with different doses of BER （15 mg·kg^-1, 45 mg·kg^-1, 150 mg·kg^-1） or sallcylazosulfapyridine （SASP, 520 mg·kg^-1）, and solvent （0. 2 mL/10 mg Wt） once a day for 7 d, respectively. The symptom of ulcerative colitis was evaluated by disease activity index （DAI）. Myeloperoxidase （MPO） and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activities and malondialdehyde （MDA） content were determined by HE staining and immunohistochemistry of expressions of NF-κB p65 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 （ ICAM-1 ） proteins to observe the damage to colon tissues and possible mechanisms. Results DAI, MPO activity, MDA content and expressions of ICAM-1 and NF-κB p65 were markedly increased, while SOD activity decreased in DSS-treated mice. Treatment of mice with different doses of BER or SASP significantly decreased DAI, MPO activity and MDA content, improved histological changes of colon tissues, blunted the expressions of NF-κB p65 and ICAM-1 proteins, and enhanced SOD activity. Conclusion Berberine chloride has excellent therapeutic effect on ulcerative colitis caused by DSS in mice. The possible mechanism may be related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities associated with inhibiting the NF-κB activation and ICAM-1 expression.

Simultaneous Determination of Baicalin, Berberine and Rhein by HPLC in Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine Sanhuang Tablets

Aim To establish a reversed phase liquid chromatographic method forsimultaneous determination of three main medicinal constituents, baicalin, berberine and rhein, inSanhuang tablets. Methods The separation was performed on a Kromasil C_(18) column with TEA-adjusted0.02 mol·L^(-1) H_3PO_4 (pH 6.78)-acetonitrile-methanol (40 : 9 : 7) as mobile phase at aflow-rate of 1.0 mL·min^(-1), with detection at 254 ran. Considering interaction between acidic andalkaline compounds, three standard markers were added respectively and the volume of samplesolution was doubled in recovery experiments. Results Three regression equations revealed excellentlinear relationship between the peak areas and concentrations and the correlation coefficients allsurpassed 0.999 8. The average recovery was 96.1% (RSD = 2.1%) baicalin, 98.5% (RSD = 2.4%) forberberine, and 101.5% (RSD =1.3%) for rhein. Conclusion The method developed can be used to controlthe quality of Sanhuang tablets comprehensively.

Effect of berberine on glucolipid metabolization in diabetic skeletal muscle and its mechanism

Aim To investigate the effect of berberine on damaged morphology and glucolipid metabolization in skeletal muscle of diabetic rat and the relationship between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor （PPARs） α/γ/δ protein expression. Methods Type 2 diabetes mellitus rats were induced by an injection of 35 mg.kg^-1 streptozotocin （STZ） and a high-carbohydrate/ high-fat diet for 16 weeks. From week 17 to 32, diabetic rats were given low-, middle-, high-dose berberine （75, 150, 300 mg.kg^-1）, fenofibrate （100 mg.kg^-1） and rosiglitazone （4 mg.kg^-1） by oral administration, respectively. The skeletal muscle structure was observed with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining, glycogen and triglyceride contents were measured by spectrophotometry and PPAR α/γ/δ protein expressions were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results Fiber distribution remained normal in skeletal muscles of all the groups, middle-, high-dose berberine partly improved diabetic fibre atrophy, increased glycogen and decreased triglyceride levels in diabetic muscle （P〈 0.01）. Middle-, high-dose berberine and rosiglitazone all significantly reduced PPARy protein level in diabetic skeletal muscle （P 〈 0.01）; middle-, high-dose berberine and fenofibrate strikingly increased both PPARu and PPAR8 expression （P〈 0.01）. Conclusion Berberine modulates PPAR α/γ/δ protein expression in diabetic skeletal muscle which may contribute to ameliorate fibre damage and glucolipid metabolization.

Effects of Berberine on TXB 2 and 6 Keto PGF 1α Plasma Levels in Rabbits with Uncomplete Cerebral Ischemia

Effects of berberine (Ber) on platelet aggregation and TXB2 and 6 keto PGF1a plasma levels were studied in rabbits with uncomplete cerebral ischemia. Ber inhibited uncomplete cerebral ischemic rabbit platelet aggregation triggered by collagen, ADP, and arachidonic acid (AA) with the IC 50 of 0.15, 0.46, and 0.51 mg·ml 1 , respectively. In rabbits, Ber 25, or 50 mg·kg 1 iv 30 min after uncomplete cerebral ischemia, restrained the collagen ADP and AA induced platelet aggregation determined 90 min later. With radioimmunoassay, we measured the thromboxane B2 (TXB 2) and 6 ketoprostaglandin F 1α (6 keto PGF 1α ) contents in rabbit plasma. The results indicated that the TXB 2 level in rabbit 120 min after uncomplete cerebral ischemia (921±539 pg·ml 1 ) was higher than that (230±71 pg·ml 1 ) in normal rabbits ( P < 0.01), but 6 keto PGF 1α level after ischemia (73±23pg·ml 1 ) was lower than that (262±988pg·ml 1 ) in normal rabbit. Ber (5, 25 or 50 mg·kg 1 ) reduced obviously the plasma TXB 2 level in rabbit with uncomplete cerebral ischemia (504±196, 386±174, or 272±183 vs 921±539 pg·ml 1 , respectively, P < 0.01). We conclude that the decrease of TXB 2 content is one of the possible mechanisms of Ber anti cerebral ischemic effect.

Berberine induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SNU-5 cell line

AIM： To investigate the relationship between the inhibited growth （cytotoxic activity） of berberine and apoptotic pathway with its molecular mechanism of action. METHODS： The in vitro cytotoxic techniques were complemented by cell cycle analysis and determination of sub-G1 for apoptosis in human gastric carcinoma SNU-5 cells. Percentage of viable cells, cell cycle, and sub431 group （apoptosis） were examined and determined by the flow cytometric methods. The associated proteins for cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were examined by Western blotting. RESULTS： For SNU-5 cell line, the IC （50） was found to be 48 μmol/L of berberine. In SNU-5 cells treated with 25-200 μmol/L berberine, G2/M cell cycle arrest was observed which was associated with a marked increment of the expression of p53, Wee1 and CDk1 proteins and decreased cyclin B. A concentration-dependent decrease of cells in G0/G1 phase and an increase in G2/M phase were detected. In addition, apoptosis detected as sub-Go cell population in cell cycle measurement was proved in 25-200 μmol/L berberine-treated cells by monitoring the apoptotic pathway. Apoptosis was identified by sub-Go cell population, and upregulation of Bax, downregulation of Bcl-2, release of Ca^2＋, decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential and then led to the release of mitochondrial cytochrome C into the cytoplasm and caused the activation of caspase-3, and finally led to the occurrence of apoptosis. CONCLUSION： Berberine induces p53 expression and leads to the decrease of the mitochondrial membrane potential, Cytochrome C release and activation of caspase-3 for the induction of apoptosis.

Berberine inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis via the LKB1-AMPK-TORC2 signaling pathway in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of berberine inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis in a diabetic rat model.METHODS: The 40 rats were randomly divided into five groups. One group was selected as the normal group. In the remaining groups(n = 8 each), the rats were fed on a high-fat diet for 1 mo and received intravenous injection of streptozotocin for induction of the diabetic models. Berberine(156 mg/kg per day)(berberine group) or metformin(184 mg/kg per day)(metformin group) was intragastrically administered to the diabetic rats and 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide1-β-D-ribofuranoside(AICAR)(0.5 mg/kg per day)(AICAR group) was subcutaneously injected to the diabetic rats for 12 wk. The remaining eight diabetic rats served as the model group. Fasting plasma glucose and insulin levels as well as lipid profile were tested.The expressions of proteins were examined by western blotting. The nuclear translocation of CREB-regulated transcription co-activator(TORC)2 was observed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: Berberine improved impaired glucose tolerance and decreased plasma hyperlipidemia. Moreover, berberine decreased fasting plasma insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR). Berberine upregulated protein expression of liver kinase(LK)B1, AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK) and phosphorylated AMPK(p-AMPK). The level of phophorylated TORC2(p-TORC2) protein in the cytoplasm was higher in the berberine group than in the model group, and no significant difference in total TORC2 protein level was observed. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that more TORC2 was localized in the cytoplasm of the berberine group than in the model group. Moreover, berberine treatment downregulated protein expression of the key gluconeogenic enzymes(phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase) in the liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Our findings revealed that berberine inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis via the regulation of the LKB1-AMPK-TORC2 signaling pathway.

Berberine Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats via Activation of SIRT3/AMPK/ACC Pathway

This study aimed to verify the effects of berberine(BBR)on the fat metabolism proteins involved in the sirtuin 3(SIRT3)/adenosine 5'-monophosphate(AMP)-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC)pathway in the liver tissues of rats with high-fat diet(HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into the normal control(NC)group,HFD group or BBR group,with 16 rats in each group.After 8 and 16 weeks of treatment,serum and liver samples were collected.Subsequently,body parameters,biochemical parameters and liver pathology were examined.The expression levels of proteins involved in the SIRT3/AMPK/ACC pathway in the liver were detected by Western blotting.After 8 and 16 weeks of a HFD,the successful establishment of rat models with different degrees of NAFLD was confirmed by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)and Oil Red O staining.NAFLD rat models exhibited obesity and hyperlipidemia,and the protein expression levels of SIRT3,p-AMPK.p-ACC,and CPT-1A in the liver were significantly decreased compared to those in the NC group.The concurrent administration of BBR with the HFD effectively improved serum and liver lipid profiles and ameliorated liver injury.Furthermore,the protein expression levels of SIRT3,p-AMPK,p-ACC,and CPT-1 A in the liver were significantly increased in the BBR group as compared with those in the HFD group.In conclusion,our data suggest that the mechanism by which BBR ameliorates HFD-induced hepatic steatosis may be related to the activation of the SIRT3/AMPK/ACC pathway in the liver.

Berberine reverses free-fatty-acid-induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through targeting IKKβ

AIM: To investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of berberine on improving insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids (FFAs) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. METHODS: The model of insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was established by adding palmic acid (0.5 mmol/L) to the culture medium. Berberine treatment was performed at the same time. Glucose uptake rate was determined by the 2-deoxy-[3H]-D-glucose method. The levels of IkB kinase beta (IKKβ) Ser181 phosphorylation, insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1) Ser307 phosphorylation, expression of IKKβ, IRS-1, nuclear transcription factor kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p85 (PI-3K p85) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) proteins were detected by Western blotting. The distribution of NF-κB p65 proteins inside the adipocytes was observed through confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RESULTS: After the intervention of palmic acid for 24 h, the insulin-stimulated glucose transport in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was inhibited by 67%. Meanwhile, the expression of IRS-1 and PI-3K p85 protein was reduced, while the levels of IKKβ Ser181 and IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 protein were increased. However, the above indexes, which indicated the existence of insulin resistance, were reversed by berberine although the expression of GLUT4, IKKβ and total NF-κB p65 protein were not changed during this study. CONCLUSION: Insulin resistance induced by FFAs in 3T3-L1 adipocytes can be improved by berberine. Berberine reversed free-fatty-acid-induced insulin resistance in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through targeting IKKβ.

Berberine promotes the development of atherosclerosis and foam cell formation by inducing scavenger receptor A expression in macrophage

Berberine is identified to lower the serum cholesterol level in human and hamster through the induction of low density lipoproteins （LDL） receptor in hepatic cells. To evaluate its potential in preventing atherosclerosis, the effect of berberine on atherosclerosis development in apolipoprotcin E-deficient （apoE^-/-） mice was investigated. In apoE^-/- mice, berberine induced in rivo foam cell formation and promoted atheroselerosis development. The foam cell formation induced by berberinc was also observed in mouse RAW264.7 cells, as well as in mouse and human primary macrophages. By inducing scavenger receptor A （SR-A） expression in macrophages, berberine increased the uptake of modified LDL （DiO-Ac-LDL）. Bcrberine-induced SR-A expression was also observed in macrophage foam cells in vivo and in the cells at atherosclerotic lesion. Analysis in RAW264.7 cells indicated that berberine induced SR-A expression by suppressing PTEN expression, which led to sustained Akt activation. Our results suggest that to evaluate the potential of a cholesterol-reducing compound in alleviating atherosclerosis, its effect on the ceils involved in atherosclerosis development, such as macrophages, should also be considered. Promotion of foam cell formation could counter-balance the beneficial effect of lowering serum cholesterol.

Facilitating effects of berberine on rat pancreatic islets through modulating hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha expression and glucokinase activity

AIM： To observe the effect of berberine on insulin secretion in rat pancreatic islets and to explore its possible molecular mechanism. METHODS： Pdmary rat islets were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats by collagenase digestion and treated with different concentrations （1, 3, 10 and 30 μmol/L） of berberine or 1 μmol/L Glibenclamide （GB） for 24 h. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion （GSIS） assay was conducted and insulin was determined by radioimmunoassay. 3-（4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl）- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was performed to evaluate cytotoxicity. The mRNA level of hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha （HAIF4α） was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Indirect immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis were employed to detect protein expression of HNF4α in the islets. Glucokinase （GK） activity was measured by spectrophotometric method. RESULTS： Berberine enhanced GSIS rather than basal insulin secretion dose-dependently in rat islets and showed no significant cytotoxicity on islet cells at the concentration of 10 μmol/L. Both mRNA and protein expressions of HNF4α were up-regulated by berberine in a dose-dependent manner, and GK activity was also increased accordingly. However, GB demonstrated no regulatory effects on HNF4α expression or GK activity. CONCLUSION： Berberine can enhance GSIS in rat islets, and probably exerts the insulinotropic effect via a pathway involving HNF4α and GK, which is distinct from sulphonylureas （SUs）.

Potential antibacterial activity of berberine against multi drug resistant enterovirulent Escherichia coli isolated from yaks(Poephagus grunniens) with haemorrhagic diarrhoea

Objective:To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of berberine,a plant alkaloid.Methods:Five multi-drug resistant（MDR） STEC/EPEC and five MDR ETEC isolates from yaks with haemorrhagic diarrhoea were selected for the study.Antibacterial activity of berberine was evaluated by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods.The binding kinetics of berberine to DNA and protein was also enumerated.Results:For both categories of enterovirulent Escherichia coli（E.roli） isolates, berberine displayed the antibaclerial effect in a dose dependent manner.The MIC50 of berberine chloride for STEC/EPEC isolates varied from 2.07μM to 3.6μM with a mean of（2.95±0.33）μM where as for ETEC strains it varied from 1.75 to 1.96μM with a mean of（1.87±0.03）μM. Berberine bind more tightly with double helix DNA with Bmax and Kd of（24.68±2.62） and（357.8±57.8）,respectively.Berberine reacted with protein in comparatively loose manner with Bmax and Kd of（18.9±3.83） and 【286.2±113.6),respectively.Conclusions:The results indicate clearly that berberine may serve as a good antibacterial against multi drug resistant E.coli.

Berberine prevents stress-induced gut inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity and reduces intestinal motility in rats

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic non-organic disease of the digestive system. Berberine (BBR) has been used to treat patients with IBS, but the underlying therapeutic mechanism is little understood. We believe that BBR achieves its therapeutic effect on IBS by preventing stress intestinal inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity and reducing bowel motility. AIM To test the hypothesis that BBR achieves its therapeutic effect on IBS by preventing subclinical inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and reducing visceral hypersensitivity and intestinal motility. METHODS IBS was induced in rats via water avoidance stress (WAS). qRT-PCR and histological analyses were used to evaluate the levels of cytokines and mucosal inflammation, respectively. Modified ELISA and qRT-PCR were used to evaluate the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway. Colorectal distention test, gastrointestinal transit measurement, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were used to analyze visceral sensitivity, intestinal motility, the expression of Ckit (marker of Cajal mesenchymal cells), and the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor TrkB.RESULTS WAS led to mucosal inflammation, visceral hyperalgesia, and high intestinal motility. Oral administration of BBR inhibited the NF-κB signal transduction pathway, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)- 1β, IL-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α], promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β), and improved the terminal ileum tissue inflammation. BBR inhibited the expression of BDNF, TrkB, and C-kit in IBS rats, leading to the reduction of intestinal motility and visceral hypersensitivity. The therapeutic effect of BBR at a high dose (100 mg/kg) was superior to than that of the low-dose (25 mg/kg) group. CONCLUSION BBR reduces intestinal mucosal inflammation by inhibiting the intestinal NF-κB signal pathway in the IBS rats. BBR reduces the expression of BDNF, its receptor TrkB, and C-kit. BBR also reduces intestinal motility and visceral sensitivity to achieve its therapeutic effect on IBS.

Antinociceptive effect of berberine on visceral hypersensitivity in rats

AIM: To assess the protective effect of berberine administration and the role of nitric oxide (NO) in visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS: Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five groups. An inflammatory bowel disease model was induced in rats by intracolonic instillation of 1 mL 4% acetic acid at 8 cm proximal to the anus for 30 s and restraint stress. After subsidence of inflammation on day 7 of the experiment, the rats were subjected to rectal distension, performed by a balloon (6-Fr, 2 mm external diameter, disposable silicon balloon-urethral catheter for pediatric use) which was rapidly inflated with increasing volumes of prewarmed (37 ℃) water (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mL) for 30 s at four-minute intervals, and then the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and the level of fecal output were measured, respectively. AWR scores either 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 were obtained by blinded observers. Rats had been pretreated with berberine or aminoguanidine (NO synthetase inhibitor) or berberine + aminoguanidine before measurement. RESULTS: The rats in the placebo group showed a hypersensitive response to rectal distension (2.69 ± 0.08 vs 1.52 ± 0.08, P = 0.000) and defecated more frequently than those in the control group (5.0 ± 0.16 vs 0.44 ± 0.16, P = 0.000). Comparing the berberine with placebo group, the AWR scores were reduced for all distension volumes and were significant at 0.2-1 mL (1.90 ± 0.08 vs 2.69 ± 0.08, P = 0.000), while the numbers of hard pellets, soft pellets, formless stools, and total fecal output in the placebo group were significantly larger than in the berberine group (5.0 ± 0.16 vs 2.56 ± 0.16, P = 0.000). Administration of aminoguanidine or berberine + aminoguanidine before VH score measurement reversed the antinociceptive effect of berberine (2.52 ± 0.08 vs 1.90 ± 0.08, P = 0.000; 2.50 ± 0.08 vs 1.90 ± 0.08, P = 0.000). The numbers of hard pellets, soft pellets, formless stool, and total of fecal output in aminoguanidine group were significantly larger than the corresponding values in control group, berberine group, and berberine + aminoguanidine group (4.81 ± 0.16 vs 0.44 ± 0.16, P = 0.000; 4.81 ± 0.16 vs 2.56 ± 0.16, P = 0.000; 4.81 ± 0.16 vs 3.75 ± 0.16, P = 0.000). The berberine and berberine + aminoguanidine groups showed reduced defecation, but aminoguanidine alone did not reduce defecation (2.56 ± 0.16 vs 4.81 ± 0.16, P = 0.000; 3.75 ± 0.16 vs 4.81 ± 0.16, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Berberine had an antinociceptive effect on visceral hypersensitivity, and NO might play a role in this effect.

Cardiovascular and metabolic effects of Berberine

Berberine(BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis Chinensis.While this plant has been used in Ay-urvedic and Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years,interest in its effects in metabolic and cardiovascular disease has been growing in the Western world in the last decade.Many papers have been published in these years reporting beneficial effects in carbohydrate and lip-id metabolism,endothelial function and the cardiovascu-lar system.In this review,we report a detailed analysis of the scientific literature regarding this topic,describing the effects and the underlying mechanisms of BBR on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism,endothelial function and the cardiovascular system.

Berberine displays antitumor activity in esophageal cancer cells in vitro

To investigate the effects of berberine on esophageal cancer (EC) cells and its molecular mechanisms. METHODS Human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell line KYSE-70 and esophageal adenocarcinoma cell line SKGT4 were used. The effects of berberine on cell proliferation were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. For cell cycle progression, KYSE-70 cells were stained with propidium iodide (PI) staining buffer (10 mg/mL PI and 100 mg/mL RNase A) for 30 min and cell cycle was analyzed using a BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer. For apoptosis assay, cells were stained with an Annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. The rate of apoptotic cells was analyzed using a dual laser flow cytometer and estimated using BD ModFit software. Levels of proteins related to cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by western blotting. RESULTS Berberine treatment resulted in growth inhibition of KYSE-70 and SKGT4 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. KYSE-70 cells were more susceptible to the inhibitory activities of berberine than SKGT4 cells were. In KYSE-70 cells treated with 50 mu mol/L berberine for 48 h, the number of cells in G2/M phase (25.94% +/- 5.01%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (9.77% +/- 1.28%, P < 0.01), and berberine treatment resulted in p21 upregulation in KYSE-70 cells. Flow cytometric analyses showed that berberine significantly augmented the KYSE-70 apoptotic population at 12 and 24 h post-treatment, when compared with control cells (0.83% vs 43.78% at 12 h, P < 0.05; 0.15% vs 81.86% at 24 h, P < 0.01), and berberine-induced apoptotic effect was stronger at 24 h compared with 12 h. Western blotting showed that berberine inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin and p70S6K, and enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a sustained manner. CONCLUSION Berberine is an inhibitor of human EC cell growth and could be considered as a potential drug for the treatment of EC patients.

Antioxidative effects of berberine pre-treatment on hydrogen peroxide-induced PC12 cell toxicity

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer＇s disease. Oxidative damage could be prevented by augmenting the endogenous defense capacity against oxidative stress by antioxidant intake. As an effective alkaloid component of Chinese herbal medicine Rhizoma coptidis extract, berberine exhibits antioxidative properties and ameliorates memory impairment in a rat model of Alzheimer＇s disease. The present study investigated the protective effects of berberine on H2O2-induced PC12 cell toxicity. Results demonstrated that berberine protects PC12 cells from H2O2-induced apoptosis and increases PC12 cell viability. Lactate dehydrogenase release, reactive oxygen content, and malonyl dialdehyde levels were significantly decreased （P 〈 0.01）. The protective effects of berberine on H2O2-induced PC12 cell toxicity were achieved via the antioxidative effects of berberine.

Berberine Attenuates Cigarette Smoke Extract-induced Airway Inflammation in Mice:Involvement of TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway

Although several studies confirmed that berberine may attenuate airway inflammation in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD),its underlying mechanisms were not clear until now.We aimed to establish an experiment mouse model for COPD and to investigate the effects of berberine on airway inflammation and its possible mechanism in COPD model mice induced by cigarette smoke extract(CSE).Twenty SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into PBS control group,COPD model group,low-dose berberine group and high-dose berberine group,5 mice in each group.The neutrophils and macrophages were examined by Wright's staining.The levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were detennined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of TGF-β1,Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA and proteins in lung tissues were respectively detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.It was found that CSE increased the number of inflammation cells in BALF,elevated lung inflammation scores,and enhanced the TGF-β1/Smads signaling activity in mice.High-dose berberine restrained the alterations in the COPD mice induced by CSE.It was concluded that high-dose berberine ameliorated CSE-induced airway inflammation in COPD mice.TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway might be involved in the mechanism.These findings suggested a therapeutic potential of high-dose berberine on the CSE-induced airway inflammation.