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Huo A, Wang F. Berberine alleviates ischemia reperfusion injury induced AKI by regulation of intestinal microbiota and reducing intestinal inflammation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:66. [PMID: 38291383 PMCID: PMC10826000 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-04323-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been found that a variety of host disease states can exacerbate intestinal inflammation, leading to disruption of intestinal barrier function. Changes in the composition of the intestine microbiota, which affect downstream metabolites in turn, ultimately react against the host. OBJECTIVES We revealed the mechanism of berberine as an intestinal protective agent in rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS HE staining was performed to evaluate the pathological changes in the colon and kidney. 16 S rRNA analysis was performed to assess the intestinal microbiota. Intestine TLR4/NF-κB expression was assessed by western blot. Q-RT-PCR was performed to detect TLR4 in intestine and IL-6 and KIM-1 gene expression in the kidney. SPSS 22.0 was used to compare the data. RESULTS Rats with AKI exhibited increased relative abundances of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and decreased relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus and Lachnospiraceae belonging to the phylum Firmicutes. The Sirt1-NF-κB-TLR4 pathway was involved in the occurrence process, accompanied by intestinal inflammation and oxidation. Berberine reversed the appeal change. CONCLUSION Berberine inhibits the intestinal biological barrier of Proteobacteria, reduces LPS production, exerts an anti-inflammatory effect, and delays the progression of AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijing Huo
- Department of Nephropathy and Immunology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengmei Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Third Central Clinical College of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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Zhu H, Wu Z, Yu Y, Chang K, Zhao C, Huang Z, He W, Luo Z, Huang H, Zhang C. Integrated non-targeted metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanisms of berberine in the long-term treatment of PTZ-induced epilepsy. Life Sci 2024; 336:122347. [PMID: 38103728 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The increasing resistance to anti-seizure medications (ASMs) and the ambiguous mechanisms of epilepsy highlight the pressing demand for the discovery of pioneering lead compounds. Berberine (BBR) has received significant attention in recent years within the field of chronic metabolic disorders. However, the reports on the treatment of epilepsy with BBR are not systematic and the mechanism remains unclear. MAIN METHODS In this study, the seizure behaviors of mice were recorded following subcutaneous injection of pentetrazol (PTZ). Non-targeted metabolomics was used to analyze the serum metabolites based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). Meanwhile, multivariate statistical methods were used for metabolite identification and pathway analysis. Furthermore, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and quantitative real-time PCR assay were used for the target identification. KEY FINDINGS BBR had anti-seizure effects on PTZ-induced seizure mice after long-term treatment. Tryptophan metabolism and phenylalanine metabolism were involved in regulating the therapeutic effects of BBR. SIGNIFICANCE This study reveals the potential mechanism of BBR for epilepsy treatment based on non-targeted metabolomics and network pharmacology, which provides evidence for uncovering the pathogenesis of epilepsy, suggesting that BBR is a potential lead compound for anti-epileptic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailin Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Ziyu Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Yizhou Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Kaile Chang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Chunfang Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Ziyu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Wen He
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 330006, Nanchang 330200, China
| | - Chunbo Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, 1299 Xuefu Road, Nanchang 330014, China; Department of Pathology and Institute of Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
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3
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Gasmi A, Asghar F, Zafar S, Oliinyk P, Khavrona O, Lysiuk R, Peana M, Piscopo S, Antonyak H, Pen JJ, Lozynska I, Noor S, Lenchyk L, Muhammad A, Vladimirova I, Dub N, Antoniv O, Tsal O, Upyr T, Bjørklund G. Berberine: Pharmacological Features in Health, Disease and Aging. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:1214-1234. [PMID: 36748808 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230207112539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine is the main active compound of different herbs and is defined as an isoquinoline quaternary botanical alkaloid found in barks and roots of numerous plants. It exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects. Berberine has antibacterial activity against a variety of microbiota, including many bacterial species, protozoa, plasmodia, fungi, and trypanosomes. OBJECTIVE This review describes the role of berberine and its metabolic effects. It also discusses how it plays a role in glucose metabolism, fat metabolism, weight loss, how it modulates the gut microbiota, and what are its antimicrobial properties along with its potential side effects with maximal tolerable dosage. METHODS Representative studies were considered and analyzed from different scientific databases, including PubMed and Web of Science, for the years 1982-2022. RESULTS Literature analysis shows that berberine affects many biochemical and pharmacological pathways that theoretically yield a positive effect on health and disease. Berberine exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurodegenerative and neuropsychological ailments. Despite its low bioavailability after oral administration, berberine is a promising tool for several disorders. A possible hypothesis would be the modulation of the gut microbiome. While the evidence concerning the aging process in humans is more limited, preliminary studies have shown positive effects in several models. CONCLUSION Berberine could serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of several diseases. Previous literature has provided a basis for scientists to establish clinical trials in humans. However, for obesity, the evidence appears to be sufficient for hands-on use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Gasmi
- Société Francophone de Nutrithérapie et de Nutrigénétique Appliquée, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Farah Asghar
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics (MMG), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Saba Zafar
- Department of Research, The Women University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Petro Oliinyk
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Oksana Khavrona
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Salva Piscopo
- Société Francophone de Nutrithérapie et de Nutrigénétique Appliquée, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Halyna Antonyak
- Department of Ecology, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Joeri J Pen
- Diabetes Clinic, Department of Internal Medicine, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Nutrition, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Iryna Lozynska
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Sadaf Noor
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Larysa Lenchyk
- Department of Research, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Akram Muhammad
- Department of Research, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Inna Vladimirova
- Department of Research, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Natalia Dub
- Andrei Krupynskyi Lviv Medical Academy, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Olha Antoniv
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Oksana Tsal
- Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Taras Upyr
- Department of Research, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
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Ma ZY, Jiang C, Xu LL. Protein-protein interactions and related inhibitors involved in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 74:14-28. [PMID: 37758629 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain-associated protein 3 (NLRP3) receptor serves as the central node of immune sensing in the innate immune system, and plays an important role in the initiation and progression of chronic diseases. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has provided insights into the conformation of various oligomers within the NLRP3 activation pathway, significantly advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Despite the extensive network of protein-protein interactions (PPIs) involved in the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, the utilization of protein-protein interactions has been relatively overlooked in the development of NLRP3 inhibitors. This review focuses on summarizing PPIs within the NLRP3 inflammasome activation pathway and small molecule inhibitors capable of interfering with PPIs to counteract the NLRP3 overactivation. Small molecule NLRP3 inhibitors have been gained significant attention owing to their remarkable efficacy, excellent safety profiles, and unique mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Cheng Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Optimization, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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5
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Zhang S, Xu P, Zhu Z, Zhou L, Li J, Zhou R, Kan Y, Li Y, Yu X, Zhao J, Jin Y, Yan J, Fang P, Shang W. Acetylation of p65 Lys310 by p300 in macrophages mediates anti-inflammatory property of berberine. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102704. [PMID: 37086629 PMCID: PMC10172918 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor (NF)-κB plays a pivotal role in the regulation of inflammatory response in macrophages. Berberine (BBR), which is an active constituent isolated from Coptis rhizome, possesses a prominent anti-inflammatory activity. Here we show that BBR changes the global acetylation landscape in LPS-induced protein acetylation of macrophages and reduces the acetylation of NF-κB subunit p65 at site Lys310(p65Lys310), leading to the inhibition of NF-κB translocation and transcriptional activity to suppress the expressions of inflammatory factors. BBR resists the inflammatory response in acute LPS-stimulated mice through downregulation of p65Lys310 acetylation in peritoneal macrophages. In obese mice, BBR alleviates the metabolic disorder and inflammation with the reduced acetylation of p65Lys310 in white adipose tissue. Furthermore, we demonstrate that BBR acts as a regulator of p65Lys310 by inhibiting the expression of p300 in macrophages. Our findings elucidate a new molecular mechanism for the anti-inflammatory effect of BBR via the p300/p65Lys310 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingyuan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ziwei Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Lingyan Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ruonan Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yue Kan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yaru Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xizhong Yu
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Penghua Fang
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Wenbin Shang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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6
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Wang Y, Hu H, Liu X, Guo X. Hypoglycemic medicines in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: Pathophysiological links between AD and glucose metabolism. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1138499. [PMID: 36909158 PMCID: PMC9995522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1138499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a global chronic disease in adults with beta-amyloid (Aβ) deposits and hyperphosphorylated tau protein as the pathologic characteristics. Although the exact etiology of AD is still not fully elucidated, aberrant metabolism including insulin signaling and mitochondria dysfunction plays an important role in the development of AD. Binding to insulin receptor substrates, insulin can transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thus mediating insulin signaling pathways to regulate physiological functions. Impaired insulin signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt/GSK3β and MAPK pathways, could cause damage to the brain in the pathogenesis of AD. Mitochondrial dysfunction and overexpression of TXNIP could also be causative links between AD and DM. Some antidiabetic medicines may have benefits in the treatment of AD. Metformin can be beneficial for cognition improvement in AD patients, although results from clinical trials were inconsistent. Exendin-4 may affect AD in animal models but there is a lack of clinical trials. Liraglutide and dulaglutide could also benefit AD patients in adequate clinical studies but not semaglutide. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4is) such as saxagliptin, vildagliptin, linagliptin, and sitagliptin could boost cognitive function in animal models. And SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin and dapagliflozin were also considerably protective against new-onset dementia in T2DM patients. Insulin therapy is a promising therapy but some studies indicated that it may increase the risk of AD. Herbal medicines are helpful for cognitive function and neuroprotection in the brain. For example, polyphenols, alkaloids, glycosides, and flavonoids have protective benefits in cognition function and glucose metabolism. Focusing on glucose metabolism, we summarized the pharmacological mechanism of hypoglycemic drugs and herbal medicines. New treatment approaches including antidiabetic synthesized drugs and herbal medicines would be provided to patients with AD. More clinical trials are needed to produce definite evidence for the effectiveness of hypoglycemic medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Wang
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Kung ML, Huang ST, Tsai KW, Chu TH, Hsieh S. Nanosized zingerone-triggered anti-angiogenesis contributes to tumor suppression in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Multi-Target Potential of Berberine as an Antineoplastic and Antimetastatic Agent: A Special Focus on Lung Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213433. [PMID: 36359829 PMCID: PMC9655513 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite therapeutic advancements, lung cancer remains the principal cause of cancer mortality in a global scenario. The increased incidence of tumor reoccurrence and progression and the highly metastatic nature of lung cancer are of great concern and hence require the investigation of novel therapies and/or medications. Naturally occurring compounds from plants serve as important resources for novel drugs for cancer therapy. Amongst these phytochemicals, Berberine, an alkaloid, has been extensively explored as a potential natural anticancer therapeutic agent. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Berberine in inhibiting cancer growth and progression mediated via several different mechanisms, which include cell cycle arrest, inducing cell death by apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion, as well as regulating the expression of microRNA, telomerase activity, and the tumor microenvironment, which usually varies for different cancer types. In this review, we aim to provide a better understanding of molecular insights of Berberine and its various derivative-induced antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects against lung cancer. In conclusion, the Berberine imparts its anticancer efficacy against lung cancers via modulation of several signaling pathways involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, as well as migration, invasion, and metastasis.
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Berberine protects against chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced cognitive impairment and hippocampal damage via regulation of the ERK/Nrf2 pathway. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 123:102119. [PMID: 35697268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment caused by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) seriously affects the quality of life of elderly patients and places a great burden on society and family. With the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), TCM approaches to the prevention and treatment of senile ischemic cerebrovascular disease has received increasing attention. In this study, rats with bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) were treated with berberine (BBR). Their learning and memory function, neuronal injury and repair, the extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK)/nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, and impairment and improvement of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were evaluated. This study found that BBR can alleviate the pathological injury to the brain, reduce neuronal loss and promote neuronal cell survival after CCH by interfering with the ERK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. BBR can reduce BBB injury in CCH rats by inhibiting the expression of VEGF-A and MMP-9 in plasma, which reveals a protective effect of BBR on vascular cognitive impairment. This study provides a new research direction for BBR in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
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10
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Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Aspects of the Alkaloidal Drug Berberine: Current and Future Trends. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123705. [PMID: 35744831 PMCID: PMC9229453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, herbal compounds have been the focus of scientific interest for the last several centuries, and continuous research into their medicinal potential is underway. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants that possess a broad array of medicinal properties, including anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects, and is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine. BBR promotes metabolisms of glucose and lipids by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting functions of mitochondria; all of these ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. BBR has also been shown to have benefits in congestive heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. BBR has been investigated as an interesting pharmacophore with the potential to contribute significantly to the research and development of novel therapeutic medicines for a variety of disorders. Despite its enormous therapeutic promise, the clinical application of this alkaloid was severely limited because of its unpleasant pharmacokinetic characteristics. Poor bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility are some of the obstacles that restricted its use. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a possible solution to these problems. The present review aims at recent updates on important therapeutic activities of BBR and different types of nanocarriers used for the delivery of BBR in different diseases.
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11
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Xu Z, Chu M. Advances in Immunosuppressive Agents Based on Signal Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:917162. [PMID: 35694243 PMCID: PMC9178660 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.917162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune abnormality involves in various diseases, such as infection, allergic diseases, autoimmune diseases, as well as transplantation. Several signal pathways have been demonstrated to play a central role in the immune response, including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT-mTOR, MAPK, and Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway, in which multiple targets have been used to develop immunosuppressive agents. In recent years, varieties of immunosuppressive agents have been approved for clinical use, such as the JAK inhibitor tofacitinib and the mTOR inhibitor everolimus, which have shown good therapeutic effects. Additionally, many immunosuppressive agents are still in clinical trials or preclinical studies. In this review, we classified the immunosuppressive agents according to the immunopharmacological mechanisms, and summarized the phase of immunosuppressive agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Xu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Chu
- Department of Immunology, National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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12
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Fan T, Cheng Y, Wei W, Zeng Q, Guo X, Guo Z, Li Y, Zhao L, Shi Y, Zhang X, Jiang J, Wang Y, Kong W, Song D. Palmatine Derivatives as Potential Antiplatelet Aggregation Agents via Protein Kinase G/Vasodilator-Stimulated Phosphoprotein and Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt Phosphorylation. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7399-7413. [PMID: 35549263 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sixty palmatine (PMT) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiplatelet aggregation taking berberine as the lead, and the structure-activity relationship was first systematically described. Among them, compound 2v showed the best potency in reducing adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. It greatly suppressed ADP-induced platelet aggregation, activation, and Akt phosphorylation in vitro and ex vivo after oral administration to mice. It also effectively inhibited carrageenan-induced thrombus formation in the mouse tail and lung, as well as reduced the serum P-selectin level. Compound 2v might simultaneously bind to protein kinase G to improve vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation and bind to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to inhibit Akt phosphorylation, which synergically reduced platelet aggregation, thereby achieving antithrombotic efficacy. Therefore, PMT derivatives constituted a novel family of antiplatelet aggregation agents with the advantage of a good safety profile, worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyun Fan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yangyang Cheng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qingxuan Zeng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xixi Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhihao Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Liping Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yulong Shi
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xintong Zhang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Danqing Song
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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13
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Pathak K, Pathak MP, Saikia R, Gogoi U, Sahariah JJ, Zothantluanga JH, Samanta A, Das A. Cancer Chemotherapy via Natural Bioactive Compounds. Curr Drug Discov Technol 2022; 19:e310322202888. [PMID: 35362385 DOI: 10.2174/1570163819666220331095744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-induced mortality is increasingly prevalent globally which skyrocketed the necessity to discover new/novel safe and effective anticancer drugs. Cancer is characterized by the continuous multiplication of cells in the human which is unable to control. Scientific research is drawing its attention towards naturally-derived bioactive compounds as they have fewer side effects compared to the current synthetic drugs used for chemotherapy. OBJECTIVE Drugs isolated from natural sources and their role in the manipulation of epigenetic markers in cancer are discussed briefly in this review article. METHODS With advancing medicinal plant biotechnology and microbiology in the past century, several anticancer phytomedicines were developed. Modern pharmacopeia contains at least 25% herbal-based remedy including clinically used anticancer drugs. These drugs mainly include the podophyllotoxin derivatives vinca alkaloids, curcumin, mistletoe plant extracts, taxanes, camptothecin, combretastatin, and others including colchicine, artesunate, homoharringtonine, ellipticine, roscovitine, maytanasin, tapsigargin,andbruceantin. RESULTS Compounds (psammaplin, didemnin, dolastin, ecteinascidin,and halichondrin) isolated from marine sources and animals such as microalgae, cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, invertebrates. They have been evaluated for their anticancer activity on cells and experimental animal models and used chemotherapy.Drug induced manipulation of epigenetic markers plays an important role in the treatment of cancer. CONCLUSION The development of a new drug from isolated bioactive compounds of plant sources has been a feasible way to lower the toxicity and increase their effectiveness against cancer. Potential anticancer therapeutic leads obtained from various ethnomedicinal plants, foods, marine, and microorganisms are showing effective yet realistically safe pharmacological activity. This review will highlight important plant-based bioactive compounds like curcumin, stilbenes, terpenes, other polyphenolic phyto-compounds, and structurally related families that are used to prevent/ ameliorate cancer. However, a contribution from all possible fields of science is still a prerequisite for discovering safe and effective anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Pathak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - Manash Pratim Pathak
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam down town University, Panikhaiti, Guwahati-781026, Assam, India
| | - Riya Saikia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - Urvashee Gogoi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - Jon Jyoti Sahariah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - James H Zothantluanga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - Abhishek Samanta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
| | - Aparoop Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh - 786004, Assam, India
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Mohtashaminia F, Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Djafarian K, Shab-Bidar S. Effects berberine–silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 49:181-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Phytochemically Derived Zingerone Nanoparticles Inhibit Cell Proliferation, Invasion and Metastasis in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020320. [PMID: 35203529 PMCID: PMC8869513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its aggressiveness and high mortality rate, oral cancer still represents a tough challenge for current cancer therapeutics. Similar to other carcinomas, cancerous invasion and metastasis are the most important prognostic factors and the main obstacles to therapy for human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Fortunately, with the rise of the nanotechnical era and innovative nanomaterial fabrication, nanomaterials are widely used in biomedicine, cancer therapeutics, and chemoprevention. Recently, phytochemical substances have attracted increasing interest as adjuvants to conventional cancer therapy. The ginger phenolic compound zingerone, a multitarget pharmacological and bioactive phytochemical, possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. In our previous study, we generated phytochemically derived zingerone nanoparticles (NPs), and documented their superior antitumorigenic effect on human hepatoma cells. In the present study, we further investigated the effects of zingerone NPs on inhibiting the invasiveness and metastasis of human OSCC cell lines. Zingerone NPs elicited significant cytotoxicity in three OSCC cell lines compared to zingerone. Moreover, the lower dose of zingerone NPs (25 µM) markedly inhibited colony formation and colony survival by at least five-fold compared to zingerone treatment. Additionally, zingerone NPs significantly attenuated cell motility and invasiveness. In terms of the signaling mechanism, we determined that the zingerone NP-mediated downregulation of Akt signaling played an important role in the inhibition of cell viability and cell motility. Zingerone NPs inhibited matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, which was highly correlated with the attenuation of cell migration and cell invasion. By further detecting the roles of zingerone NPs in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), we observed that zingerone NPs substantially altered the levels of EMT-related markers by decreasing the levels of the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin, rather than the epithelial proteins, ZO-1 and E-cadherin, compared with zingerone. In conclusion, as novel and efficient phytochemically derived nanoparticles, zingerone NPs may serve as a potent adjuvant to protect against cell invasion and metastasis, which will provide a beneficial strategy for future applications in chemoprevention and conventional therapeutics in OSCC treatment.
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Wang D, Ren Y, Sun W, Gong J, Zou X, Dong H, Xu L, Wang K, Lu F. Berberine Ameliorates Glucose Metabolism in Diabetic Rats through the alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor-Related Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway. PLANTA MEDICA 2022; 88:33-42. [PMID: 33682914 DOI: 10.1055/a-1385-8015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Berberine is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid extracted from Chinese herbs. Recent studies have demonstrated the therapeutic effect of berberine on glucose metabolic disorders. However, its specific mechanism is still unclear. Our study aimed to research the glucose-lowering effect of berberine in diabetic rats and to reveal the possible role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Diabetic rats induced by administration of a high-calorie diet and streptozocin tail vein injection were assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test. Then, the diabetic rats were divided into two groups, those with or without the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene downregulated, respectively, followed by treatment including berberine for 6 weeks. Results of this study show that the administration of berberine downregulated levels of fasting blood glucose and fasting insulin, and ameliorated insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Treatment with berberine inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, and upregulated acetylcholine levels in the serum and alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene expression in the liver tissue. Meanwhile, berberine reversed elevated expression of cytokines interleukin-1β and TNF-α in the serum and downregulated nuclear factor κB expression. However, berberine administration showed no glucose-lowering or anti-inflammatory effect in diabetic rats in which alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene expression was downregulated, and acetylcholinesterase activity was also significantly inhibited. In conclusion, berberine may ameliorate glucose metabolism by activating the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingkun Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yanlin Ren
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ZhongShan hospital of Hubei province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Zou
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lijun Xu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kaifu Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fuer Lu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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17
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Ahrari A, Najafzadehvarzi H, Taravati A, Tohidi F. The inhibitory effect of PLGA-encapsulated berberine on hepatotoxicity and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) gene expression. Life Sci 2021; 284:119884. [PMID: 34389401 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver injury results in excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the liver, which is mainly produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and liver enzymes are the two hallmarks of liver injury. Previously, it has been confirmed that berberine (BBR) attenuates liver injury. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid (PLGA) encapsulated BBR against liver injury. METHODS Nanoprecipitation, encapsulation, and physio-chemical characterization of BBR-PLGA nanoparticles (BBR-PLGA-NP) have been done. The protective effects of BBR-PLGA-NPs and BBR against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated Wistar rats were investigated. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase were measured, and the expression level of α-SMA was quantified by qRT-PCR. To evaluate the liver changes, morphological and histological staining was done. RESULTS BBR-PLGA-NPs markedly reduced serum ALT and AST in rats treated with CCl4. Although the expression level of α-SMA was downregulated in the CCl4-injected rats that were treated with BBR, α-SMA expression in this group was still remarkably higher than the control group. α-SMA mRNA was significantly under-expressed (p < 0.05) by BBR-PLGA-NPs and the hepatic histology revealed BBR-PLGA-NPs made further improvements than free BBR. CONCLUSION The use of nanoparticle to encapsulate BBR is a worthy approach to enhance the curative effect of BBR against liver injuries, which donate a safe and effective drug delivery strategy to treat liver injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ahrari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Hossein Najafzadehvarzi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Ali Taravati
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Tohidi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran; Cancer Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
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18
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Wang C, Cheng Y, Zhang Y, Jin H, Zuo Z, Wang A, Huang J, Jiang J, Kong W. Berberine and Its Main Metabolite Berberrubine Inhibit Platelet Activation Through Suppressing the Class I PI3Kβ/Rasa3/Rap1 Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:734603. [PMID: 34690771 PMCID: PMC8531212 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.734603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Berberine (BBR), a natural product, was reported to inhibit platelet aggregation; however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of BBR in inhibiting platelet activation and thrombus formation. Methods: Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to determine the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of BBR and its main metabolite berberrubine (M2) on platelet activation in vitro and ex vivo. Purified integrin αIIbβ3, class I PI3K kit, and molecular docking were used to identify the possible targets of BBR and M2. A carrageenan-induced mouse thrombosis model was used to evaluate the effects of BBR on thrombus formation in vivo. Results: In vitro, BBR and M2 significantly inhibited ADP-induced integrin αIIbβ3 activation, reduced the level of P-selectin on the platelet membrane, and suppressed the binding of fibrinogen to the platelets. In this process, BBR and M2 greatly suppressed the PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibited Rasa3 membrane translocation and Rap1 activation. Furthermore, BBR and M2 selectively inhibited class I PI3Kβ, perhaps through binding to its active site. The activities of BBR were stronger than those of M2. After oral administration, BBR significantly inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway and Rap1 activation and suppressed ADP-induced platelet activation and carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice without prolonging bleeding time. Conclusions: We reveal for the first time the possible targets and mechanisms of BBR and M2 in inhibiting platelet activation. Our research may support the future clinical application of BBR as an antiplatelet drug in the prevention or treatment of thrombotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Cheng
- Department of Virology and NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanhui Zhang
- Department of Virology and NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtao Jin
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zengyan Zuo
- Department of Virology and NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Aiping Wang
- New Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianmei Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Department of Virology and NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Kong
- Department of Virology and NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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19
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Tobeiha M, Rajabi A, Raisi A, Mohajeri M, Yazdi SM, Davoodvandi A, Aslanbeigi F, Vaziri M, Hamblin MR, Mirzaei H. Potential of natural products in osteosarcoma treatment: Focus on molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112257. [PMID: 34688081 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most frequent type of bone cancer found in children and adolescents, and commonly arises in the metaphyseal region of tubular long bones. Standard therapeutic approaches, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, are used in the management of osteosarcoma. In recent years, the mortality rate of osteosarcoma has decreased due to advances in treatment methods. Today, the scientific community is investigating the use of different naturally derived active principles against various types of cancer. Natural bioactive compounds can function against cancer cells in two ways. Firstly they can act as classical cytotoxic compounds by non-specifically affecting macromolecules, such as DNA, enzymes, and microtubules, which are also expressed in normal proliferating cells, but to a greater extent by cancer cells. Secondly, they can act against oncogenic signal transduction pathways, many of which are activated in cancer cells. Some bioactive plant-derived agents are gaining increasing attention because of their anti-cancer properties. Moreover, some naturally-derived compounds can significantly promote the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy drugs, and in certain cases are able to ameliorate drug-induced adverse effects caused by chemotherapy. In the present review we summarize the effects of various naturally-occurring bioactive compounds against osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Tobeiha
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Ali Rajabi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Arash Raisi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mahshad Mohajeri
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Davoodvandi
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aslanbeigi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - MohamadSadegh Vaziri
- Student Research Committee, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa.
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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20
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Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacological Activities of Berberine in Diabetes Mellitus Treatment. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9987097. [PMID: 34471420 PMCID: PMC8405293 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9987097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has good clinical application prospects in diabetes treatment. In addition, TCM is less toxic and/or has fewer side effects and provides various therapeutic effects. Berberine (BBR) is isolated as the main component in many TCM kinds (e.g., Rhizoma Coptidis and Berberidis Cortex). Furthermore, BBR can reduce blood sugar and blood fat, alleviate inflammation, and improve the state of patients. Based on the recent study results of BBR in diabetes treatment, the BBR pharmacokinetics and mechanism on diabetes are mainly studied, and the specific molecular mechanism of related experimental BBR is systematically summarized and analyzed. Clinical studies have proved that BBR has a good therapeutic effect on diabetes, suggesting that BBR may be a promising drug candidate for diabetes. More detailed BBR mechanisms and pathways of BBR need to be studied further in depth, which will help understand the BBR pharmacology in diabetes treatment.
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21
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Li DD, Yu P, Xiao W, Wang ZZ, Zhao LG. Berberine: A Promising Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid for the Development of Hypolipidemic Drugs. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2634-2647. [PMID: 32901585 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908165913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Berberine, as a representative isoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits significant hypolipidemic activity in both animal models and clinical trials. Recently, a large number of studies on the lipid-lowering mechanism of berberine and studies for improving its hypolipidemic activity have been reported, but for the most part, they have been either incomplete or not comprehensive. In addition, there have been a few specific reviews on the lipid-reducing effect of berberine. In this paper, the physicochemical properties, the lipid-lowering mechanism, and studies of the modification of berberine all are discussed to promote the development of berberine as a lipid-lowering agent. Subsequently, this paper provides some insights into the deficiencies of berberine in the study of lipid-lowering drug, and based on the situation, some proposals are put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Li
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang South Road, Lianyungang 222001, China
| | - Zhen-Zhong Wang
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang South Road, Lianyungang 222001, China
| | - Lin-Guo Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
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22
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Oral berberine improves brain dopa/dopamine levels to ameliorate Parkinson's disease by regulating gut microbiota. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:77. [PMID: 33623004 PMCID: PMC7902645 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenylalanine–tyrosine–dopa–dopamine pathway provides dopamine to the brain. In this process, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme that hydroxylates tyrosine and generates levodopa (l-dopa) with tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) as a coenzyme. Here, we show that oral berberine (BBR) might supply H• through dihydroberberine (reduced BBR produced by bacterial nitroreductase) and promote the production of BH4 from dihydrobiopterin; the increased BH4 enhances TH activity, which accelerates the production of l-dopa by the gut bacteria. Oral BBR acts in a way similar to vitamins. The l-dopa produced by the intestinal bacteria enters the brain through the circulation and is transformed to dopamine. To verify the gut–brain dialog activated by BBR’s effect, Enterococcus faecalis or Enterococcus faecium was transplanted into Parkinson’s disease (PD) mice. The bacteria significantly increased brain dopamine and ameliorated PD manifestation in mice; additionally, combination of BBR with bacteria showed better therapeutic effect than that with bacteria alone. Moreover, 2,4,6-trimethyl-pyranylium tetrafluoroborate (TMP-TFB)-derivatized matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) imaging of dopamine identified elevated striatal dopamine levels in mouse brains with oral Enterococcus, and BBR strengthened the imaging intensity of brain dopamine. These results demonstrated that BBR was an agonist of TH in Enterococcus and could lead to the production of l-dopa in the gut. Furthermore, a study of 28 patients with hyperlipidemia confirmed that oral BBR increased blood/fecal l-dopa by the intestinal bacteria. Hence, BBR might improve the brain function by upregulating the biosynthesis of l-dopa in the gut microbiota through a vitamin-like effect.
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Zhang L, Wu X, Yang R, Chen F, Liao Y, Zhu Z, Wu Z, Sun X, Wang L. Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:588517. [PMID: 33680978 PMCID: PMC7933196 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal microbiota is a multi-faceted system that is unraveling novel contributors to the development and progression of several diseases. Berberine has been used to treat obesity, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and metabolic diseases in China. There are also clinical trials regarding berberine use in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine diseases. Berberine elicits clinical benefits at standard doses and has low toxicity. The mechanism underlying the role of berberine in lipid‐lowering and insulin resistance is incompletely understood, but one of the possible mechanisms is related to its effect on the gastrointestinal microbiota. An extensive search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences, Science Direct) was used to identify the role of the gastrointestinal microbiota in the berberine treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the pharmacologic effects of berberine on animals and humans by regulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichao Zhang
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruibing Yang
- Medical Department, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang, China
| | - Fang Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Liao
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zifeng Zhu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongdao Wu
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Sun
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lifu Wang
- Department of Parasitology of Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Biological Vector Control, Guangzhou, China
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Liu J, Feng W, Peng C. A Song of Ice and Fire: Cold and Hot Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:598744. [PMID: 33542688 PMCID: PMC7851091 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.598744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The theory of cold and hot properties is the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and has been successfully applied to combat human diseases for thousands of years. Although the theory of cold and hot is very important to guide the clinical application of TCMs, this ancient theory remains an enigma for a long time. In recent years, more and more researchers have tried to uncover this ancient theory with the help of modern techniques, and the cold and hot properties of a myriad of TCMs have been studied. However, there is no review of cold and hot properties. In this review, we first briefly introduced the basic theories about cold and hot properties, including how to distinguish between the cold and hot properties of TCMs and the classification and treatment of cold and hot syndromes. Then, focusing on the application of cold and hot properties, we take several important TCMs with cold or hot property as examples to summarize their traditional usage, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. In addition, the mechanisms of thermogenesis and antipyretic effect of these important TCMs, which are related to the cold and hot properties, were summarized. At the end of this review, the perspectives on research strategies and research directions of hot and cold properties were also offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wuwen Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwestern China, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Jeon JW, Lee SH, Kim D, Sung JH. In vitro hepatic steatosis model based on gut-liver-on-a-chip. Biotechnol Prog 2021; 37:e3121. [PMID: 33393209 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic steatosis, also known as fatty liver disease, occurs due to abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver. It has been known that gut absorption also plays an important role in the mechanism underlying hepatic steatosis. Conventional in vitro cell culture models have limitations in recapitulating the mechanisms of hepatic steatosis because it does not include the gut absorption process. Previously, we reported development of a microfluidic gut-liver chip that can recapitulate the gut absorption of fatty acids and subsequent lipid accumulation in liver cells. In this study, we performed a series of experiments to verify that our gut-liver chip reproduces various aspects of hepatic steatosis. The absorption of fatty acids was evaluated under various culture conditions. The anti-steatotic effect of turofexorate isopropyl (XL-335) and metformin was tested, and both drugs showed different action mechanisms. In addition, the oxidative stress induced by lipid absorption was evaluated. Our results demonstrate the potential of the gut-liver chip for use as a novel, physiologically realistic in vitro model to study fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Won Jeon
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Lee
- Department of Bionano Engineering, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghyun Kim
- School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hwan Sung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Hongik University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Tian X, Xu Z, Hu P, Yu Y, Li Z, Ma Y, Chen M, Sun Z, Liu F, Li J, Huang C. Determination of the antidiabetic chemical basis of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex by integrating hepatic disposition in vivo and hepatic gluconeogenese inhibition in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 263:113215. [PMID: 32768636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC) has been an herb clinically used to treat diabetes, but the chemical basis of its antidiabetic effects has remained unclear. AIM OF THIS STUDY Based on the efficacy of herbal medicine resulting from the cooperative response of the effective compounds in the target organs with sufficient exposure, the in vivo hepatic disposition and in vitro hepatic gluconeogenesis inhibition were integrated to elucidate the chemical basis for the antidiabetic effect of orally administered PCC from a target organ, liver, perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS With a developed and validated HPLC-MS/MS method, three alkaloids and five metabolites were determined in the portal vein plasma, liver, and systemic plasma of rats orally administered PCC. The inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis by the eight compounds was evaluated in primary hepatocytes. RESULTS The in vivo results showed that magnoflorine was present at the highest concentration among the target constituents in the plasma, where berberine showed a low concentration. In contrast, berberine showed the highest concentration in the liver, and its five metabolites exhibited substantial hepatic accumulation. This discrepancy was strongly associated with the hepatic disposition of the compounds. The hepatic disposition prevented the transfer of 96.1% of the phellodendrine, 71.1% of the berberine and 47.5% of the magnoflorine from the portal vein plasma to the systemic plasma, which corresponded to their hepatic distribution and hepatic metabolism. In vitro, berberine, M1, M4 and M5 significantly and dose-dependently inhibited hepatic glucose production. By integrating the hepatic exposure and inhibitory activity data, we estimated that berberine contributed the most (74%) to the total glucose production inhibition of the orally administered PCC decoction, followed by M4 (14%), M1 (11%) and M5 (1%). CONCLUSION This study was the first to comprehensively describe the pharmacokinetic profiles and hepatic disposition of alkaloids in PCC, and concluded that berberine and its metabolites contributed the most to the total hepatic gluconeogenesis inhibition by orally administered PCC. These results reveal the chemical basis for the antidiabetic effect of orally administered PCC decoction, providing scientific evidence to support the clinical usage of PCC in diabetes treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Pei Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhixiong Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuanjie Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Mingcang Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jingya Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Chenggang Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Zeng Q, Deng H, Li Y, Fan T, Liu Y, Tang S, Wei W, Liu X, Guo X, Jiang J, Wang Y, Song D. Berberine Directly Targets the NEK7 Protein to Block the NEK7-NLRP3 Interaction and Exert Anti-inflammatory Activity. J Med Chem 2020; 64:768-781. [PMID: 33440945 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), a traditional Chinese medicine, has therapeutic effects on a variety of inflammation-related diseases, but its direct proteomic targets remain unknown. Using activity-based protein profiling, we first demonstrated that BBR directly targets the NEK7 protein via the hydrogen bond between the 2,3-methylenedioxy and 121-arginine (R121) residues. The fact that R121 is located precisely within the key domain involved in the NEK7-NLRP3 interaction allows BBR to specifically block the NEK7-NLRP3 interaction and successively inhibit IL-1β release, independent of the NF-κB and TLR4 signaling pathways. Moreover, BBR displays in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy in a NEK7-dependent manner. Therefore, we consider NEK7 to be a key target of BBR in the treatment of NLRP3-related inflammatory diseases, and the development of novel NEK7-NLRP3 interaction inhibitors might be easily achieved using NEK7 as a target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxuan Zeng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hongbin Deng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Tianyun Fan
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sheng Tang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaojia Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xixi Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanxiang Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Danqing Song
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Wang S, Xu Z, Cai B, Chen Q. Berberine as a Potential Multi-Target Agent for Metabolic Diseases: A Review of Investigations for Berberine. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2020; 21:971-979. [PMID: 32914727 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320666200910105612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a botanic alkaloid extracted from Coptis chinensis (Huanglian), which has various properties, compassing anti-hyperglycemia, anti-obesity, anti-inflammation, and improves insulin resistance, etc. Several researches have confirmed that BBR has effective actions in treating glycolipid metabolic abnormalities. BBR is also beneficial in regulating intestinal flora. Metabolic diseases are strongly associated with metabolic disorders, which are growing in the population and dramatically impacting human health, which also have been considered as a leading cause of diseases and death globally. This review is to evaluate the metabolic properties of BBR, and its potential application to the treatment of metabolic diseases by its effective actions on metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengju Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Zhang Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Baochao Cai
- Endocrinology Department, Jiaxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Qiu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, China
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Preconditioning Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Berberine Supplementation on the Gene Expression of Angiogenesis Regulators and Caspase-3 Protein in the Rats with Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion (IR) Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4104965. [PMID: 32964031 PMCID: PMC7492950 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4104965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective It has been shown that angiogenesis is a desirable treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease. We set out to investigate the impact of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and berberine supplementation on the gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors and caspase-3 protein in rats suffering from myocardial ischemic-reperfusion injury. Methods Fifty rats were divided into the following groups: (1) trained, (2) berberine supplemented, (3) combined, and (4) IR. Each cohort underwent five sessions of HIIT per week for a duration of 8 weeks followed by induction of ischemia. Seven days after completion of reperfusion, changes in the gene expression of angiogenesis-related factors and caspase-3 protein were evaluated in the heart tissue. Results We observed a significant difference between four groups in the transcript levels of vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), and thrombospondin-1(TSP-1) (p ≤ 0.05). However, the difference in endostatin (ENDO) levels was not significant among the groups despite a discernible reduction (p ≥ 0.05). Moreover, caspase-3 protein and infarct size were significantly reduced in the intervention groups (p ≤ 0.05), and cardiac function increased in response to these interventions. Conclusion The treatments exert their effect, likely, by reducing caspase-3 protein and increasing the expression of angiogenesis-promoting factors, concomitant with a reduction in inhibitors of the process.
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Dietary berberine regulates lipid metabolism in muscle and liver of black sea bream ( Acanthopagrus schlegelii) fed normal or high-lipid diets. Br J Nutr 2020; 125:481-493. [PMID: 32718379 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114520003025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the influence of berberine (BBR) supplementation in normal and high-lipid (HL) diets on lipid metabolism and accumulation in black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii). BBR was supplemented at 50 mg/kg to control (Con, 11·1 % crude lipid) and high-lipid (HL, 20·2 % crude lipid) diets and named as ConB and HLB, respectively. After the 8-week feeding trial, fish body length and specific growth rate were significantly reduced by HL diets (P < 0·05). Muscle and whole-body crude lipid contents were significantly influenced by both BBR supplementation and dietary lipid level. Fish fed the HLB diet had significantly lower serum TAG, LDL-cholesterol contents and alanine aminotransferase activity compared with the HL group. The HL group presented vast lipid accumulation in the liver, and hypertrophied hepatocytes along with large lipid droplets, and translocation of nuclear to the cell periphery. These abnormalities in black sea bream were alleviated in the HLB group. BBR supplementation in the HL diet significantly down-regulated the hepatic expression levels of acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and pparγ, whereas the lipoprotein lipase, hormone-sensitive lipase and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a expression levels were significantly up-regulated. However, the expression levels of these genes showed opposite trends in muscle (except for pparγ). In conclusion, dietary BBR supplementation in the HL diet reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by down-regulating lipogenesis gene expression and up-regulating lipolysis gene expression, and it increased muscle lipid contents with opposite trends of the mechanism observed in the liver.
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Liu M, Xu Z. Berberine Promotes the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Alveolar Osteoblasts through Regulating the Expression of miR-214. Pharmacology 2020; 106:70-78. [PMID: 32688361 DOI: 10.1159/000508972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Alveolar osteoblasts have critical functions during alveolar bone regeneration. Berberine (BBR) and microRNAs (miRNAs) are considered to play important roles in regulating osteoblast differentiation. The study aimed to investigate the role and mechanisms of BBR in osteogenic differentiation of human alveolar osteoblasts (HAOBs) and determine miR-214 expression in the process. METHODS Healthy human alveolar bones were cultured in vitro and prepared for morphological observation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. The third generation of HAOBs was used for cell transfection and treated by different concentrations of BBR. Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to detect the effect of BBR and increased miR-214 on the proliferation of HAOBs. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of osteogenic differentiation-related genes and miR-214 level, respectively. RESULTS The ALP staining results were positive, indicating that cultured cells were HAOBs. Different concentrations of BBR significantly promoted the proliferation of HAOBs and increased the expression levels of ALP, osteocalcin (OCN), collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1), runt related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and osterix (OSX). Moreover, the expression of miR-214 was reduced as BBR concentrations increased, and the increase of miR-214 reversed the BBR-induced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HAOBs. CONCLUSION BBR could promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of HAOBs through downregulating the expression of miR-214.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengmao Xu
- Department of Stomatology, The Fourth Hospital of Wuhan, Wuhan, China,
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Encapsulation of berberine into liquid crystalline nanoparticles to enhance its solubility and anticancer activity in MCF7 human breast cancer cells. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2020.101756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Ren G, Guo JH, Qian YZ, Kong WJ, Jiang JD. Berberine Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in HepG2 Cells Through AMPKα1 Activation. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:647. [PMID: 32457629 PMCID: PMC7225256 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study is designed to investigate whether or not AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1) is required for natural product berberine (BBR) to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. Methods AMPKα1 knocked-out (KO, AMPKα1-/-) cells were obtained by co-transfection of the CRISPR/Cas9 KO and HDR (homology-directed repair) plasmid into HepG2 cells, as well as subsequent screen with puromycin. The expression levels of target proteins or mRNAs were determined by western blot or real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Cellular AMPK activity, glucose consumption, lactate release, glucose production, and lipid accumulation were determined by kits. Results The results showed that the AMPKα1 gene was successfully KO in HepG2 cells. In AMPKα1-/- cells, the protein expression of AMPKα1 and phosphorylated-AMPKα1 (p-AMPKα1) disappeared, the level of total AMPKα declined to about 45–50% of wild type (p < 0.01), while p-AMPKα level and AMPK activity were reduced to less than 10% of wild type (p < 0.001). BBR increased p-AMPKα1, p-AMPKα, AMPK activity, and stimulated glucose consumption, lactate release, inhibited glucose production in wild type HepG2 cells (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). BBR also reduced intracellular lipid accumulation and suppressed the expression of lipogenic genes in oleic acid (OA) treated wild type HepG2 cells (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). In AMPKα1-/- HepG2 cells, the stimulating effects of BBR on p-AMPKα1, p-AMPKα, AMPK activity, and its improving effects on glucose and lipid metabolism were completely abolished. Conclusion Our study proves that AMPKα1 plays a critical role for BBR to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells. Our results will provide new information to further understand the molecular mechanisms of BBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ren
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Zhen Qian
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, China
| | - Wei-Jia Kong
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Du X, Ma H, Yao J. The Anti-Cancer Mechanisms of Berberine: A Review. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:695-702. [PMID: 32099466 PMCID: PMC6996556 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s242329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) has been extensively studied in vivo and vitro experiments. BBR inhibits cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle and cell autophagy, and promoting cell apoptosis. BBR also inhibits cell invasion and metastasis by suppressing EMT and down-regulating the expression of metastasis-related proteins and signaling pathways. In addition, BBR inhibits cell proliferation by interacting with microRNAs and suppressing telomerase activity. BBR exerts its anti-inflammation and antioxidant properties, and also regulates tumor microenvironment. This review emphasized that BBR as a potential anti-inflammation and antioxidant agent, also as an effective immunomodulator, is expected to be widely used in clinic for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Wang
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyang Du
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ma
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Yao
- Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, People's Republic of China
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Kong WJ, Vernieri C, Foiani M, Jiang JD. Berberine in the treatment of metabolism-related chronic diseases: A drug cloud (dCloud) effect to target multifactorial disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 209:107496. [PMID: 32001311 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a multi-target drug (MTD) that has proven effective in the treatment of metabolism-related chronic diseases (CDs). However, the mode of action (MOA) of BBR remains to be clarified. At a cellular level, the inhibitory effect of BBR on mitochondrial enzymes is probably responsible for many of its biological activities, including the activation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and insulin receptor (InsR); these biological activities contribute to ameliorate peripheral blood metabolic profiles, e.g. by reducing plasma lipids and glucose levels, thus improving signs and symptoms of metabolic disorders. In this perspective, BBR acts as a targeted therapy. However, it also exerts pleiotropic systemic activities on some root causes of CDs that include antioxidant / anti-inflammatory effects and modifications of gut microbiota composition and metabolism, which may also contribute to its disease-modifying effects. After reviewing the different MOA of BBR, here we propose that BBR acts through a drug-cloud (dCloud) mechanism, as different to a drug-target effect. The dCloud here is defined as a group of terminal molecular events induced by the drug (or/and related metabolites), as well as the network connections among them. In this scenario, the therapeutic efficacy of BBR is the result of its dCloud effect acting on symptoms/signs as well as on root causes of the diseases. The dCloud concept is applicable to other established MTDs, such as aspirin, metformin, statins as well as to nutrient starvation, thus providing a novel instrument for the design of effective therapies against multifactorial metabolism-related CDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jia Kong
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, China
| | - Claudio Vernieri
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Foiani
- Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare, 20139 Milan, Italy; University of Milan, Italy.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Products and Function, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 100050 Beijing, China.
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Vanadium compounds induced damage of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and the protective effect of berberine. Biometals 2019; 32:785-794. [DOI: 10.1007/s10534-019-00211-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Berberine inhibits adipocyte differentiation, proliferation and adiposity through down-regulating galectin-3. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13415. [PMID: 31527742 PMCID: PMC6746795 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50103-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study is designed to investigate the effects of berberine (BBR) on galectin-3 (Gal-3) and the relationships to its suppressive activities on adipocyte differentiation, proliferation and adiposity. Our results showed that BBR greatly suppressed the differentiation and proliferation of mouse primary preadipocytes isolated from epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), during which the expression level of Gal-3 was down-regulated significantly. Overexpression of Gal-3 totally abolished the suppressive activities of BBR on Gal-3 expression, preadipocyte differentiation and proliferation. BBR reduced Gal-3 promoter activity, destabilized its mRNA and inhibited firefly luciferase activity of a recombinant plasmid containing the Gal-3 3′ untranslated region (UTR). Furthermore, BBR up-regulated microRNA (miRNA) let-7d expression and the suppressive activity on Gal-3 3′UTR was abolished by point mutation on the let-7d binding site. In mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), BBR up-regulated let-7d and down-regulated Gal-3 expression in eWAT; it also suppressed adipocyte differentiation and proliferation and reduced adiposity greatly. In summary, our study proves that BBR inhibits the differentiation and proliferation of adipocytes through down-regulating Gal-3, which is closely associated with its anti-obesity effect. Our results may support the future clinical application of BBR for the treatment of obesity or related diseases.
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Yue M, Tao Y, Fang Y, Lian X, Zhang Q, Xia Y, Wei Z, Dai Y. The gut microbiota modulator berberine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in rats by facilitating the generation of butyrate and adjusting the intestinal hypoxia and nitrate supply. FASEB J 2019; 33:12311-12323. [PMID: 31425655 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900425rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The commensal microbiota is one of the environmental triggers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies have identified the characteristics of the gut microbiota in patients with RA. However, it is still unclear how the microbiota can be modulated to slow down disease progression. In the present study, berberine, a modulator of gut microbiota with substantial anti-RA effect, was chosen to explore the mechanisms by which the microbiota modulators ameliorate RA. The results showed that oral administration of berberine alleviated collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats in a gut microbiota-dependent manner. Berberine down-regulated the diversity and richness of the gut bacteria, reduced the abundance of Prevotella, and elevated the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria in CIA rats as determined by the 16S rRNA gene sequence, which might function through limiting the generation of nitrate and stabilizing the physiologic hypoxia in the intestine. Moreover, berberine treatment significantly increased the intestinal butyrate level and promoted the expression and activity of butyryl-CoA:acetate-CoA transferase (BUT). The coadministration of a BUT inhibitor largely diminished the adjustment of intestinal environment and the antiarthritic effect of berberine. In conclusion, modulators of the gut microbiota might serve as therapeutic agents for RA by inducing the butyrate generation through promoting the expression and activity of BUT.-Yue, M., Tao, Y., Fang, Y., Lian, X., Zhang, Q., Xia, Y., Wei, Z., Dai, Y. The gut microbiota modulator berberine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in rats by facilitating the generation of butyrate and adjusting the intestinal hypoxia and nitrate supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Yue
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Tao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulai Fang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xingpan Lian
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yufeng Xia
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhifeng Wei
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Dai
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Du Y, Li X, Su C, Wang L, Jiang J, Hong B. The human gut microbiome - a new and exciting avenue in cardiovascular drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2019; 14:1037-1052. [PMID: 31315489 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2019.1638909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Over the past decade, numerous research efforts have identified the gut microbiota as a novel regulator of human metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). With the elucidation of underlying molecular mechanisms of the gut microbiota and its metabolites, the drug-discovery process of CVD therapeutics might be expedited. Areas covered: The authors describe the evidence concerning the impact of gut microbiota on metabolic disorders and CVD and summarize the current knowledge of the gut microbial mechanisms that underlie CVD with a focus on microbial metabolites. In addition, they discuss the potential impact of the gut microbiota on the drug efficacy of available cardiometabolic therapeutic agents. Most importantly, the authors review the role of the gut microbiome as a promising source of potential drug targets and novel therapeutics for the development of new treatment modalities for CVD. This review also presents the various effective strategies to investigate the gut microbiome for CVD drug-discovery approaches. Expert opinion: With the elucidation of its causative role in cardiometabolic disease and atherosclerosis, the human gut microbiome holds promises as a reservoir of novel potential therapeutic targets as well as novel therapeutic agents, paving a new and exciting avenue in cardiovascular drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China
| | - Xingxing Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China
| | - Chunyan Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China
| | - Li Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China
| | - Bin Hong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics , Beijing , China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College , Beijing , China
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Wang Z, Yang Y, Liu M, Wei Y, Liu J, Pei H, Li H. Rhizoma Coptidis for Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Literature Review. Curr Vasc Pharmacol 2019; 18:358-368. [PMID: 31291876 DOI: 10.2174/1570161117666190710151545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD) are major types of dementia, both of which cause heavy economic burdens for families and society. However, no currently available medicines can control dementia progression. Rhizoma coptidis, a Chinese herbal medicine, has been used for >2000 years and is now gaining attention as a potential treatment for AD and VaD. METHODS We reviewed the mechanisms of the active ingredients of Rhizoma coptidis and Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds in the treatment of AD and VaD. We focused on studies on ameliorating the risk factors and the pathological changes of these diseases. RESULTS The Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients include berberine, palmatine, coptisine, epiberberine, jatrorrhizine and protopine. The most widely studied ingredient is berberine, which has extensive therapeutic effects on the risk factors and pathogenesis of dementia. It can control blood glucose and lipid levels, regulate blood pressure, ameliorate atherosclerosis, inhibit cholinesterase activity, Aβ generation, and tau hyperphosphorylation, decrease neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and alleviate cognitive impairment. Other ingredients (such as jatrorrhizine, coptisine, epiberberine and palmatine) also regulate blood lipids and blood pressure; however, there are relatively few studies on them. Rhizoma coptidis-containing Chinese herbal compounds like Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang, Huanglian Wendan Decoction, Banxia Xiexin Decoction and Huannao Yicong Formula have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant stress activities, regulate insulin signaling, inhibit γ-secretase activity, neuronal apoptosis, tau hyperphosphorylation, and Aβ deposition, and promote neural stem cell differentiation, thereby improving cognitive function. CONCLUSION The "One-Molecule, One-Target" paradigm has suffered heavy setbacks, but a "multitarget- directed ligands" strategy may be viable. Rhizoma coptidis active ingredients and Rhizoma coptidiscontaining Chinese herbal compounds have multi-aspect therapeutic effects on AD and VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Meixia Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yun Wei
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jiangang Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Hui Pei
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
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Ma X, Deng J, Cui X, Chen Q, Wang W. Berberine exhibits antioxidative effects and reduces apoptosis of the vaginal epithelium in bacterial vaginosis. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:2122-2130. [PMID: 31410167 PMCID: PMC6676195 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common type of vaginitis. Berberine is a natural alkaline product that reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis in cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of berberine on oxidative stress and apoptotic rates of BV. Vaginal epithelial and discharge samples were obtained from 60 healthy individuals and 180 patients with BV before and after one month of berberine treatment. Clinical observation was documented for all patients before and after treatment for comparison. Additionally, an in vitro study was performed; the samples were divided into groups the following groups: Control, model (H2O2-treated), LT (low-dose berberine), MT (medium-dose berberine) and HT (high-dose berberine). Expression levels of the oxidative stress related proteins were detected by western blotting. Clinical symptoms of patients with BV significantly improved following berberine treatment. Oxidative stress in vaginal discharge was significantly lower following treatment, indicated by the increased activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, as well as the reduced levels of malondialdehyde and H2O2. Apoptosis of the vaginal epithelial cells was also reduced, which was indicated by the reduced expression of apoptosis proteins caspase-3, cytochrome C, capase-12 and Bax, and increased expression of Bcl-2. The results of the in vitro experiments demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in apoptosis with berberine treatment compared with levels before treatment. Oxidative stress relief was demonstrated by the reduced reactive oxygen species level and increased SOD and endothelial nitric oxide synthase levels, whereas suppression of apoptosis was further supported by the reduction in apoptotic proteins, as well as a decreased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Berberine exhibited effects on lowering oxidative stress in vaginal discharge and reducing oxidative damage, as well as apoptosis of the vaginal epithelium, which are beneficial to patients with bacterial vaginosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhen Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Junfeng Deng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Xinmu Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
| | - Weihua Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong 264000, P.R. China
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Rezaee R, Monemi A, SadeghiBonjar MA, Hashemzaei M. Berberine Alleviates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathy. J Pharmacopuncture 2019; 22:90-94. [PMID: 31338248 PMCID: PMC6645340 DOI: 10.3831/kpi.2019.22.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Paclitaxel (PTX) as an anticancer drug used against solid cancers, possesses adverse reactions such as neuropathic pain which has confined its use. PTX-induced neuropathic pain is mediated via activation of oxidative stress. Berberine (BER), an isoquinoline phytochemical found in several plants, exerts strong antioxidant and painkilling properties. In the current study, we aimed to evaluate pain-relieving effect of BER in a mouse model of PTX-induced neuropathic pain. Methods This study was done using 42 male albino mice that were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 7) as follow: Sham-operated (not treated with PTX), negative control group (PTX-treated mice receiving normal saline), BER 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg (PTX-treated mice receiving BER) and positive control group (PTX-treated mice receiving imipramine 10 mg/kg). Neuropathic pain was induced by intraperitoneal administration of four doses of PTX (2 mg/kg/day) on days 1, 3, 5 and 7. Then, on day 7, hot plate test was done to assess latency to heat to measure possible anti-neuropathic pain effect of BER. Results Four doses of PTX 2 mg/kg/day induced neuropathy that was reduced by BER at all time-points (i.e. 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min) after injection (P < 0.001 in comparison to control). The statistical analysis of data showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001 in comparison to negative control), at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after injection of BER 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg; in other words, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after BER administration, neuropathic pain was significantly reduced as compared to normal saline-treated mice. Conclusion Altogether, our results showed that PTX could induce neuropathic pain as reflected by hyperalgesia and BER could alleviate PTX-induced thermal hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Rezaee
- Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Department of Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, University Campus, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece.,HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Bldg. B, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi, Greece
| | - Alireza Monemi
- Students research Committee, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin SadeghiBonjar
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hashemzaei
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
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Li Y, Xie J, Li Y, Yang Y, Yang L. Literature data based systems pharmacology uncovers the essence of "body fire" in traditional Chinese medicine: A case by Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 237:266-285. [PMID: 30922854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Like other concepts in traditional Chinese medical theory, "body fire", a concept that has already been well-known and widely used in describing the symptoms and the treatment of corresponding diseases, is, however, still under suspicions in the western medicine due to its vague essence and symptoms. Presently, Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a typical popular TCM formula in cleansing the "body fire", is studied as a probe by a systems pharmacology method we produced, with purpose to explore the mechanisms of the potion, as well as to interpret the essence of "body fire" disease. METHODS The systematic process includes a pharmacokinetics prescreening, pharmacodynamics targets and pathways identification, and candidate-target-pathway network construction. RESULTS Through this method, 145 chemicals and 91 proteins are identified as active ingredients and "body fire"-related targets. And we find that the mechanism of HLJDT prescription for cleansing "body fire" lies in three, i.e., anti-OS/NS, anti-inflammation and anti-infection function modules, which are mainly executed through four, i.e., PI3K-AKT, MAPK, VEGF as well as Calcium signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Accordingly, the essence of "body fire" is a gradual process which is an integration of OS/NS, inflammation and infection. This work, we hope, may not only offer a systemic methodology for exploring and elucidating TCM concepts from a multi-scale perspective, but also provide an efficient way for herbal drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, PR China.
| | - Jing Xie
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, PR China.
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, PR China.
| | - Yinfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), Faculty of Chemical, Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, Liaoning, 116024, PR China
| | - Ling Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Kaya ST, Bozdogan O, Ozarslan TO, Taskin E, Eksioglu D, Erim F, Firat T, Yasar S. The protection of resveratrol and its combination with glibenclamide, but not berberine on the diabetic hearts against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias: the role of myocardial K ATP channel. Arch Physiol Biochem 2019; 125:114-121. [PMID: 29457517 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2018.1440409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cardiovascular dysfunctions such as life-threatening arrhythmias are one of the main reasons of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients Objective: We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of resveratrol, berberine and glibenclamide combinations on the ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced arrhythmias in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and to investigate the role of myocardial KATP channel in the possible anti-arrhythmic actions of the treatments. METHODS Two days after induction of diabetes, diabetic rats were treated with resveratrol [5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)], berberine (10 mg/kg, i.p) and glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, i.p) for 6 weeks. On the 43th day, experimental animals were subjected to 6-min ischemia and 6-min reperfusion in vivo. RESULTS The protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits was downregulated in the diabetic hearts. However, all drug treatments restored the protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits. Resveratrol alone and its combination with glibenclamide decreased the arrhythmia score, the arrhythmic period and the incidence of other types of arrhythmias during the reperfusion period. CONCLUSIONS The combination of resveratrol with glibenclamide may alleviate reperfusion-induced arrhythmias via an underlying mechanism not be only associated with the restoration of the protein expression of Kir6.2 subunits but also associated with the other subunits or ion channels underlying cardiac action potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salih T Kaya
- a Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Düzce University , Düzce , Turkey
| | - Omer Bozdogan
- b Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
| | - Talat O Ozarslan
- b Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
| | - Eylem Taskin
- c Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine , Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University , Niğde , Turkey
| | - Didem Eksioglu
- b Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
| | - Firdevs Erim
- b Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
| | - Tulin Firat
- d Faculty of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
| | - Selcuk Yasar
- b Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Biology , Abant İzzet Baysal University , Bolu , Turkey
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Tian X, Liu F, Li Z, Lin Y, Liu H, Hu P, Chen M, Sun Z, Xu Z, Zhang Y, Han L, Zhang Y, Pan G, Huang C. Enhanced Anti-diabetic Effect of Berberine Combined With Timosaponin B2 in Goto-Kakizaki Rats, Associated With Increased Variety and Exposure of Effective Substances Through Intestinal Absorption. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:19. [PMID: 30733676 PMCID: PMC6353801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Inspired by the traditionally clinical application of herb pair Zhimu-Huangbo to treat diabetes, a combination of plant ingredients, timosaponin B2 (TB-2) and berberine (BBR), was evaluated for their anti-diabetic efficacy and cooperative mechanisms. Methods: The efficacy and pharmacokinetics of orally administered TB-2 (33.3 mg/kg/day), BBR (66.7 mg/kg/day), and TB-2+BBR (100 mg/kg/day) were evaluated in spontaneously non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, and metformin (200 mg/kg/day) was used as a positive control. The comparative exposure of the parent drugs, timosaponin A3 (TB-2 metabolite), and M1–M5 (BBR metabolites) was quantified in the portal vein plasma (before hepatic disposition), liver, and systemic plasma (after hepatic disposition) of normal rats on single and combination treatments. Cooperative mechanism of TB-2 and BBR on intestinal absorption and hepatic metabolism was investigated in Caco-2 cells and primary hepatocytes, respectively. Results: After a 6-week experiment, non-fasting and fasting blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance test results showed that TB-2+BBR treatments (100 mg/kg/day) displayed significantly anti-diabetic efficacy in GK rats, comparable to that on metformin treatments. However, no significant improvement was observed on TB-2 or BBR treatments alone. Compared to single treatments, combination treatments led to the increased circulating levels of BBR by 107% in GK rats. In normal rats, the hepatic exposure of BBR, timosaponin A3, and M1–M5 was several hundred folds higher than their circulating levels. Co-administration also improved the levels in the plasma and liver by 41–114% for BBR, 141–230% for TB-2, and 12–282% for M1–M5. In vitro, the interaction between TB-2 and BBR was mediated by intestinal absorption, rather than hepatic metabolism. Conclusion: Combining TB-2 and BBR enhanced the anti-diabetic efficacy by increasing the in vivo variety of effective substances, including the parent compounds and active metabolites, and improving the levels of those substances through intestinal absorption. This study is a new attempt to assess the effects of combined plant ingredients on diabetes by scientifically utilizing clinical experience of an herb pair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Tian
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhixiong Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfei Lin
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Hu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mingcang Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiting Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Han
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guoyu Pan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenggang Huang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Li G, Zhao M, Qiu F, Sun Y, Zhao L. Pharmacokinetic interactions and tolerability of berberine chloride with simvastatin and fenofibrate: an open-label, randomized, parallel study in healthy Chinese subjects. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 13:129-139. [PMID: 30587933 PMCID: PMC6304249 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s185487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Fenofibrate (Fbt) is a prodrug that has been used to reduce low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and increase high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Simvastatin (Svt) is a classic lipid-lowering drug that is widely used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, while berberine chloride (Bbr) is a novel hypolipidemic agent and its blood-lipid-reducing mechanism is distinct from traditional drugs. Currently, drug combination is the trend in treating hyperlipidemia to improve clinical efficacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate drug interaction from the perspective of pharmacokinetics between Bbr and Fbt/Svt and the tolerability of combined administration in healthy Chinese subjects. Methods Healthy subjects (n=60) were randomly allocated to five treatment groups: Bbr alone, Fbt alone, Svt alone, Bbr plus Fbt, and Bbr plus Svt. The experiment was divided into two parts: single-dose administration and multiple-dose administration. Bbr, Fbt, and Svt were taken once every 8 hours, 24 hours, and 24 hours, respectively, over 7 days in the multidose group. Plasma samples were collected and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry was used to detect drug concentrations. Results No serious adverse reactions or intolerance were observed throughout the trial. More importantly, the combined-administration groups did not show an increase in incidence of side effects. Coadministration of Fbt and Svt with Bbr had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetic parameters of Bbr, except time to maximum concentration, apparent volume of distribution, and apparent clearance. Concurrent coadministration of Bbr had no obvious impact on the pharmacokinetic behavior of Fbt or Svt. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between sex and pharmacokinetic results. Conclusion All treatments were well tolerated. No clinically obvious pharmacokinetic interactions between Bbr and Fbt/Svt were observed with combined administration. The results demonstrated that Bbr can be coadministered safely with Fbt and Svt without dose adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China,
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China,
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China,
| | - Yaxin Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China,
| | - Limei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China,
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Chen H, Ji Y, Yan X, Su G, Chen L, Xiao J. Berberine attenuates apoptosis in rat retinal Müller cells stimulated with high glucose via enhancing autophagy and the AMPK/mTOR signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1201-1207. [PMID: 30372821 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) has beneficial effects on diabetes and the multiple complications of diabetes due to its anti-apoptotic activity; however, the effect of BBR on diabetic retinopathy and its mechanism of action have not been clarified. The present study investigated the effect of BBR on Müller cells stimulated with high glucose (HG). Primary retinal Müller cells were incubated with high glucose to induce cell apoptosis; cells were pretreated with the AMPK inhibitor compound C and the AMPK activator AICAR to further explore the role of the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in the anti-apoptotic action of BBR. Immunofluorescence was used to measure apoptosis and autophagy. Western blot analysis was employed to determine the levels of p-AMPK and p-mTOR, as well as apoptosis-related proteins and autophagy-related proteins in Müller cells. Our results showed that BBR attenuated apoptosis, up regulated Bcl-2 and down regulated Bax and caspase-3 expression; enhanced the formation of autophagy, elevated the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3II and activated the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in Müller cells under high glucose conditions compared with the control group. The effect of BBR was partly blocked by compound C and strengthened by AICAR. BBR may have therapeutic potential to protect Müller cells from high-glucose-inducing apoptosis through enhancing autophagy and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; General Hospital of Fushun Mining Bureau, Fushun, 113008, China
| | - Guanfang Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
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Zheng X, Zhang F, Shao D, Zhang Z, Cui L, Zhang J, Dawulieti J, Meng Z, Zhang M, Chen L. Gram-scale production of carrier-free fluorescent berberine microrods for selective liver cancer therapy. Biofactors 2018; 44:496-502. [PMID: 30365229 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Berberine, a widely used isoquinoline alkaloid in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to be a potential candidate in liver cancer therapy. However, the low therapeutic dose in the tumor target which is due to the poor solubility and oral bioavailability has limited its clinical application. In this study, fluorescent self-carried Berberine microrods (Ber-MRs) were prepared in gram-scale through a facile and cheap antisolvent precipitation method. Ber-MRs exhibited good optical properties, pH-responsive drug release behavior and selective and safe antitumor performance in vitro and in vivo without obvious toxicity. These findings have demonstrated that Ber-MRs are promising for efficient and safe liver cancer therapy. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(5):496-502, 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zhanqiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lianzhi Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Clinical Laboratory, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianati Dawulieti
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhaojie Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanomedicine Engineering Laboratory of Jilin Province, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Abstract
Epigenetic modifications include DNA methylation, histone modification, microRNA and lncRNA regulations, and take part in many physiological and pathological processes. Recently, it has been found that natural compounds are essential in regulation of epigenetics. By influencing the expression and activities of genes related with epigenetics and altering the expression and functions of miRNAs, many natural compounds exhibit the biological and pharmaceutical activities in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of many kinds of human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here in this review, the effects of several natural compounds on epigenetics and the underlying mechanisms were summarized, providing a new insight into the role of natural compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Nong-Lin-Xia Road 19#, Yue-Xiu District, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Zuohua Chi
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Nong-Lin-Xia Road 19#, Yue-Xiu District, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ruiping Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Nong-Lin-Xia Road 19#, Yue-Xiu District, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Zili Lei
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and WesternMedicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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Ma X, Chen Z, Wang L, Wang G, Wang Z, Dong X, Wen B, Zhang Z. The Pathogenesis of Diabetes Mellitus by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: Its Inhibition by Berberine. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:782. [PMID: 30100874 PMCID: PMC6072898 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial knowledge on the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) by oxidative stress and inflammation is available. Berberine is a biologically active botanical that can combat oxidative stress and inflammation and thus ameliorate DM, especially type 2 DM. This article describes the potential of berberine against oxidative stress and inflammation with special emphasis on its mechanistic aspects. In diabetic animal studies, the modified levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers were observed after administering berberine. In renal, fat, hepatic, pancreatic and several others tissues, berberine-mediated suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation was noted. Berberine acted against oxidative stress and inflammation through a very complex mechanism consisting of several kinases and signaling pathways involving various factors, including NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB) and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinases). Moreover, MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2) also have mechanistic involvement in oxidative stress and inflammation. In spite of above advancements, the mechanistic aspects of the inhibitory role of berberine against oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetes mellitus still necessitate additional molecular studies. These studies will be useful to examine the new prospects of natural moieties against DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Ma
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongjun Chen
- Dalian Municipal Central Hospital Affiliated of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Le Wang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Gesheng Wang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zihui Wang
- Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - XiaoBo Dong
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Binyu Wen
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhichen Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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