Oxyberberine, an absorbed metabolite of berberine, possess superior hypoglycemic effect via regulating the PI3K/Akt and Nrf2 signaling pathways

9-Hydroxy-8-oxypalmatine, a novel liver-mediated oxymetabolite of palmatine, alleviates hyperuricemia and kidney inflammation in hyperuricemic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Palmatine is a main bioactive alkaloid of Cortex Phellodendri, which has been commonly prescribed for the treatment of hyperuricemia (HUA) in China. The metabolites of palmatine were crucial to its prominent biological activity. 9-Hydroxy-8-oxypalmatine (9-OPAL) is a novel liver-mediated secondary oxymetabolite of palmatine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study was to assess the efficacy of 9-OPAL, a novel liver-mediated secondary oxymetabolite of palmatine derived from Cortex Phellodendri, in experimental HUA mouse model and further explore its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An in vitro metabolic experiment with OPAL was carried out using liver samples. We separated and identified a novel liver metabolite, and investigated its anti-HUA effect in mice. HUA mice were induced by potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine daily for one week. After 1 h of modeling, mice were orally administered with different doses of 9-OPAL (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg). The pathological changes of the kidneys were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E). The acute toxicity of 9-OPAL was assessed. The effects of 9-OPAL on serum levels of uric acid (UA), adenosine deaminase (ADA), xanthine oxidase (XOD), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or biochemical method. Furthermore, Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and molecular docking were used to investigate the effect of 9-OPAL on the expression of renal urate transporters and NLRP3 signaling pathway in HUA mice.

RESULTS

9-OPAL had been discovered to be a novel liver-mediated oxymetabolite of palmatine for the first time. Treatment with 9-OPAL significantly reduced the UA, CRE as well as BUN levels, and also effectively attenuated abnormal renal histopathological deterioration with favorable safety profile. Besides, 9-OPAL significantly decreased the serum and hepatic activities of XOD and ADA, dramatically inhibited the up-regulation of UA transporter protein 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter protein 9 (GLUT9), and reversed the down-regulation of organic anion transporter protein 1 (OAT1). Additionally, 9-OPAL effectively mitigated the renal inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18), and downregulated the transcriptional and translational expressions of renal Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like (ASC) and IL-1β in HUA mice. Molecular docking results revealed 9-OPAL bound firmly with XOD, OAT1, GLUT9, URAT1, NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC and IL-1β.

CONCLUSIONS

9-OPAL was found to be a novel liver-mediated secondary metabolite of PAL with favorable safety profile. 9-OPAL had eminent anti-hyperuricemic and renal-protective effects, and the mechanisms might be intimately associated with repressing XOD activities, modulating renal urate transporter expression and suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our investigation might also provide further experimental evidence for the traditional application of Cortex Phellodendri in the treatment of HUA.

Gut microbiota: a superior operator for dietary phytochemicals to improve atherosclerosis

Mounting evidence implicates the gut microbiota as a possible key susceptibility factor for atherosclerosis (AS). The employment of dietary phytochemicals that strive to target the gut microbiota has gained scientific support for treating AS. This study conducted a general overview of the links between the gut microbiota and AS, and summarized available evidence that dietary phytochemicals improve AS via manipulating gut microbiota. Then, the microbial metabolism of several dietary phytochemicals was summarized, along with a discussion on the metabolites formed and the biotransformation pathways involving key gut bacteria and enzymes. This study additionally focused on the anti-atherosclerotic potential of representative metabolites from dietary phytochemicals, and investigated their underlying molecular mechanisms. In summary, microbiota-dependent dietary phytochemical therapy is a promising strategy for AS management, and knowledge of "phytochemical-microbiota-biotransformation" may be a breakthrough in the search for novel anti-atherogenic agents.

Enhancing hepatoprotective action: oxyberberine amorphous solid dispersion system targeting TLR4

Oxyberberine (OBB) is a significant natural compound, with excellent hepatoprotective properties. However, the poor water solubility of OBB hinders its release and absorption thus resulting in low bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks of OBB, amorphous spray-dried powders (ASDs) of OBB were formulated. The dissolution, characterizations, and pharmacokinetics of OBB-ASDs formulation were investigated, and its hepatoprotective action was disquisitive in the D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury (ALI) mouse model. The characterizations of OBB-ASDs indicated that the crystalline form of OBB active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) was changed into an amorphous form in OBB-ASDs. More importantly, OBB-ASDs showed a higher bioavailability than OBB API. In addition, OBB-ASDs treatment restored abnormal histopathological changes, improved liver functions, and relieved hepatic inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in ALI mice. The spray drying techniques produced an amorphous form of OBB, which could significantly enhance the bioavailability and exhibit excellent hepatoprotective effects, indicating that the OBB-ASDs can exhibit further potential in hepatoprotective drug delivery systems. Our results provide guidance for improving the bioavailability and pharmacological activities of other compounds, especially insoluble natural compounds. Meanwhile, the successful development of OBB-ASDs could shed new light on the research process of poorly soluble medicine.

NADPHnet: a novel strategy to predict compounds for regulation of NADPH metabolism via network-based methods

Identification of compounds to modulate NADPH metabolism is crucial for understanding complex diseases and developing effective therapies. However, the complex nature of NADPH metabolism poses challenges in achieving this goal. In this study, we proposed a novel strategy named NADPHnet to predict key proteins and drug-target interactions related to NADPH metabolism via network-based methods. Different from traditional approaches only focusing on one single protein, NADPHnet could screen compounds to modulate NADPH metabolism from a comprehensive view. Specifically, NADPHnet identified key proteins involved in regulation of NADPH metabolism using network-based methods, and characterized the impact of natural products on NADPH metabolism using a combined score, NADPH-Score. NADPHnet demonstrated a broader applicability domain and improved accuracy in the external validation set. This approach was further employed along with molecular docking to identify 27 compounds from a natural product library, 6 of which exhibited concentration-dependent changes of cellular NADPH level within 100 μM, with Oxyberberine showing promising effects even at 10 μM. Mechanistic and pathological analyses of Oxyberberine suggest potential novel mechanisms to affect diabetes and cancer. Overall, NADPHnet offers a promising method for prediction of NADPH metabolism modulation and advances drug discovery for complex diseases.

Deciphering the shared mechanisms of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in treating type 2 diabetes and ulcerative colitis via bioinformatics and machine learning

Background

Although previous clinical studies and animal experiments have demonstrated the efficacy of Gegen Qinlian Decoction (GQD) in treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC), the underlying mechanisms of its therapeutic effects remain elusive.

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the shared pathogenic mechanisms between T2DM and UC and elucidate the mechanisms through which GQD modulates these diseases using bioinformatics approaches.

Methods

Data for this study were sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Targets of GQD were identified using PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction, while targets associated with T2DM and UC were compiled from the DrugBank, GeneCards, Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DisGeNET databases, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Our analysis encompassed six approaches: weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), immune infiltration analysis, single-cell sequencing analysis, machine learning, DEG analysis, and network pharmacology.

Results

Through GO and KEGG analysis of weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) modular genes and DEGs intersection, we found that the co-morbidity between T2DM and UC is primarily associated with immune-inflammatory pathways, including IL-17, TNF, chemokine, and toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Immune infiltration analysis supported these findings. Three distinct machine learning studies identified IGFBP3 as a biomarker for GQD in treating T2DM, while BACE2, EPHB4, and EPHA2 emerged as biomarkers for GQD in UC treatment. Network pharmacology revealed that GQD treatment for T2DM and UC mainly targets immune-inflammatory pathways like Toll-like receptor, IL-17, TNF, MAPK, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into the shared pathogenesis of T2DM and UC and clarifies the regulatory mechanisms of GQD on these conditions. It also proposes novel targets and therapeutic strategies for individuals suffering from T2DM and UC.

Supersaturated Drug Delivery System of Oxyberberine Based on Cyclodextrin Nanoaggregates: Preparation, Characterization, and in vivo Application

Propose

Oxyberberine (OBB), one of the main metabolites of berberine derived from intestinal and erythrocyte metabolism, exhibits appreciable anti-hyperuricemic activity. However, the low water solubility and poor plasma concentration-effect relationship of OBB hamper its development and utilization. Therefore, an OBB-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) supersaturated drug delivery system (SDDS) was prepared and characterized in this work.

Methods

OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS was prepared using the ultrasonic-solvent evaporation method and characterized. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo release experiments were conducted to assess the release kinetics of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS. Subsequently, the therapeutic efficacy of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS on hyperuricemia (HUA) was investigated by means of histopathological examination and evaluation of relevant biomarkers.

Results

The results of FT-IR, DSC, PXRD, NMR and molecular modeling showed that the crystallized form of OBB was transformed into an amorphous OBB-HP-β-CD complex. Dynamic light scattering indicated that this system was relatively stable and maintained by formation of nanoaggregates with an average diameter of 23 nm. The dissolution rate of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS was about 5 times higher than that of OBB raw material. Furthermore, the AUC0-t of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS (10.882 μg/mL*h) was significantly higher than that of the raw OBB counterpart (0.701 μg/mL*h). The oral relative bioavailability of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS was also enhanced by 16 times compared to that of the raw material. Finally, in vivo pharmacodynamic assay showed the anti-hyperuricemic potency of OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS was approximately 5-10 times higher than that of OBB raw material.

Conclusion

Based on our findings above, OBB-HP-β-CD SDDS proved to be an excellent drug delivery system for increasing the solubility, dissolution, bioavailability, and anti-hyperuricemic potency of OBB.

Mitigation of inflammatory bowel disease-related osteoporosis by oxyberberine: Insights into the RANKL/NF-κB signaling pathway

Inflammatory bowel disease is linked to a higher occurrence of bone loss. Oxyberberine can effectively improve experimental inflammatory bowel disease. However, no study has shown the effect of oxyberberine on inflammatory bowel disease induced bone loss. The present study was performed to investigate the role of oxyberberine in inflammatory bowel disease induced osteoporosis in chronic inflammatory bowel disease mice model. The inflammatory bowel disease mice were orally given two doses of oxyberberine daily. Blood, colon, and bone specimens were collected for biomarker assessments and histological examinations. Bone biomechanical properties and key proteins and genes involved in the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway were evaluated. Additionally, the binding characteristics of oxyberberine and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand were evaluated by in silico simulation. Results indicated that oxyberberine treatment significantly attenuated the macroscopic damage, colonic shortening, and histological injury from the colon. Furthermore, oxyberberine decreased serum inflammatory cytokine levels. The intervention with oxyberberine significantly mitigated the deterioration of bone mass, biomechanical properties, and microstructural parameters. Moreover, the upregulated osteoclast formation factors in model mice were significantly abolished by oxyberberine. In silico simulation results also showed that oxyberberine was firmly bound with target protein. Hence, our findings indicated that oxyberberine had the potential to mitigate inflammatory bowel disease induced inflammation in bone, inhibit osteoclast formation through regulating the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand/nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, and might be a valuable approach in preventing bone loss associated with inflammatory bowel disease.

Oxyberberine protects middle cerebral artery occlusion triggered cerebral injury through TLR4/NLRP3 pathway in rats

Cerebral ischemia is a life-threatening health concern that leads to severe neurological complications and fatalities worldwide. Although timely intervention with clot-removing agents curtails serious post-stroke neurological dysfunctions, no effective neuroprotective intervention is available for addressing post-recanalization neuroinflammation. Herein, for the first time we studied the effect of oxyberberine (OBB), a derivative of berberine, on transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-generated neurological consequences in Sprague-Dawley rats. The MCAO-operated rats exhibited significant somatosensory and sensorimotor dysfunctions in adhesive removal, foot fault, paw whisker, and rotarod assays at 1 and 3 days post-surgery. These MCAO-generated neurological deficits were prevented in OBB-treated (50 and 100 mg/kg) rats, and also coincided with a smaller infarct area (in 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining) and decreased neuronal death (in cresyl violet staining) in the ipsilateral hemisphere of these animals. The immunostaining of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) and glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) also echoes the neuroprotective nature of OBB. The increased expression of neuroinflammatory and blood-brain barrier tight junction proteins like toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TRAF-6, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), pNF-κB, nNOS, ASC, and IKBα in the ipsilateral part of MCAO-operated rats were restored to normal following OBB treatment. We also observed the decline in plasma levels/mRNA transcription of TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, IL-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 and increased expression of occludin and claudin in OBB-treated rats. These outcomes imply that OBB may prevent the MCAO-induced neurological consequences and neuroinflammation by interfering with TLR4 and NLRP3 signaling in rats.

Estrogen genotoxicity causes preferential development of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy in females

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is a genetically complex, age-related, female-predominant disorder characterized by loss of post-mitotic corneal endothelial cells (CEnCs). Ultraviolet-A (UVA) light has been shown to recapitulate the morphological and molecular changes seen in FECD to a greater extent in females than males, by triggering CYP1B1 upregulation in females. Herein, we investigated the mechanism of greater CEnC susceptibility to UVA in females by studying estrogen metabolism in response to UVA in the cornea. Loss of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) resulted in increased production of estrogen metabolites and mitochondrial-DNA adducts, with a higher CEnC loss in Nqo1-/- female compared to wild-type male and female mice. The CYP1B1 inhibitors, trans-2,3',4,5'-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS) and berberine, rescued CEnC loss. Injection of wild-type male mice with estrogen (E2; 17β-estradiol) increased CEnC loss, followed by increased production of estrogen metabolites and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage, not seen in E2-treated Cyp1b1-/-male mice. This study demonstrates that the endo-degenerative phenotype is driven by estrogen metabolite-dependent CEnC loss that is exacerbated in the absence of NQO1; thus, explaining the mechanism accounting for the higher incidence of FECD in females. The mitigation of estrogen-adduct production by CYP1B1 inhibitors could serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for FECD.

The pharmacological effects of Berberine and its therapeutic potential in different diseases: Role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway plays a central role in cell growth and survival and is disturbed in various pathologies. The PI3K is a kinase that generates phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI (3-5) P3), as a second messenger responsible for the translocation of AKT to the plasma membrane and its activation. However, due to the crucial role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in regulation of cell survival processes, it has been introduced as a main therapeutic target for natural compounds during the progression of different pathologies. Berberine, a plant-derived isoquinone alkaloid, is known because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antitumor properties. The effect of this natural compound on cell survival processes has been shown to be mediated by modulation of the intracellular pathways. However, the effects of this natural compound on the PI3K/AKT pathway in various pathologies have not been reviewed so far. Therefore, this paper aims to review the PI3K/AKT-mediated effects of Berberine in different types of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, and central nervous system diseases.

Maackiain Mimics Caloric Restriction through aak-2-Mediated Lipid Reduction in Caenorhabditis elegans

Obesity prevalence is becoming a serious global health and economic issue and is a major risk factor for concomitant diseases that worsen the quality and duration of life. Therefore, the urgency of the development of novel therapies is of a particular importance. A previous study of ours revealed that the natural pterocarpan, maackiain (MACK), significantly inhibits adipogenic differentiation in human adipocytes through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-dependent mechanism. Considering the observed anti-adipogenic potential of MACK, we aimed to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms that drive its biological activity in a Caenorhabditis elegans obesity model. Therefore, in the current study, the anti-obesogenic effect of MACK (25, 50, and 100 μM) was compared to orlistat (ORST, 12 μM) as a reference drug. Additionally, the hybrid combination between the ORST (12 μM) and MACK (100 μM) was assessed for suspected synergistic interaction. Mechanistically, the observed anti-obesogenic effect of MACK was mediated through the upregulation of the key metabolic regulators, namely, the nuclear hormone receptor 49 (nhr-49) that is a functional homologue of the mammalian PPARs and the AMP-activated protein kinase (aak-2/AMPK) in C. elegans. Collectively, our investigation indicates that MACK has the potential to limit lipid accumulation and control obesity that deserves future developments.

Berberine-microbiota interplay: orchestrating gut health through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic transformation into bioactive metabolites

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in plants. It presents a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, despite a low oral bioavailability. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota is the target of berberine, and that the microbiota metabolizes berberine to active metabolites, although little evidence exists in the specific species involved in its therapeutic effects. This study was performed to detail the bidirectional interactions of berberine with the broiler chicken gut microbiota, including the regulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolism by berberine and metabolization of berberine by the gut microbiota, and how they contribute to berberine-mediated effects on gut health. As previous evidence showed that high concentrations of berberine may induce dysbiosis, low (0.1 g/kg feed), middle (0.5 g/kg feed) and high (1 g/kg feed) doses were here investigated. Low and middle doses of in-feed berberine stimulated potent beneficial bacteria from the Lachnospiraceae family in the large intestine of chickens, while middle and high doses tended to increase villus length in the small intestine. Plasma levels of the berberine-derived metabolites berberrubine, thalifendine and demethyleneberberine were positively correlated with the villus length of chickens. Berberrubine and thalifendine were the main metabolites of berberine in the caecum, and they were produced in vitro by the caecal microbiota, confirming their microbial origin. We show that members of the genus Blautia could demethylate berberine into mainly thalifendine, and that this reaction may stimulate the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) acetate and butyrate, via acetogenesis and cross-feeding respectively. We hypothesize that acetogens such as Blautia spp. are key bacteria in the metabolization of berberine, and that berberrubine, thalifendine and SCFAs play a significant role in the biological effect of berberine.

Oxyberberine an oxoderivative of berberine confers neuroprotective effects in controlled-cortical impact mouse model of traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is known as a silent epidemic that causes many deaths and disabilities worldwide. We examined the response of oxyberberine (OBB) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglial cells and a controlled-cortical impact (CCI) mouse model of TBI.

METHODS

We synthesized OBB from berberine, and also prepared OBB-nanocrystals (OBB-NC). Male C57BL/6 mice were used for CCI surgery, and post-CCI neurobehavioral deficits were assessed from 1 h after injury through 21 days post-injury (dpi).

RESULTS

OBB treatment reduced the lipopolysaccharide-triggered elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in BV2 microglial cells, indicating a neuroprotective potential. CCI-operated mice exhibited significant neurological deficits on 1, 3, and 5 dpi in neurological severity scoring and rotarod assay. OBB (25 and 50 mg/kg/day) and OBB-NC (3 mg/kg/day) ameliorated these neurological aberrations. Mice subjected to CCI surgery also displayed anxiogenic- and depression-like behaviours, and cognitive impairments in forced-swimming test and elevated-zero maze, and novel object recognition task, respectively. Administration of OBB reduced these long-term neuropsychiatric complications, and also levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), high-motility group protein 1 (HMGB1), NF-κB, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 6 cytokines in the ipsilateral cortex of mice.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the administration of OBB offers neuroprotective effects via inhibition of HMGB1-mediated TLR4/NFκB pathway.

Efficacy and underlying mechanisms of berberine against lipid metabolic diseases: a review

Lipid-lowering therapy is an important tool for the treatment of lipid metabolic diseases, which are increasing in prevalence. However, the failure of conventional lipid-lowering drugs to achieve the desired efficacy in some patients, and the side-effects of these drug regimens, highlight the urgent need for novel lipid-lowering drugs. The liver and intestine are important in the production and removal of endogenous and exogenous lipids, respectively, and have an important impact on circulating lipid levels. Elevated circulating lipids predisposes an individual to lipid deposition in the vascular wall, affecting vascular function. Berberine (BBR) modulates liver lipid production and clearance by regulating cellular targets such as cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-BI), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1). It influences intestinal lipid synthesis and metabolism by modulating gut microbiota composition and metabolism. Finally, BBR maintains vascular function by targeting proteins such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1). This paper elucidates and summarizes the pharmacological mechanisms of berberine in lipid metabolic diseases from a multi-organ (liver, intestine, and vascular system) and multi-target perspective.

Coptis chinensis and Berberine Ameliorate Chronic Ulcerative Colitis: An Integrated Microbiome-Metabolomics Study

Coptis chinensis Franch (RC), has historically been used for the treatment of "Xiao Ke" and "Xia Li" symptoms in China. "Xia Li" is characterized by abdominal pain and diarrhea, which are similar to the clinical symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC). For the first time, this study aims to compare the anti-colitis effects of berberine (BBR) and total RC alkaloids (TRCA) and investigate the underlying metabolites and gut microbiota biomarkers. Metabolomics results showed that several colitis-related biomarkers, including lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine, lysophosphatidylcholine, scopolamine-methyl-bromide, N1-methyl-2-pyridone-5-carboxamide, 4-hydroxyretinoic acid, and malic acid, were significantly improved in model mice after BBR and TRCA treatments. High-dose BBR and TRCA treatments reversed the mouse colon shortening caused by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS), alleviated bowel wall swelling, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. BBR and TRCA restored the damaged mucosa integrity in colitis mice by upregulating claudin 1 and occludin, preventing colon epithelium apoptosis by inhibiting the cleavage of caspase 3. Additionally, BBR and TRCA significantly decreased the richness of the pathogenic bacteria Bacteroides acidifaciens but increased the abundance of the probiotic Lactobacillus spp. Notably, TRCA exhibited superior anti-colitis effects to those of BBR. Thus, this agent warrants further study and application in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in the clinic.

Nrf2: Therapeutic target of islet function protection in diabetes and islet transplantation

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been reported as a major intracellular regulator of antioxidant stress, notably in islet β cells with low antioxidant enzyme content. Nrf2 is capable of regulating antioxidant function, while it can also regulate insulin secretion, proliferation, and differentiation of β cells, ER stress, as well as mitochondrial function. Thus, Nrf2 pharmacological activators have been employed in the laboratory for the treatment of diabetic mice. Islet cells are exposed to oxidative environment when islet is being transplanted. Accordingly, less than 50% of islet cells are well transplanted, and their normal function is maintained. The pharmacological activation of Nrf2 has been confirmed to protect islet cells at different stages of transplantation stages during experiments for islet transplantation.

Berberine and Its Study as an Antidiabetic Compound

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that causes hyperglycemia conditions and leads to various chronic complications that causes death. The prevalence of diabetes is predicted to continue to increase, and with the high toxicity levels of current diabetes drugs, the exploration of natural compounds as alternative diabetes treatment has been widely carried out, one of which is berberine. Berberine and several other alkaloid compounds, including some of its derivatives, have shown many bioactivities, such as neuraminidase and hepatoprotective activity. Berberine also exhibits antidiabetic activity. As an antidiabetic compound, berberine is known to reduce blood glucose levels, increase insulin secretion, and weaken glucose tolerance and insulin resistance by activating the AMPK pathway. Apart from being an antidiabetic compound, berberine also exhibits various other activities such as being anti-adipogenic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Many studies have been conducted on berberine, but its exact mechanism still needs to be clarified and requires further investigation. This review will discuss berberine and its mechanism as a natural compound with various activities, mainly as an antidiabetic.

Protective Effect of Fucoxanthin on Zearalenone-Induced Hepatic Damage through Nrf2 Mediated by PI3K/AKT Signaling

Hepatotoxic contaminants such as zearalenone (ZEA) are widely present in foods. Marine algae have a wide range of potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products. Research is ongoing to develop treatments and products based on the compounds found in algae. Fucoxanthin (FXN) is a brown-algae-derived dietary compound that is reported to prevent hepatotoxicity caused by ZEA. This compound has multiple biological functions, including anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, FXN is a powerful antioxidant. In this study, we examined the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced stress and inflammation in HepG2 cells. MTT assays, ROS generation assays, Western blots, and apoptosis analysis were used to evaluate the effects of FXN on ZEA-induced HepG2 cell inflammation. Pre-incubation with FXN reduced the cytotoxicity of ZEA toward HepG2 cells. FXN inhibited the ZEA-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, FXN increased HO-1 expression in HepG2 by activating the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 signaling pathway. In conclusion, FXN inhibits ZEA-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes by targeting Nrf2 via activating PI3K/AKT signaling.

Oxyberberine ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis in rats through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via Keap1/Nrf2/NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, unspecific inflammatory bowel disorder lacking effective therapeutic targets and radical drugs. Oxyberberine (OBB), a novel intestinal flora-elicited oxidative metabolite of berberine (BBR), has been revealed to exhibit diverse pharmacological properties.

PURPOSE

In this follow-up study, we attempted to shed light on the possible therapeutic effect and latent mechanism of OBB on 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS)-evoked UC in rats.

METHODS

UC rats were established via a gentle enema of TNBS. Rats were sacrificed after intragastric administration of drugs for seven days. The weight reduction, disease activity index, macroscopic and histological colonic alterations were assessed. Further investigation on molecular mechanisms was conducted by ELISA, qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, or Western blot.

RESULTS

OBB treatment remarkably decreased the weight loss, macroscopic scores, and colonal weight/length ratio, as well as mitigated the colonic pathological deterioration and MPO vitality in colitis rats, achieving a superior protective effect to BBR. Additionally, OBB modulated the disequilibrium between pro- and anti-inflammatory factors by promoting the production of IL-13 and IL-4, and lowering the contents of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, and IL-22. Furthermore, OBB pretreatment dramatically ameliorated oxidative stress via enhancing antioxidant defense genes expressions (including HO-1, GCLM, GCLC, and NQO-1), thereby increasing SOD and GSH, and decreasing MDA and ROS activities. Furthermore, OBB strikingly restrained the translocation of NF-κB p65 and phosphorylation of IκBα, promoted HO-1 expression, Keap1 degradation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSION

The study firstly indicated that OBB had a superior therapeutic effect than BBR against TNBS-elicited colitis in rats. The protective effect of OBB might be closely related to the modulation of Keap1/Nrf2/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response and oxidant stress. The evidences highlight the potentiality of OBB as a prospective candidate for the amelioration of colitis.

Intestines-erythrocytes-mediated bio-disposition deciphers the hypolipidemic effect of berberine from Rhizoma Coptidis: A neglected insight

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Coptidis (RC), the dried rhizome of Coptis Chinensis Franch., can dispel dampness and heat within the body and has been traditionally used for the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated problems including hyperlipidemia in China. Berberine (BBR) is the main active component of RC, which has been shown to possess significant therapeutic potential. However, only 0.14% of BBR is metabolized in the liver, and the extremely low bioavailability (<1%) and blood concentration of BBR in experimental and clinical settings is insufficient to achieve the effects as observed under in vitro conditions, which imposes challenges to explain its excellent pharmacological actions. Intense efforts are currently being devoted to defining its specific pharmacological molecular targets, while the exploration from the perspective of its pharmacokinetic disposition has rarely been reported to date, which could hardly make a comprehensive understanding of its hypolipidemic enigma.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study made a pioneering endeavor to unveil the hypolipidemic mechanism of BBR from RC focusing on its unique intestines-erythrocytes-mediated bio-disposition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The fate of BBR in intestines and erythrocytes was probed by a rapid and sensitive LC/MS-IT-TOF method. To analyze the disposition of BBR, a reliable HPLC method was subsequently developed and validated for simultaneous determination of BBR and its key active metabolite oxyberberine (OBB) in whole blood, tissues, and excreta. Meanwhile, the enterohepatic circulation (BDC) of BBR and OBB was verified by bile duct catheterization rats. Finally, lipid overloading models of L02 and HepG2 cells were employed to probe the lipid-lowering activity of BBR and OBB at in vivo concentration.

RESULTS

The results showed that BBR underwent biotransformation in both intestines and erythrocytes, and converted into the major metabolite oxyberberine (OBB). The AUC_0-t ratio of total BBR to OBB was approximately 2:1 after oral administration. Besides, the AUC_0-t ratio of bound BBR to its unbound counterpart was 4.6:1, and this ratio of OBB was 2.5:1, indicative of abundant binding-type form in the blood. Liver dominated over other organs in tissue distribution. BBR was excreted in bile, while the excretion of OBB in feces was significantly higher than that in bile. Furthermore, the bimodal phenomenon of both BBR and OBB disappeared in BDC rats and the AUC_0-t was significantly lower than that in the sham-operated control rats. Interestingly, OBB significantly decreased triglycerides and cholesterol levels in lipid overloading models of L02 and HepG2 cells at in vivo-like concentration, which was superior to the prodrug BBR.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulatively, BBR underwent unique extrahepatic metabolism and disposition into OBB by virtue of intestines and erythrocytes. BBR and OBB were mainly presented and transported in the protein-bound form within the circulating erythrocytes, potentially resulting in hepatocyte targeting accompanied by obvious enterohepatic circulation. The unique extrahepatic disposition of BBR via intestines and erythrocytes conceivably contributed enormously to its hypolipidemic effect. OBB was the important material basis for the hypolipidemic effect of BBR and RC.

Dimeric oxyberberine CT4-1 targets LINC02331 to induce cytotoxicity and inhibit chemoresistance via suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of cancer characterized by high recurrence rates. Overcoming chemoresistance can reduce HCC recurrence and improve patients' prognosis. This work aimed to identify HCC chemoresistance-associated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and find an effective drug targeting the identified lncRNA for ameliorating the chemoresistance. In this investigation, bioinformatics analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed a new chemoresistance index and suggested LINC02331 as an HCC chemoresistance and patients' prognosis-associated lncRNA that served as an independent prognostic indicator. Moreover, LINC02331 promoted DNA damage repair, DNA replication, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition as well as attenuated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thus stimulating HCC resistance to cisplatin cytotoxicity, proliferation, and metastasis. Interestingly, we developed a novel oxidative coupling approach to synthesize a dimeric oxyberberine CT4-1, which exerted superior anti-HCC activities without obvious side effects measured by in vivo mice model and could downregulate LINC02331 mice model and could downregulate LINC02331 to mitigate LINC02331-induced HCC progression by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RNA sequencing analyses verified the involvement of CT4-1-affected differential expression genes in dysregulated pathways and processes, including Wnt, DNA damage repair, cell cycle, DNA replication, apoptosis, and cell adhesion molecules. Furthermore, CT4-1 was demonstrated to be an effective cytotoxic drug in ameliorating HCC patients' prognosis with a prediction model constructed based on RNA-sequencing data from CT4-1-treated cancer cells and public cancer database. In summary, HCC chemoresistance-associated LINC02331 independently predicted poor patients' prognosis and enhanced HCC progression by promoting resistance to cisplatin cytotoxicity, proliferation, and metastasis. Targeting LINC02331 by the dimeric oxyberberine CT4-1 that exhibited synergistic cytotoxicity with cisplatin could alleviate HCC progression and improve patients' prognosis. Our study identified LINC02331 as an alternative target and suggested CT4-1 as an effective cytotoxic drug in HCC treatment.

Chrysin loaded nanovesicles ameliorated diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Role of NGF/AKT/GSK-3β pathway

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common diabetic complication. Chrysin (CHY) has many biological properties but poor oral bioavailability. This study investigates the effect of CHY and CHY-loaded nanovesicles (CHY-NVs) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DPN in rats. CHY-NVs were prepared by using film hydration method. The formula with the best entrapment efficiency%, lowest particle size, highest zeta potential, and highest in vitro CHY released profile was selected, characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy analysis, and examined by Transmission electron microscope. Acute toxicity test, pharmacokinetic study and experimental model of diabetes mellitus were performed on the selected formulation. Wistar rats were considered diabetic by administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of STZ (50 mg/kg). 48 h after STZ administration, hyperglycemic rats were randomly assigned into four groups, one group of untreated hyperglycemic rats and the other three groups received daily oral doses of unloaded NVs, CHY-NVs (25 mg/kg), and CHY-NVs (50 mg/kg), respectively for 21 days. Moreover, five additional groups of healthy rats received: distilled water (control), free CHY, unloaded NVs, and CHY-NVs respectively for 21 days. CHY and CHY-NVs maintained body weight and reduced STZ-induced behavioral changes in rotarod, hind paw cold allodynia, tail cold allodynia, tail flick, and hot plate tests. CHY and CHY-NVs lowered blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, elevated serum reduced glutathione (GSH), and reduced plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. CHY-NVs elevated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (Pi3k), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6) in sciatic nerve homogenate. CHY and CHY-NVs increased nerve growth factor (NGF) and decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) gene expressions in the sciatic nerve. In conclusion, CHY and CHY-NVs ameliorated STZ-induced DPN behavioral and histopathological changes via attenuating hyperglycemia, exerting anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory effects, activating NGF/p-AKT/GSK-3β pathway, and its anti-apoptotic effect. The best pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic effect was observed in rats treated with CHY-loaded NVs.

High fructose-induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance could be alleviated by berberine via AMPD1 and ADSL

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master regulator of energy homeostasis that is activated in response to an elevated intracellular AMP/ATP ratio. Although many studies have shown berberine is an AMPK activator widely used in metabolic syndrome, how to properly control AMPK activity remains obscure. Our present study aimed to examine the protective effect of berberine against fructose-induced insulin resistance in rats and L6 cells, as well as its potential activation mechanism on AMPK. The results showed that berberine effectively reversed body weight gain, Lee's index, dyslipidemia and insulin intolerance. Moreover, berberine alleviated inflammatory response, antioxidant capacity and promoted glucose uptake in vivo and in vitro. The beneficial effect was associated with upregulation of both Nrf2 and AKT/GLUT4 pathways, which were regulated by AMPK. Notably, berberine could increase the level of AMP and the ratio of AMP/ATP, then further activate AMPK. Mechanistic experiments revealed that berberine suppressed the expression of adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) and promoted the expression of adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSL). Taken together, berberine exerted excellent therapeutic effect on insulin resistance. And its mode of action may be related to the AMP-AMPK pathway by regulating AMPD1 and ADSL.

New insights into the role of berberine against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced striatal neurotoxicity: Possible role of BDNF-TrkB-PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling

Berberine (Berb) is a major alkaloid with potential protective effects against multiple neurological disorders. Nevertheless, its positive effect against 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP) induced Huntington's disease (HD) modulation has not been fully elucidated. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the possible action mechanisms of Berb against such neurotoxicity using an in vivo rats model pretreated with Berb (100 mg/kg, p.o.) alongisde 3NP (10 mg/kg, i.p.) at the latter 2 weeks to induce HD symptoms. Berb revealed its capacity to partially protect the striatum as mediated via the activation of BDNF-TrkB-PI3K/Akt signaling and amelioration of neuroinflammation status by blocking NF-κB p65 with a concomitant reduction in its downstream cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. Moreover, its antioxidant potential was evidenced from induction of Nrf2 and GSH levels concurrent with a reduction in MDA level. Furthermore, Berb anti-apoptotic effect was manifested through the induction of pro-survival protein (Bcl-2) and down-regulation of the apoptosis biomarker (caspase-3). Finally, Berb intake ascertained its striatum protective action by improving the motor and histopathological abnormalities with concomitant dopamine restoration. In conclusion, Berb appears to modulate 3NP-induced neurotoxicity by moderating BDNF-TrkB-PI3K/Akt signaling besides its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, as well as anti-apoptotic effect.

Targeting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in obesity

Obesity is a disorder with an increasing prevalence, which impairs the life quality of patients and intensifies societal health care costs. The development of safe and innovative prevention strategies and therapeutic approaches is thus of great importance. The complex pathophysiology of obesity involves multiple signaling pathways that influence energy metabolism in different tissues. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) pathway is critical for the metabolic homeostasis and its function in insulin-sensitive tissues is described in the context of health, obesity and obesity-related complications. The PI3K family participates in the regulation of diverse physiological processes including but not limited to cell growth, survival, differentiation, autophagy, chemotaxis, and metabolism depending on the cellular context. AKT is downstream of PI3K in the insulin signaling pathway, and promotes multiple cellular processes by targeting a plethora of regulatory proteins that control glucose and lipid metabolism. Natural products are essential for prevention and treatment of many human diseases, including obesity. Anti-obesity natural compounds effect multiple pathophysiological mechanisms involved in obesity development. Numerous recent preclinical studies reveal the advances in using plant secondary metabolites to target the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway for obesity management. In this paper the druggability of PI3K as a target for compounds with anti-obesity potential is evaluated. Perspectives on the strategies and limitations for clinical implementation of obesity management using natural compounds modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway are suggested.

Oxyberberine suppressed the carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting liver inflammation in a sirtuin 3-dependent manner in mice

Previous studies have shown that oxyberberine (OBB), a novel gut microbiota metabolite of berberine, exhibited prominent protective property against acute liver injury and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases, however, the effect of OBB on liver fibrosis and its potential mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study was aimed to study the effects of OBB on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and tried to clarify the potential mechanisms by focusing on regulating of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3)-mediated liver inflammation. OBB significantly alleviated the liver injury and fibrosis in CCl4-treated C57/BL6 mouse livers. OBB evidently down-regulated the expression of inflammatory factors and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors in CCl4-treated mouse livers. Noteworthy, CCl4-treated decreased the mRNA and protein expression of SIRT3, and treatment with OBB notably increased the expression of SIRT3 both in transcriptional and translational levels in CCl4-treated mice livers. OBB also suppressed the cell viability of TGF-β1-stimulated JS-1 cells and inhibited the protein expression of α-SMA but increased the expression of SIRT3 in stimulated JS-1 cells. Moreover, depletion of SIRT3 weakened the anti-inflammatory effects of OBB in stimulated JS-1 cells. Interestingly, the anti-liver injury and anti-fibrotic effects of OBB could be available in CCl4-treated WT (129S1/SvImJ) mice but were unavailable in CCl4-treated SIRT3 knockout (KO) mice. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of OBB was only found in CCl4-treated WT mice but was not in SIRT3 KO mice. Collectively, these findings suggested that OBB suppressed the liver injury and fibrosis through inhibition of liver inflammation in a SIRT3-dependent manner in CCl4-treated mice.

A Review of Fibraurea tinctoria and Its Component, Berberine, as an Antidiabetic and Antioxidant

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia caused by resistance to insulin action, inadequate insulin secretion, or excessive glucagon production. Numerous studies have linked diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress. People with diabetes usually exhibit high oxidative stress due to persistent and chronic hyperglycemia, which impairs the activity of the antioxidant defense system and promotes the formation of free radicals. Recently, several studies have focused on exploring natural antioxidants to improve diabetes mellitus. Fibraurea tinctoria has long been known as the native Borneo used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. Taxonomically, this plant is part of the Menispermaceae family, widely known for producing various alkaloids. Among them are protoberberine alkaloids such as berberine. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid with many pharmacological activities. Berberine is receiving considerable interest because of its antidiabetic and antioxidant activities, which are based on many biochemical pathways. Therefore, this review explores the pharmacological effects of Fibraurea tinctoria and its active constituent, berberine, against oxidative stress and diabetes, emphasizing its mechanistic aspects. This review also summarizes the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of berberine and in silico studies of berberine in several diseases and its protein targets.

Oxyberberrubine, a novel liver microsomes-mediated secondary metabolite of berberine, alleviates hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice

BACKGROUND

Berberrubine (BRB), one of the major metabolites of berberine (BBR), exerts an anti-hyperuricemic effect even superior to BBR. Liver is an important location for drug transformation. Nevertheless, there are few studies on the bioactivities and metabolites of BRB.

PURPOSE

We investigated whether oxyberberrubine (OBR), a liver metabolite of BRB, exerted urate-lowering and reno-protective effects in hyperuricemic mice.

METHODS

Liver microsomes were used to incubate BRB for studying its biotransformation. We isolated and identified its new metabolite OBR, and investigated its anti-hyperuricemic and reno-protective effects. In this work, the hyperuricemic mice model was established by receiving potassium oxonate (PO) and hypoxanthine (HX) for 7 consecutive days. 1 h after modeling, different dosages of OBR (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg), BRB (20 mg/kg) or febuxostat (Fex, 5 mg/kg) were given mice by gavage.

RESULTS

Results showed that OBR possessed potent anti-hyperuricemic and reno-protective effects in hyperuricemic mice. Serum uric acid (UA) level was lowered, and the activities of xanthine oxidase (XOD) as well as adenosine deaminase (ADA) in the liver were suppressed after treatment with OBR. Hepatic expressions of XOD were remarkably decreased at mRNA and protein levels by OBR treatment. In addition, OBR prominently alleviated renal injury, embodied in markedly reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, decreased inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-18) levels, mRNA expression of CYP27B1 and repairment of renal tissues damage. Besides, OBR down-regulated renal expression of urate transporter 1 (URAT1), glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (ASC), and caspase-1 at mRNA and protein levels.

CONCLUSIONS

In short, our study indicated that OBR possessed superior anti-hyperuricemic and reno-protective effects, at least in part, through the inhibition of XOD, URAT1, GLUT9 and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in the kidney.

Anti-Inflammatory Activation of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex is Mediated by Berberine Erythrocytes Self-Assembly Targeted Delivery System

Background

Berberine (BBR) is the primary active component of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex (PCC), which has been traditionally used to treat inflammatory diseases. However, the discrepancy between its low bioavailability and significant therapeutic effect remains obscure. The purpose of this study was to explore the previously unsolved enigma of the low bioavailability of BBR and its appreciable anti-inflammatory effect to reveal the action mechanism of BBR and PCC.

Methods

The quantitative analysis of BBR and its metabolite oxyberberine (OBB) in blood and tissues was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography to investigate the conversion and distribution of BBR/OBB mediated by erythrocytes. Routine blood tests and immunohistochemical staining were used to explore the potential relationship between the amounts of monocyte/macrophage and the drug concentration in erythrocytes and tissues (liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, intestine, muscle, brain and pancreas). To comparatively explore the anti-inflammatory effects of BBR and OBB, the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability mice model and lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages were employed.

Results

Nearly 92% of BBR existed in the erythrocytes in rats. The partition coefficient of BBR between plasma and erythrocytes (Kp/b) decreased with time. OBB was found to be the oxidative metabolite of BBR in erythrocytes. Proportion of BBR/OBB in erythrocytes changed from 9.38% to 16.30% and from 13.50% to 46.24%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between the BBR/OBB concentration in blood and monocyte depletion after a single administration of BBR. BBR/OBB was transported via erythrocytes to various tissues (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and heart, etc), with the liver achieving the highest concentration. OBB exhibited similar anti-inflammatory effect in vitro and in vivo as BBR with much smaller dosage.

Conclusion

BBR was prodominantly found in erythrocytes, which was critically participated in the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, metabolism and target delivery of BBR and its metabolite. The anti-inflammatory activity of BBR and PCC was intimately associated with the metabolism into the active congener OBB and the targeted delivery to monocytes/macrophages mediated by the erythrocytes.

Therapeutic targets and pharmacological mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma against ulcerative colitis: Findings of system pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis

Evidence of the advantages of Coptidis Rhizoma (CR) for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) is accumulating. However, research revealing the targets and molecular mechanisms of CR against UC is scarce. In this research, a bioinformatics analysis was performed to carry out the physicochemical properties and biological activities of phytochemicals in CR and analyze the binding activities, targets, biological functions and mechanisms of CR against UC. This research shows that the CR's key phytochemicals, which are named Coptisine, Berberrubine, Berlambine, Berberine, Epiberberine, Obacunone, Worenine, Quercetin, (R)-Canadine, Magnograndiolide, Palmatine and Moupinamide, have ideal physicochemical properties and bioactivity. A total of 1,904 potential phytochemical targets and 17,995 UC-related targets are identified, and we finally acquire 233 intersection targets between key phytochemicals and disease. A protein-protein interaction network of 233 common targets was constructed; and six hub targets were acquired with a degree greater than or equal to median, namely TP53, HSP90AA1, STAT3, ESR1, MYC, and RELA. The enrichment analysis suggested that the core targets may exert an impact on anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anti-oxidant and anti-fibrosis functions mainly through the PI3K/ART signaling pathway, Th17 differentiation signaling pathway, inflammatory bowel disease signaling pathway, etcetera. Also, a molecular docking analysis shows that the key phytochemicals have strong affinity for binding to the core targets. Finally, the interaction network of CR, phytochemicals, targets, GO functions, KEGG pathways and UC is constructed. This study indicates that the key phytochemicals in CR have superior drug likeness and bioactivity, and the molecular mechanism of key phytochemicals against UC may be via the signaling pathway mentioned above. The potential and critical pharmacological mechanisms provide a direction for future research.

Recent advances of the nanocomposite hydrogel as a local drug delivery for diabetic ulcers

Diabetic ulcer is a serious complication of diabetes. Compared with that of healthy people, the skin of patients with a diabetic ulcer is more easily damaged and difficult to heal. Without early intervention, the disease will become increasingly serious, often leading to amputation or even death. Most current treatment methods cannot achieve a good wound healing effect. Numerous studies have shown that a nanocomposite hydrogel serves as an ideal drug delivery method to promote the healing of a diabetic ulcer because of its better drug loading capacity and stability. Nanocomposite hydrogels can be loaded with one or more drugs for application to chronic ulcer wounds to promote rapid wound healing. Therefore, this paper reviews the latest progress of delivery systems based on nanocomposite hydrogels in promoting diabetic ulcer healing. Through a review of the recent literature, we put forward the shortcomings and improvement strategies of nanocomposite hydrogels in the treatment of diabetic ulcers.

Metformin alleviates long-term high-fructose diet-induced skeletal muscle insulin resistance in rats by regulating purine nucleotide cycle

Nutrient excess caused by excessive fructose intake can lead to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which further causes the development of metabolic syndrome. Metformin is a well-known AMPK activator widely used for the treatment of metabolic syndrome, while the mechanism of AMPK activation remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacological effects of metformin on fructose-induced insulin resistance rat, and the potential mechanism underlying AMPK activation in skeletal muscle tissue. Results indicated that metformin significantly ameliorated features of insulin resistance, including body weight, Lee's index, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, insulin intolerance and pancreatic damage. Moreover, treatment with metformin attenuated the inflammatory response in serum and enhanced the antioxidant capacity in skeletal muscle tissue. The therapeutic effects of metformin on fructose-induced insulin resistance may be related to the activation of AMPK to regulate Nrf2 pathway and mitochondrial abnormality. Additionally, metformin suppressed the expression of adenosine monophosphate deaminase 1 (AMPD1) and up-regulated the expression of adenylosuccinate synthetase (ADSS) in the purine nucleotide cycle (PNC), which facilitated the increase of AMP level and the ratio of AMP/ATP. Therefore, we proposed a novel mechanism that metformin activated AMPK via increasing AMP by regulating the expression of AMPD1 and ADSS in PNC pathway.

Reactive Oxygen Species/Reactive Nitrogen Species as Messengers in the Gut: Impact on Physiology and Metabolic Disorders

Significance: The role of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species as "friend" or "foe" messengers in the whole body is well characterized. Depending on the concentration in the tissue considered, these molecular actors exert beneficial or deleterious impacts leading to a pathological state, as observed in metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Recent Advances: Among the tissues impacted by oxidation and inflammation in this pathological state, the intestine is a site of dysfunction that can establish diabetic symptoms, such as alterations in the intestinal barrier, gut motility, microbiota composition, and gut/brain axis communication. In the intestine, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (from the host and/or microbiota) are key factors that modulate the transition from physiological to pathological signaling. Critical Issues: Controlling the levels of intestinal reactive oxygen/nitrogen species is a complicated balance between positive and negative impacts that is in constant equilibrium. Here, we describe the synthesis and degradation of intestinal reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and their interactions with the host. The development of novel redox-based therapeutics that alter these processes could restore intestinal health in patients with metabolic disorders. Future Directions: Deciphering the mode of action of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species in the gut of obese/diabetic patients could result in a future therapeutic strategy that combines nutritional and pharmacological approaches. Consequently, preventive and curative treatments must take into account one of the first sites of oxidative and inflammatory dysfunctions in the body, that is, the intestine. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 394-415.

UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS-Based Metabolomics Reveals Chemical Variations of Two Types of Rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum

The rhizomes of Polygonatum sibiricum are commonly consumed as food and also used as medicine. However, the metabolic profile of P. sibiricum has not been fully revealed yet. Recently, we developed a novel evergreen species of P. sibiricum. The objectives of this study were to compare the metabolic profiles of two types of P. sibiricum, i.e., the newly developed evergreen type (Gtype) and a wide-type (Wtype), by using UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS-based untargeted metabolomics approach. A total of 263 and 258 compounds in the positive and negative modes of the mass spectra were tentatively identified. Distinctively different metabolomic profiles of these two types of P. sibiricum were also revealed by principal component analysis (PCA) and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). Furthermore, by using partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) modeling, it was found that, as compared with Wtype, Gtype samples had significantly higher content of oxyberberine, proliferin, alpinetin, and grandisin. On the other hand, 15 compounds, including herniarin, kaempferol 7-neohesperidoside, benzyl beta-primeveroside, vanillic acid, biochanin A, neoschaftoside, benzyl gentiobioside, cornuside, hydroxytyrosol-glucuronide, apigenin-pentosyl-glucoside, obacunone, 13-alpha-(21)-epoxyeurycomanone, vulgarin, digitonin, and 3-formylindole, were discovered to have higher abundance in Wtype samples. These distinguishing metabolites suggest the different beneficial health potentials and flavor attributes of the two types of P. sibiricum rhizomes.

In vitro and in vivo hypoglycemia effect of oxyberberine, a novel HO-1 agonist: A renewed evidence linking HO-1 to diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Oxyberberine (OBB), an important in vivo metabolite of berberine, exerts superior hypoglycemia effect. However, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) holds a crucial status in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Previous research has indicated that OBB can specifically bind to hemoglobin and significantly up-regulated the HO-1 expression in diabetic rat. Based on cellular protection features of HO-1, this work aimed to probe the anti-diabetic effect of OBB and the association with the potential induction of HO-1 expression.

METHODS

A type 2 diabetic mellitus rat model was established. Glucolipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and in silico simulations were also performed.

RESULTS

Administration of OBB or HO-1 inducer hemin significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level, blood fat, and inflammatory cytokine levels, while increased antioxidant capacity of pancreas. Meanwhile, OBB treatment remarkably stimulated liver glycogenesis and inhibited gluconeogenesis. Besides, OBB improved the glucose utilizing of muscle. Noteworthily, OBB inhibited the islet cell apoptosis and improved pancreatic function. In addition, OBB effectively improved the consumption of glucose in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Moreover, OBB also reduced oxidative stress, promoted glucose-elicited insulin secretion and enhanced expression of β-cell function proteins in INS-1 cells. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly reversed by treatment with Zincprotoporphrin (ZnPP). Additionally, in silico simulations indicated that OBB exhibited superior affinity with HO-1.

CONCLUSION

OBB effectively ameliorated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, improved oral glucose tolerance, and maintained glucose metabolism homeostasis, at least in part, by promoting HO-1-mediated activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase / protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways. These data eloquently suggest that OBB, as a novel HO-1 agonist, has good potential to be a promising candidate drug for the management of diabetes, and support a therapeutic role of HO-1 induction in diabetes that potentially paves the way to translational research.

8-Oxypalmatine, a novel oxidative metabolite of palmatine, exhibits superior anti-colitis effect via regulating Nrf2 and NLRP3 inflammasome

Palmatine (PAL) is an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from Fibraureae caulis Pierre that has been used to relieve inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis (UC). The metabolites of PAL were believed to contribute significantly to its outstanding biological activities. 8-Oxypalmatine (OPAL), a liver-mediated oxidative metabolite of PAL, has been firstly identified in the present work. We aimed to comparatively investigate the potential effect and mechanism of OPAL and PAL on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in Balb/c mice. Results indicated that OPAL and PAL effectively mitigated clinical manifestations, DAI scores and pathological damage compared with the model group. Moreover, treatment with OPAL and PAL effectively mitigated oxidative stress markers and inflammatory mediators in colon. Additionally, OPAL and PAL significantly activated the Nrf2 pathway, while substantially suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, OPAL showed superior anti-colitis effect to PAL, which was similar to the positive drug mesalazine with much smaller dosage. These findings suggested that OPAL exerted appreciable protective effect on DSS-induced colitis, at least in part, via activating Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. OPAL might have the potential to be further developed into a promising candidate for the treatment of UC.

Protective effect of oxyberberine against acute lung injury in mice via inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI), hallmarked with alveolar epithelial barrier impairment and pulmonary edema induced by acute inflammation, presents a severe health burden to the public, due to the limited available interventions. Oxyberberine (OBB), having improved anti-inflammatory activity and safety, is a representative component with various activities derived from berberine, whereas its role against ALI with alveolar epithelial barrier injury remains uncertain. To investigate the influence and underlying mechanisms of OBB on ALI, we induced acute inflammation in mice and A549 cells by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Changes in alveolar permeability were assessed by analyzing lung histopathology, measuring the dry/wet weight ratio of the lungs, and altering proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophils levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Parameters of pulmonary permeability were assessed through ELISA, western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence analysis. U46619, the agonist of RhoA/ROCK, was employed to further investigate the mechanism of OBB on ALI. Unexpectedly, we found OBB mitigated lung impairment, pulmonary edema, inflammatory reactions in BALF and lung tissue, reduction in ZO-1, and addition of connexin-43. Besides, OBB markedly reduced the expression of RhoA in association with its downstream factors, which are linked to the intercellular junctions and permeability both in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, U46619 abolished the benefits obtained from OBB in A549 cells. In conclusion, these outcomes indicated that OBB exerted RhoA/ROCK inhibitor-like effect to moderate alveolar epithelial barrier impairment and permeability, ultimately preventing ALI progression.

Protective Effects of Oxyberberine in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in the Mice Model

Berberine (BBR), a major active constituent of Rhizoma coptidis, was reported to exert beneficial effects on intestinal mucositis (IM) induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). However, the bioavailability of BBR is extremely low, and its metabolites were perceived to contribute to its prominent pharmacological activities. Oxyberberine (OBB) is a gut metabolite of BBR, which has been reported to have a superior anti-inflammatory effect in experimental colitis. However, its anti-inflammatory effects against 5-FU-induced IM mice have not yet been investigated. Hence, the purpose of this study was to reveal the protective effects of OBB on IM induced by 5-FU and investigate its potential underlying mechanism. The IM mice model was induced by receiving 5-FU (60 mg/kg, i.p.) for five days. Meanwhile, BBR (50 mg/kg) and OBB (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) were given prior to 30 min intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU for seven days. Results indicated that OBB ameliorated body weight loss, anorexia, diarrhea, and histopathological damage in 5-FU-induced IM mice. After OBB administration, the amounts of MDA, SOD, and GSH altered by IM were remarkably restored. OBB was also observed to dramatically decrease the levels of TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS and promote the release of IL-10. Besides, OBB distinctly upregulated the mRNA expressions of PCNA, ZO-1, occludin, and mucin-1, which could improve intestinal homeostasis in IM mice. OBB also blocked the activation of the upstream TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, and then it inhibited the phosphorylation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Importantly, compared with BBR, OBB displayed a superior therapeutic effect to BBR in alleviating 5-FU-induced IM mice. These results indicated that OBB has considerable potential to become a novel candidate drug against IM.

Oxyberberine, a novel HO-1 agonist, effectively ameliorates oxidative stress and inflammatory response in LPS/D-GalN induced acute liver injury mice via coactivating erythrocyte metabolism and Nrf2 signaling pathway

Oxyberberine (OBB), a main gut-mediated metabolite of Phellodendron chinense Cortex (PC), exhibits prominent protective property against acute liver injury (ALI). Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a vital molecule in attenuating acute and chronic liver injury for its prominent anti-oxidative injury and anti-inflammation properties. The present study was performed to investigate the hepatoprotective role of OBB through HO-1 signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN) induced ALI. Our results indicated that PC treatment improved survival rate and its metabolite OBB evidently improved histopathological deteriorations and liver function. Additionally, OBB dramatically ameliorated hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation. Besides, OBB exerted remarkable HO-1 agonistic activity, even be comparable to hemin (a HO-1 inducer), as evidenced by increased HO-1 level, carbon monoxide and bilirubin activities, which are the markers of erythrocyte metabolism. Moreover, OBB modulated the parameters of inflammation and oxidative stress through HO-1 dependent pathway. Beyond this, OBB also notably suppressed the translocation of p65, enhanced antioxidation defense genes expressions, promoted the degradation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In conclusion, OBB could be the principle active metabolite substance of PC and exert excellent hepatoprotective effects via inducing HO-1 through coactivation of erythrocyte metabolism and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Therapeutic Effects of Berberine on Liver Fibrosis are associated With Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora

Liver cirrhosis is a form of liver fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis caused by various liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and by parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Liver fibrosis is the common pathological base and precursors of cirrhosis. Inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism are key drivers in liver fibrosis. Studies have determined that parts of the arachidonic acid pathway, such as its metabolic enzymes and biologically active products, are hallmarks of inflammation, and that aberrant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated regulation causes disorders of lipid metabolism. However, despite the ongoing research focus on delineating the mechanisms of liver fibrosis that underpin various chronic liver diseases, effective clinical treatments have yet to be developed. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Many studies have also found that BBR acts via multiple pathways to alleviate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absorption of BBR is increased by nitroreductase-containing intestinal flora, and is strengthened via crosstalk with bile acid metabolism. This improves the oral bioavailability of BBR, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. The production of butyrate by intestinal anaerobic bacteria is dramatically increased by BBR, thereby amplifying butyrate-mediated alleviation of liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the effects of BBR on liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolism of arachidonic acid, and highlight the potential mechanisms by which BBR relieves liver fibrosis through lipid metabolism related and intestinal flora related pathways. We hope that this review will provide insights on the BBR-based treatment of liver cirrhosis and related research in this area, and we encourage further studies that increase the ability of BBR to enhance liver health.

The discovery of berberine erythrocyte-hemoglobin self-assembly delivery system: a neglected carrier underlying its pharmacokinetics

Berberine (BBR) has extremely low concentration and high tissue distribution. However, current pharmacokinetic studies predominantly focus on its concentration in plasma, which could hardly make a comprehensive understanding of its pharmacokinetic process. This study made a pioneering endeavor to explore the erythrocyte-hemoglobin (Hb) self-assembly system of BBR by exploring the interaction of BBR with erythrocyte and the combination of BBR with Hb. Results showed that BBR had a low bioavailability (C₀ = 2.833 μg/mL via intravenous administration of 2.5 mg/kg BBR and C_max = 0.260 μg/mL via oral administration of 400 mg/kg BBR). Besides, BBR achieved higher concentrations in erythrocytes than plasma, and the erythrocytes count and Hb content were significantly decreased after intravenous administration. Hemolysis rate indicated the BBR-erythrocyte system (with 2% erythrocytes) was relatively stable without hemolysis at the concentration of 1.00 mg/mL. And the maximum percentage of drug loading was 100% when the BBR-erythrocyte concentration was 0.185 μg/mL. Furthermore, incubation of BBR and erythrocytes resulted in internalization of the erythrocyte membrane and the formation of intracellular vacuoles. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the binding process of bovine hemoglobin (BHB) and BBR was spontaneous. UV-vis absorption spectra, synchronous fluorescence, circular dichroism and Raman spectra collectively indicated that BBR showed strong binding affinity toward BHB and affected the molecular environment of residues like tryptophan and tyrosine in BHB, resulting in the conformational changes of its secondary and tertiary structure. Molecular docking indicated BBR interacted with Arg-141 residue of BHB via hydrogen bond with the bond length of 2.55 Å. The ΔG value of the BHB-BBR system was −31.79 kJ/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation indicated the root mean square derivation of BBR-BHB was <0.025 nm, suggestive of stable conformation. Cumulatively, there was an erythrocyte-Hb self-assembled drug delivery system after oral or intravenous administration of BBR, which conceivably gained novel insight into the discrepancy between the extremely low plasma concentration and relatively high tissue concentration of BBR.

Effects of Alkaloid-Rich Extracts Obtained from Grifola frondosa on Gut Microbiota and Glucose Homeostasis in Rats

Grifola frondosa (GF), also known as maitake (a type of mushroom), has been widely used as a food item and it exhibits various health-beneficial hypoglycemic activities. Rats fed with a...

Discovery of the First in Class 9-N-Berberine Derivative as Hypoglycemic Agent with Extra-Strong Action

Berberine is well known for its ability to reduce the blood glucose level, but its high effective dose and poor bioavailability limits its use. In this work we synthesized a new derivative of berberine, 9-(hexylamino)-2,3-methylenedioxy-10-methoxyprotoberberine chloride (SHE-196), and analyzed the profile of its hypoglycemic effects. Biological tests have shown that the substance has a very pronounced hypoglycemic activity due to increased insulin sensitivity after single and multiple dosing. In obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice, it was characterized by improved glucose tolerance, decreased fasting insulin levels and sensitivity, decreased total body weight and interscapular fat mass, and increased interscapular brown fat activity. All these effects were also confirmed histologically, where a decrease in fatty degeneration of the liver, an improvement in the condition of the islets of Langerhans and a decrease in the size of fat droplets in brown adipose tissue were found. Our results indicate that 9-(hexylamino)-2,3-methylenedioxy-10-methoxyprotoberberine chloride could be the first in a new series of therapeutic agents for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

New Insights of Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents and Traditional Chinese Medicine on Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a widespread metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia. Human microbiota, which is regarded as a “hidden organ”, plays an important role in the initiation and development of T2DM. In addition, anti-hyperglycemic agents and traditional Chinese medicine may affect the composition of gut microbiota and consequently improve glucose metabolism. However, the relationship between gut microbiota, T2DM and anti-hyperglycemic agents or traditional Chinese medicine is poorly understood. In this review, we summarized pre-clinical and clinical studies to elucidate the possible underlying mechanism. Some anti-hyperglycemic agents and traditional Chinese medicine may partly exert hypoglycemic effects by altering the gut microbiota composition in ways that reduce metabolic endotoxemia, maintain the integrity of intestinal mucosal barrier, promote the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), decrease trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and regulate bile acid metabolism. In conclusion, gut microbiota may provide some new therapeutic targets for treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Interactions between gut microbiota and berberine, a necessary procedure to understand the mechanisms of berberine

Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid, has been found in many plants, such as Coptis chinensis Franch and Phellodendron chinense Schneid. Although BBR has a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects, its oral bioavailability is extremely low. In recent years, gut microbiota has emerged as a cynosure to understand the mechanisms of action of herbal compounds. Numerous studies have demonstrated that due to its low bioavailability, BBR can interact with the gut microbiota, thereby exhibiting altered pharmacological effects. However, no systematic and comprehensive review has summarized these interactions and their corresponding influences on pharmacological effects. Here, we describe the direct interactive relationships between BBR and gut microbiota, including regulation of gut microbiota composition and metabolism by BBR and metabolization of BBR by gut microbiota. In addition, the complex interactions between gut microbiota and BBR as well as the side effects and personalized use of BBR are discussed. Furthermore, we provide our viewpoint on future research directions regarding BBR and gut microbiota. This review not only helps to explain the mechanisms underlying BBR activity but also provides support for the rational use of BBR in clinical practice.

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Low bioavailability enables interactions between berberine and the gut microbiota.

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Berberine can shape the composition and metabolism of the gut microbiota.

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Gut microbiota can metabolize and transform berberine.

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Personalized use of berberine can reduce the occurrence of side effects.

Effect of Berberine on Hyperuricemia and Kidney Injury: A Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation in a Mouse Model

Purpose

Berberine (BBR) is an active component of Phellodendri Cortex (PC), which is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been prescribed clinically for hyperuricemia (HUA) for hundreds of years. Many studies reported the anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective properties of BBR and PC; however, the therapeutic effects of BBR on HUA have not been explored. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and mechanism of BBR for treating HUA.

Methods

The mechanism of BBR in the treatment of HUA were predicted by network pharmacology. A mouse model of HUA established by potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine was used to verify the prediction. The levels of serum uric acid (UA), urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) were determined by biochemical test kits. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of kidney tissues was used to observe the kidney damage. ELISA kits were applied to detect the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in serum and kidney tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were adopted to analyze the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, IL-1β and URAT1. The expressions of URAT1 in the kidney tubules were visualized by immunohistochemical staining. Molecular docking was used to assess the interaction between URAT1 and BBR.

Results

The network pharmacology screened out 82 genes and several inflammation-related signaling pathways related to the anti-hyperuricemia effect of BBR. In the in vivo experiment, BBR substantially decreased the level of UA, BUN and CRE, and alleviated the kidney damage in mice with HUA. BBR reduced IL-1β and IL-18, and downregulated expressions of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1 and IL-1β. BBR also inhibited expression of URAT1 and exhibited strong affinity with this target in silico docking.

Conclusion

BBR exerts anti-HUA and nephroprotective effects via inhibiting activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and correcting the aberrant expression of URAT1 in kidney. BBR might be a novel therapeutic agent for treating HUA.

Therapeutic effect of oxyberberine on obese non-alcoholic fatty liver disease rats

BACKGROUND

Berberine (BBR) has been widely used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The metabolites of BBR were believed to contribute significantly to its pharmacological effects. Oxyberberine (OBB), a gut microbiota-mediated oxidative metabolite of BBR, has been firstly identified in our recent work.

PURPOSE

Here, we aimed to comparatively investigate the anti-NAFLD properties of OBB and BBR.

METHODS

The anti-NAFLD effect was evaluated in high-fat diet-induced obese NAFLD rats with biochemical/ELISA tests and histological staining. The related gene and protein expressions were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blotting respectively. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation were also performed to provide further insight.

RESULTS

Results indicated OBB remarkably and dose-dependently attenuated the clinical manifestations of NAFLD, which (100 mg/kg) achieved similar therapeutic effect to metformin (300 mg/kg) and was superior to BBR of the same dose. OBB significantly inhibited aberrant phosphorylation of IRS-1 and up-regulated the downstream protein expression and phosphorylation (PI3K, p-Akt/Akt and p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β) to improve hepatic insulin signal transduction. Meanwhile, OBB treatment remarkably alleviated inflammation via down-regulating the mRNA expression of MCP-1, Cd68, Nos2, Cd11c, while enhancing Arg1 mRNA expression in white adipose tissue. Moreover, OBB exhibited closer affinity with AMPK in silicon and superior hyperphosphorylation of AMPK in vivo, leading to increased ACC mRNA expression in liver and UCP-1 protein expression in adipose tissue.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, compared with BBR, OBB was more capable of maintaining lipid homeostasis between liver and WAT via attenuating hepatic insulin pathway and adipocyte inflammation, which was associated with its property of superior AMPK activator.

A comparative investigation of the interaction and pharmacokinetics of hemoglobin with berberine and its oxymetabolite

Berberine (BBR), isolated from Coptis chinensis, is one type of isoquinoline alkaloids. BBR exerts numerous of bioactivities but the plasma concentration is really low. In our previous study, a new oxymetabolite (OBB) has been discovered and showed superior anti-inflammatory effect comparing with BBR. The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction, metabolite and pharmacokinetics of BBR with hemoglobin. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to carry out the interaction, metabolite and pharmacokinetics of BBR and OBB in vivo. Fluorescence spectra were used to analyse the interaction in vitro. Results showed that OBB could be generated after intravenous injection or incubating with BBR in vitro and in vivo; Both BBR and OBB exerted much stronger binding interaction with hemoglobin than plasma and affect the conformation of bovine hemoglobin and change the fluorescence spectral properties; BBR and OBB were mainly presented and transported in the proteins-bound form. These results provide a new insight to understand the dynamic equilibrium of BBR and OBB within body from the perspective of new metabolic pathways.