Berberine ameliorates obesity-induced chronic inflammation through suppression of ER stress and promotion of macrophage M2 polarization at least partly via downregulating lncRNA Gomafu

Unstressing the Reticulum: Nutritional Strategies for Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Obesity

The progression of obesity involves several molecular mechanisms that are closely associated with the pathophysiological response of the disease. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one such factor. Lipotoxicity disrupts endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis in the context of obesity. Furthermore, it induces ER stress by activating several signaling pathways via inflammatory responses and oxidative stress. ER performs crucial functions in protein synthesis and lipid metabolism; thus, triggers such as lipotoxicity can promote the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the organelle. The accumulation of these proteins can lead to metabolic disorders and chronic inflammation, resulting in cell death. Thus, alternatives, such as flavonoids, amino acids, and polyphenols that are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses have been proposed to attenuate this response by modulating ER stress via the administration of nutrients and bioactive compounds. Decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress can reduce the expression of several ER stress markers and improve clinical outcomes through the management of obesity, including the control of body weight, visceral fat, and lipid accumulation. This review explores the metabolic changes resulting from ER stress and discusses the role of nutritional interventions in modulating the ER stress pathway in obesity.

LncRNA SNHG12 suppresses adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance by regulating the HDAC9/Nrf2 axis

Obesity is often associated with low-grade inflammation. The incidence of obesity has increased annually worldwide, which seriously affects human health. A previous study indicated that long noncoding RNA SNHG12 was downregulated in obesity. Nevertheless, the role of SNHG12 in obesity remains to be elucidated. In this study, qRT-PCR, western blot, and ELISA were utilized to examine the gene and protein expression. Flow cytometry was employed to investigate the M2 macrophage markers. RNA pull-down assay and RIP were utilized to confirm the interactions of SNHG12, hnRNPA1, and HDAC9. Eventually, a high-fat diet-fed mouse model was established for in vivo studies. SNHG12 overexpression suppressed adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages that was caused by TNF-α treatment. SNHG12 interacted with hnRNPA1 to downregulate HDAC9 expression, which activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway. HDAC9 overexpression reversed the effect of SNHG12 overexpression on inflammatory response, insulin resistance, and M2 phenotype polarization. Overexpression of SNHG12 improved high-fat diet-fed mouse tissue inflammation. This study revealed the protective effect of SNHG12 against adipocyte inflammation and insulin resistance. This result further provides a new therapeutic target for preventing inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.

Molecular mechanisms, targets and clinical potential of berberine in regulating metabolism: a review focussing on databases and molecular docking studies

Background: Metabolic imbalance is the common basis of many diseases. As natural isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine (BBR) has shown great promise in regulating glucose and lipids metabolism and treating metabolic disorders. However, the related mechanism still lacks systematic research. Aim: To discuss the role of BBR in the whole body's systemic metabolic regulation and further explore its therapeutic potential and targets. Method: Based on animal and cell experiments, the mechanism of BBR regulating systemic metabolic processes is reviewed. Potential metabolism-related targets were summarized using Therapeutic Target Database (TTD), DrugBank, GeneCards, and cutting-edge literature. Molecular modeling was applied to explore BBR binding to the potential targets. Results: BBR regulates the whole-body metabolic response including digestive, circulatory, immune, endocrine, and motor systems through adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirtuin (SIRT)1/forkhead box O (FOXO)1/sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)2, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf) 2/heme oxygenase (HO)-1, and other signaling pathways. Through these reactions, BBR exerts hypoglycemic, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, and immune regulation. Molecular docking results showed that BBR could regulate metabolism targeting FOXO3, Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) 4 and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA). Evaluating the target clinical effects, we found that BBR has the therapeutic potential of anti-aging, anti-cancer, relieving kidney disease, regulating the nervous system, and alleviating other chronic diseases. Conclusion: This review elucidates the interaction between potential targets and small molecular metabolites by exploring the mechanism of BBR regulating metabolism. That will help pharmacologists to identify new promising metabolites interacting with these targets.

Fundamental Neurochemistry Review: At the intersection between the brain and the immune system: Non-coding RNAs spanning learning, memory and adaptive immunity

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are highly plastic RNA molecules that can sequester cellular proteins and other RNAs, serve as transporters of cellular cargo and provide spatiotemporal feedback to the genome. Mounting evidence indicates that ncRNAs are central to biology, and are critical for neuronal development, metabolism and intra- and intercellular communication in the brain. Their plasticity arises from state-dependent dynamic structure states that can be influenced by cell type and subcellular environment, which can subsequently enable the same ncRNA with discrete functions in different contexts. Here, we highlight different classes of brain-enriched ncRNAs, including microRNA, long non-coding RNA and other enigmatic ncRNAs, that are functionally important for both learning and memory and adaptive immunity, and describe how they may promote cross-talk between these two evolutionarily ancient biological systems.

A comprehensive review of natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R: The promising therapeutic drugs in disorders

BACKGROUND

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is known to play a significant role in regulating various pathological processes associated with immune regulation, neuroprotection, and inflammatory responses. It has emerged as a potential target for the treatment of diseases. In addition to chemically synthesized small molecule compounds, natural products have gained attention as an important source for discovering compounds that act on the P2X7R.

PURPOSE

To explore the research progress made in the field of natural product-derived compounds that act on the P2X7R.

METHODS

The methods employed in this review involved conducting a thorough search of databases, include PubMed, Web of Science and WIKTROP, to identify studies on natural product-derived compounds that interact with P2X7R. The selected studies were then analyzed to categorize the compounds based on their action on the receptor and to evaluate their therapeutic applications, chemical properties, and pharmacological actions.

RESULTS

The natural product-derived compounds acting on P2X7R can be classified into three categories: P2X7R antagonists, compounds inhibiting P2X7R expression, and compounds regulating the signaling pathway associated with P2X7R. Moreover, highlight the therapeutic applications, chemical properties and pharmacological actions of these compounds, and indicate areas that require further in-depth study. Finally, discuss the challenges of the natural products-derived compounds exploration, although utilizing compounds from natural products for new drug research offers unique advantages, problems related to solubility, content, and extraction processes still exist.

CONCLUSION

The detailed information in this review will facilitate further development of P2X7R antagonists and potential therapeutic strategies for P2X7R-associated disorders.

New insights of DsbA-L in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases

Metabolic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are abnormal conditions that result from disturbances of metabolism. With the improvement of living conditions, the morbidity and mortality rates of metabolic diseases are steadily rising, posing a significant threat to human health worldwide. Therefore, identifying novel effective targets for metabolic diseases is crucial. Accumulating evidence has indicated that disulfide bond A oxidoreductase-like protein (DsbA-L) delays the development of metabolic diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of DsbA-L in metabolic diseases remain unclear. In this review, we will discuss the roles of DsbA-L in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, and NAFLD, and highlight the potential mechanisms. These findings suggest that DsbA-L might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic diseases.

Epigenetic modifications in obesity-associated diseases

The global prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic levels, significantly elevating the susceptibility to various cardiometabolic conditions and certain types of cancer. In addition to causing metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance (IR), elevated blood glucose and lipids, and ectopic fat deposition, obesity can also damage pancreatic islet cells, endothelial cells, and cardiomyocytes through chronic inflammation, and even promote the development of a microenvironment conducive to cancer initiation. Improper dietary habits and lack of physical exercise are important behavioral factors that increase the risk of obesity, which can affect gene expression through epigenetic modifications. Epigenetic alterations can occur in early stage of obesity, some of which are reversible, while others persist over time and lead to obesity-related complications. Therefore, the dynamic adjustability of epigenetic modifications can be leveraged to reverse the development of obesity-associated diseases through behavioral interventions, drugs, and bariatric surgery. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the impact of epigenetic regulation on the initiation and development of obesity-associated cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, establishing a theoretical basis for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.

Berberine alleviates contrast-induced nephropathy by activating Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a condition that causes kidney damage in patients receiving angiography with iodine-based contrast agents. This study investigated the potential protective effects of berberine (BBR) against CIN and its underlying mechanisms. The researchers conducted both in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore BBR's renal protective effects. In the in vivo experiments, SD rats were used to create a CIN model, and different groups were established. The results showed that CIN model group exhibited impaired renal function, severe damage to renal tubular cells and increased apoptosis and ferroptosis. However, BBR treatment group demonstrated improved renal function, decreased apoptosis and ferroptosis. Similar results were observed in the in vitro experiments using HK-2 cells. BBR reduced ioversol-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis, and exerted its protective effects through Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway. BBR administration increased the expression of Foxo3a and Nrf2 while decreasing the levels of p-Akt and p-Foxo3a. In conclusion, this study revealed that BBR effectively inhibited ioversol-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in vivo and in vitro. The protective effects of BBR were mediated through the modulation of Akt/Foxo3a/Nrf2 signalling pathway, leading to the alleviation of CIN. These findings suggest that BBR may have therapeutic potential for protecting against CIN in patients undergoing angiography with iodine-based contrast agents.

Anti-obesity Properties of Phytochemicals: Highlighting their Molecular Mechanisms against Obesity

Obesity is a complex, chronic and inflammatory disease that affects more than one-third of the world's population, leading to a higher incidence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer. Several phytochemicals are used as flavoring and aromatic compounds, also exerting many benefits for public health. This study aims to summarize and scrutinize the beneficial effects of the most important phytochemicals against obesity. Systematic research of the current international literature was carried out in the most accurate scientific databases, e.g., Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar, using a set of critical and representative keywords, such as phytochemicals, obesity, metabolism, metabolic syndrome, etc. Several studies unraveled the potential positive effects of phytochemicals such as berberine, carvacrol, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, thymol, etc., against obesity and metabolic disorders. Mechanisms of action include inhibition of adipocyte differentiation, browning of the white adipose tissue, inhibition of enzymes such as lipase and amylase, suppression of inflammation, improvement of the gut microbiota, and downregulation of obesity-inducing genes. In conclusion, multiple bioactive compounds-phytochemicals exert many beneficial effects against obesity. Future molecular and clinical studies must be performed to unravel the multiple molecular mechanisms and anti-obesity activities of these naturally occurring bioactive compounds.

Berberine plays a cardioprotective role by inhibiting macrophage Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway in the myocardium of mice after myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the diseases with high fatality rate. Berberine (BBR) is a monomer compound with various biological functions. And some studies have confirmed that BBR plays an important role in alleviating cardiomyocyte injury after MI. However, the specific mechanism is unclear. In this study, we induced a model of MI by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery and we surprisingly found that BBR significantly improved ventricular remodeling, with a minor inflammatory and oxidative stress injury, and stronger angiogenesis. Moreover, BBR inhibited the secretion of Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway in macrophages after MI, thus promoting the differentiation of macrophages into M2 type. In summary, BBR effectively improved cardiac function of mice after MI, and the potential protective mechanism was associated with the regulation of inflammatory responses and the inhibition of macrophage Wnt5a/β-catenin pathway in the infarcted heart tissues. Importantly, these findings supported BBR as an effective cardioprotective drug after MI.

ER stress and inflammation crosstalk in obesity

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) governs the proper folding of polypeptides and proteins through various chaperones and enzymes residing within the ER organelle. Perturbation in the ER folding process ensues when overwhelmed protein folding exceeds the ER handling capacity, leading to the accumulation of misfolded/unfolded proteins in the ER lumen-a state being referred to as ER stress. In turn, ER stress induces a gamut of signaling cascades, termed as the "unfolded protein response" (UPR) that reinstates the ER homeostasis through a panel of gene expression modulation. This type of UPR is usually deemed "adaptive UPR." However, persistent or unresolved ER stress hyperactivates UPR response, which ultimately, triggers cell death and inflammatory pathways, termed as "maladaptive/terminal UPR." A plethora of evidence indicates that crosstalks between ER stress (maladaptive UPR) and inflammation precipitate obesity pathogenesis. In this regard, the acquisition of the mechanisms linking ER stress to inflammation in obesity might unveil potential remedies to tackle this pathological condition. Herein, we aim to elucidate key mechanisms of ER stress-induced inflammation in the context of obesity and summarize potential therapeutic strategies in the management of obesity through maneuvering ER stress and ER stress-associated inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory agents as modulators of the inflammation in adipose tissue: A systematic review

Obesity is characterized by an adipose tissue mass expansion that presents a risk to health, associated with a chronic increase in circulating inflammatory mediators. Anti-inflammatory agents are an obesity alternative treatment. However, the lack of effective agents indicates the need to assess the mechanisms and identify effective therapeutic targets. The present work identified and described the mechanisms of action of anti-inflammatory agents in adipose tissue in experimental studies. The review was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO-CRD42020182897). The articles' selection was according to eligibility criteria (PICOS). The research was performed in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, VHL, and EMBASE. The methodological quality evaluation was assessed using SYRCLE. Initially, 1511 articles were selected, and at the end of the assessment, 41 were eligible. Among the anti-inflammatory agent classes, eight drugs, 28 natural, and five synthetic compounds were identified. Many of these anti-inflammatory agents act in metabolic pathways that culminate in the inflammatory cytokines expression reduction, decreasing the macrophages infiltration in white and adipose tissue and promoting the polarization process of type M1 to M2 macrophages. Thus, the article clarifies and systematizes these anti-inflammatory agents' mechanisms in adipose tissue, presenting targets relevant to future research on these pathways.

Deltamethrin induces apoptosis in cerebrum neurons of quail via promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a widely used and highly effective insecticide. DLM exposure is harmful to animal and human. Quail, as a bird model, has been widely used in the field of toxicology. However, there is little information available in the literature about quail cerebrum damage caused by DLM. Here, we investigated the effect of DLM on quail cerebrum neurons. Four groups of healthy quails were assigned (10 quails in each group), respectively given 0, 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg DLM by gavage for 12 weeks. Through the measurements of quail cerebrum, it was found that DLM exposure induced obvious histological changes, oxidative stress, and neurons apoptosis. To further explore the possible molecular mechanisms, we performed real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related mRNA such as glucose regulated protein 78 kD, activating transcription factor 6, inositol requiring enzyme, and protein kinase RNA (PKR)-like ER kinase. In addition, we detected ATP content in quail cerebrum to evaluate the functional status of mitochondria. The study showed that DLM exposure significantly increased the expression of ER stress-related mRNA and decreased ATP content in quail cerebrum tissues. These results suggest that chronic exposure to DLM induces apoptosis of quail cerebrum neurons via promoting ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, our results provide a novel explanation for DLM-induced apoptosis of avian cerebrum neurons.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Berberine on Obesity-Induced Inflammation

Obesity represents chronic low-grade inflammation that precipitates type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Berberine (BBR) has been reported to exert anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory benefits. We aimed to demonstrate the underlying immune-modulating mechanisms of anti-obesity effects of BBR. First, we performed in silico study to identify therapeutic targets, describe potential pathways, and simulate BBR docking at M1 and M2 adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL4, CCL5, and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Next, in vivo, we divided 20 C58BL/6 mice into four groups: normal chow, control (high fat diet (HFD)), HFD + BBR 100 mg/kg, and HFD + metformin (MET) 200 mg/kg. We evaluated body weight, organ weight, fat area in tissues, oral glucose and fat tolerance tests, HOMA-IR, serum lipids levels, population changes in ATMs, M1 and M2 subsets, and gene expression of TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CXCR4. BBR significantly reduced body weight, adipocyte size, fat deposition in the liver, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, free fatty acids, ATM infiltration, all assessed gene expression, and enhanced the CD206+ M2 ATMs population. In conclusion, BBR treats obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions, by modulating ATM recruitment and polarization via chemotaxis inhibition.

Network Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Methods Reveal the Mechanism of Berberine in the Treatment of Ischaemic Stroke

Aim

To elucidate the mechanism of action of berberine on ischaemic stroke based on network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental verification.

Methods

Berberine-related long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) were screened from public databases. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in ischaemic stroke were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GSE102541 was comprehensively analysed using GEO2R. The correlation between lncRNAs and ischaemic stroke was evaluated by the mammalian noncoding RNA-disease repository (MNDR) database. The component-target-disease network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of berberine in the treatment of ischaemic stroke were constructed by using network pharmacology. We then performed gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Finally, according to the molecular docking analysis and the binding probability between the lncRNA and key proteins, the effectiveness of the results was further verified by in vitro experiments.

Results

After matching stroke-related lncRNAs with berberine-related lncRNAs, four genes were selected as potential targets of berberine in the treatment of ischaemic stroke. Subsequently, lncRNA H19 was identified as the potential crucial regulatory lncRNA of berberine. Here, 52 target proteins of berberine in the treatment of ischaemic stroke were identified through database mining. Through topological analysis, 20 key targets were identified which were enriched in inflammation, apoptosis, and immunity. Molecular docking results showed that MAPK8, JUN, and EGFR were central genes. Finally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that lncRNA H19, p-JNK1/JNK1, p-c-Jun/c-Jun, and EGFR expressions were significantly increased in hypoxia-treated SH-SY5Y cells and were restored by berberine treatment.

Conclusion

The potential targets and biological effects of berberine in the treatment of ischaemic stroke were predicted in this study. The lncRNA H19/EGFR/JNK1/c-Jun signalling pathway may be a key mechanism of berberine-induced neuroprotection in ischaemic stroke.

The therapeutic effects of berberine against different diseases: A review on the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum stress

Various factors interfere with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, which is involved in protein folding and calcium homeostasis. ER dysfunction referred to as ER stress triggers cell death by apoptosis and inflammation. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid extracted from the family Berberidacea. It has shown multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, antiproliferative, and antihypertensive. It has been reported that BBR can decrease apoptosis and inflammation following different pathological conditions, which might be mediated by targeting ER stress pathways. In this manuscript, we reviewed the protective potential of BBR against several diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancer, intestinal diseases, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and central nervous system diseases, in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites by Berberine in Treating Mice With Disturbances in Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

Introduction: Glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances has become the third major disease after cancer and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Emerging evidence shows that berberine can effectively intervene glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances, but the underlying mechanisms of this remain unclear. To investigate this issue, we performed metagenomic and metabolomic analysis in a group of normal mice (the NC group), mice with disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism (the MC group) and mice with disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism after berberine intervention (the BER group).

Result: Firstly, analysis of the clinical indicators revealed that berberine significantly improved the blood glucose and blood lipid of the host. The fasting blood glucose level decreased by approximately 30% in the BER group after 8 weeks and the oral glucose tolerance test showed that the blood glucose level of the BER group was lower than that of the MC group at any time. Besides, berberine significantly reduced body weight, total plasma cholesterol and triglyceride. Secondly, compared to the NC group, we found dramatically decreased microbial richness and diversity in the MC group and BER group. Thirdly, LDA effect size suggested that berberine significantly altered the overall gut microbiota structure and enriched many bacteria, including Akkermansia (p < 0.01), Eubacterium (p < 0.01) and Ruminococcus (p < 0.01). Fourthly, the metabolomic analysis suggested that there were significant differences in the metabolomics signature of each group. For example, isoleucine (p < 0.01), phenylalanine (p < 0.05), and arbutin (p < 0.05) significantly increased in the MC group, and berberine intervention significantly reduced them. The arbutin content in the BER group was even lower than that in the NC group. Fifthly, by combined analysis of metagenomics and metabolomics, we observed that there were significantly negative correlations between the reduced faecal metabolites (e.g., arbutin) in the BER group and the enriched gut microbiota (e.g., Eubacterium and Ruminococcus) (p < 0.05). Finally, the correlation analysis between gut microbiota and clinical indices indicated that the bacteria (e.g., Eubacterium) enriched in the BER group were negatively associated with the above-mentioned clinical indices (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Overall, our results describe that the changes of gut microbiota and metabolites are associated with berberine improving glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances.

Zizhu Ointment Accelerates Wound-Healing of Diabetic Ulcers through Promoting M2 Macrophage Polarization via Downregulating the Notch4 Signaling Pathway

Objective

The long-term clinical practice shows that Zizhu ointment (ZZO) is an empirical formula for the treatment of diabetic ulcers (DUs). In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of ZZO in the treatment of DU mice.

Methods

Through streptozotocin induction and high-fat diet, a DU mouse model was established and ZZO was given for treatment. The activation of Notch4 signaling was examined by immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, as well as Western blotting. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the counts of F4/80+ cells, M1 and M2 macrophages, as well as the expression of CD11c, CD206, etc. The role of Notch4 in wound healing in diabetic mice was verified by Notch4 inhibitors and agonists.

Results

Accelerated wound healing and decreased expression levels of Notch4 and its target genes and ligands were observed in diabetic mice treated with ZZO. ZZO promoted M2 macrophage polarization, downregulated the expression of proinflammatory factors, and upregulated the levels of anti-inflammatory factors. The same tendency was observed in diabetic mice after treatment with Notch4 inhibitors. Knockout of Notch4 accelerated the wound healing rate as well.

Conclusions

ZZO accelerates wound healing of diabetic mice through inhibiting the activation of Notch4 signaling, promoting M2 macrophage polarization, and alleviating inflammation.

ER stress in obesity pathogenesis and management

Given the unprecedented global pandemic of obesity, a better understanding of the etiology of adiposity will be necessary to ensure effective management of obesity and related complications. Among the various potential factors contributing to obesity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress refers to a state of excessive protein unfolding or misfolding that is commonly found in metabolic diseases including diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance (IR), and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, although its role in obesogenesis remains controversial. ER stress is thought to drive adiposity by dampening energy expenditure, making ER stress a likely therapeutic target for the management of obesity. We summarize the role of ER stress and the ER stress response in the onset and development of obesity, and discuss the underlying mechanisms involved with a view to identifying novel therapeutic strategies for obesity prevention and management.

Regulatory Mechanism of lncRNAs in M1/M2 Macrophages Polarization in the Diseases of Different Etiology

Precise expression and regulation of genes in the immune system is important for organisms to produce strong immunity towards pathogens and limit autoimmunity. In recent years, an increasing number of studies has shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to immune function and can participate in regulating immune responses by regulating immune cell differentiation, development, and function. As immune cells, the polarization response of macrophages (Mφs) plays an important role in immune function and inflammation. LncRNAs can regulate the phenotypic polarization of Mφs to M1 or M2 through various mechanisms; promote pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory effects; and participate in the pathogenesis of cancers, inflammatory diseases, infections, metabolic diseases, and autoimmune diseases. In addition, it is important to explore the regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs on the dynamic transition between different Mφs phenotypes. Thus, the regulatory role of lncRNAs in the polarization of Mφs and their mechanism are discussed in this review.

The Effective Role of Natural Product Berberine in Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Related Atherosclerosis: Novel Insights Into the Gut-Heart Axis Evidenced by Genetic Sequencing Analysis

The exacerbation of oxidative and inflammatory reactions has been involved in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases leading to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Discovering the underlying mechanisms and finding optimized curative approaches to control the global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is needed. Growing evidence has demonstrated that gut microbiota is associated with the development of atherosclerosis, while berberine, a natural product exhibits antiatherogenic effects in clinical and pre-clinical studies, which implies a potential link between berberine and gut microbiota. In light of these novel discoveries, evidence of the role of berberine in modulating atherosclerosis with a specific focus on its interaction with gut microbiota is collected. This review synthesizes and summarizes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of berberine on combating atherosclerosis experimentally and clinically, explores the interaction between berberine and intestinal microbiota comprehensively, and provides novel insights of berberine in managing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases via targeting the gut-heart axis mechanistically. The phenomenon of how berberine overcomes its weakness of poor bioavailability to conduct its antiatherogenic properties is also discussed and interpreted in this article. An in-depth understanding of this emerging area may contribute to identifying therapeutic potentials of medicinal plant and natural product derived pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in the future.

Berberine on the Prevention and Management of Cardiometabolic Disease: Clinical Applications and Mechanisms of Action

Berberine is an alkaloid from several medicinal plants originally used to treat diarrhea and dysentery as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In recent years, berberine has been discovered to exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities in the treatment of diverse diseases ranging from cancer and neurological dysfunctions to metabolic disorders and heart diseases. This review article summarizes the clinical practice and laboratory exploration of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic and heart diseases, with a focus on the novel insights and recent advances of the underlying mechanisms recognized in the past decade. Berberine was found to display pleiotropic therapeutic effects against dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure. The mechanisms of berberine for the treatment of cardiometabolic disease involve combating inflammation and oxidative stress such as inhibiting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) activation, regulating electrical signals and ionic channels such as targeting human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) currents, promoting energy metabolism such as activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, modifying gut microbiota to promote transforming of berberine into its intestine-absorbable form, and interacting with non-coding RNAs via targeting multiple signaling pathways such as AMPK, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), etc. Collectively, berberine appears to be safe and well-tolerated in clinical practice, especially for those who are intolerant to statins. Knowledge from this field may pave the way for future development of more effective pharmaceutical approaches for managing cardiometabolic risk factors and preventing heart diseases.

Recent advancement on development of drug-induced macrophage polarization in control of human diseases

Macrophages, an important part of human immune system, possess a high plasticity and heterogeneity (macrophage polarization) as classically activated macrophages (M1) and alternatively activated macrophages (M2), which exert pro-inflammatory/anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory/pro-tumor effects, respectively. Thus, drug development in induction of macrophage polarization could be used to treat different human diseases. This review summarizes the recent advancement on modulation of macrophage polarization and its related molecular mechanisms induced by a number of agents. Research on the anti-inflammatory drugs to regulate the macrophage polarization accounts for a large proportion in the field and types of diseases investigated could include atherosclerosis, enteritis, nephritis, and the nervous system and skeletal diseases, while study of the anti-tumor agents to modify macrophage polarization is a novel area of research. Future study of the molecular mechanisms by which the different agents regulate the macrophage polarization could lead to an effective control of various human diseases, including inflammation and cancers.