Gao Y, Sun J, Wang S, Huxiao L, Xu Y, Zhang H. DSPE-PEG polymer enhanced berberine absorption specifically in the small intestine of rats through paracellular passway.
J Pharm Pharmacol 2023:7161498. [PMID:
37177975 DOI:
10.1093/jpp/rgad028]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study focuses on investigating the potential impact of DSPE-PEG polymers on intestinal absorption and related mechanism of berberine in rats.
METHODS
Effect of DSPE-PEG polymer on intestinal absorption of berberine was investigated with an in situ closed-loop method in rats. To confirm the safety of DSPE-PEG polymer, morphological observation of rat intestine and measurement of biological markers in the intestinal perfusion of rats was performed. Underling mechanism behind promoting action of DSPE-PEG polymer was explored from its impact on the P-gp function and tight junction using in vitro diffusion chamber system, Caco-2 monolayer cells and western blot.
KEY FINDINGS
DSPE-PEG polymer demonstrated significant enhancement action on the berberine absorption in rats without any obvious membrane toxicity. DSPE-PEG polymer (1.0%, w/v) induced the most significant promoting effect on berberine absorption specifically in the small intestine of rats. Results of mechanistic studies revealed that DSPE-PEG polymer might not regulate intestinal P-gp function, but significantly down-regulated the expression of tight junction-related proteins, which accordingly led to loosening the tight junctions of intestinal epithelium cells, and consequently increased paracellular absorption of berberine in rats.
CONCLUSIONS
DSPE-PEG polymer, as an excellent absorption enhancer, seems very promising in increasing oral bioavailability of berberine.
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