Yan ZQ, Leng SH, Lu FE, Lu XH, Dong H, Gao ZQ. Effects of berberine on expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 and glucokinase activity in mouse primary hepatocytes.
Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2007;
15:3842-3846. [DOI:
10.11569/wcjd.v15.i36.3842]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To observe the expression of hepatocyte nuclear factor 6 (HNF6) and the activity of glucokinase (GK), the key enzyme in glucose metabolism, and to investigate the possible mechanism of berberine in treating type II diabetes.
METHODS: Mouse primary hepatocytes were isolated by an improved single two-step perfusion method. The murine hepatocytes were incubated with berberine (0, 1, 3, 10, 30 and 100 μmol/L) and 1 mmol/L metformin for 24 hours. mRNA expression for HNF6 was determined by RT-PCR and analyzed by consequent quantification, and the activity of GK was detected by an enzyme kinetics method.
RESULTS: Compared with the negative control group, 1, 3, 10 or 30 μmol/L berberine promoted the expression of HNF6 mRNA (1.00 ± 0.21, 1.11 ± 0.06, 1.37 ± 0.10 or 1.40 ± 0.09 vs 0.68 ± 0.02; P < 0.01). At 10 or 30 μmol/L, berberine up-regulated GK activity (0.069 ± 0.082, 0.080 ± 0.073 vs 0.009 ± 0.007; P < 0.05). Both of these reached a maximum at a concentration of 30 μmol/L. At 100 μmol/L berberine, expression of HNF6 mRNA and activity of GK decreased, probably because high-concentration berberine inhibited the growth of primary hepatocytes.
CONCLUSION: It is suggested the effects of berberine in improving glucose metabolism may be associated with its up-regulation of HNF6 mRNA expression and induction of hepatic GK activity.
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