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Wang L, Hao H, Meng X, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Chai T, Wang X, Gao Z, Zheng Y, Yang J. A novel isoquinoline alkaloid HJ-69 isolated from Zanthoxylum bungeanum attenuates inflammatory pain by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium and potassium channels. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 330:118218. [PMID: 38677570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. (Z. bungeanum), a member of the Rutaceae family, has a rich history of traditional use in Asia for treating arthritis and toothache conditions. As characteristic chemical components, numerous kinds of alkaloids have been extracted from plants and their diverse biological activities have been reported. However, research on the isoquinoline alkaloid, a specific type of alkaloids, in Z. bungeanum was scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to isolate a novel isoquinoline alkaloid from Z. bungeanum and explore its pharmacological activity in vitro and analgesic activity in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isoquinoline alkaloid isolation and identification from Z. bungeanum were conducted using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to assess its impact on neuronal excitability, and endogenous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) and sodium (Nav) currents in acutely isolated mouse small-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Its inhibitory impacts on channels were further validated with HEK293 cells stably expressing Nav1.7 and Nav1.8, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transiently expressing Kv2.1. The formalin inflammatory pain model was utilized to evaluate the potential analgesic activity in vivo. RESULTS A novel isoquinoline alkaloid named HJ-69 (N-13-(3-methoxyprop-1-yl)rutaecarpine) was isolated and identified from Z. bungeanum for the first time. HJ-69 significantly suppressed the firing frequency and amplitudes of action potentials in DRG neurons. Consistently, it state-dependently inhibited endogenous Nav currents of DRG neurons, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 13.06 ± 2.06 μM and 30.19 ± 2.07 μM for the inactivated and resting states, respectively. HJ-69 significantly suppressed potassium currents in DRG neurons, which notably inhibited the delayed rectifier potassium (IK) currents (IC50 = 6.95 ± 1.29 μM) and slightly affected the transient outward potassium (IA) currents (IC50 = 523.50 ± 39.16 μM). Furtherly, HJ-69 exhibited similar potencies on heterologously expressed Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Kv2.1 channels, which correspondingly represent the main components in neurons. Notably, intraperitoneal administration of 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg HJ-69 significantly alleviated pain behaviors in the mouse inflammatory pain model induced by formalin. CONCLUSION The study concluded that HJ-69 is a novel and active isoquinoline alkaloid, and the inhibition of Nav and Kv channels contributes to its analgesic activity. HJ-69 may be a promising prototype for future analgesic drug discovery based on the isoquinoline alkaloid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Wang
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; Pharmacophenomics Laboratory, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Haishuang Hao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xianhua Meng
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Tian Chai
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Xingrong Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zhaobing Gao
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yueming Zheng
- Center for Neurological and Psychiatric Research and Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Junli Yang
- Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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Pingitore V, Pancholi J, Hornsby TW, Warne J, Pryce G, McCormick LJ, Hill J, Bhosale G, Peng J, Newton LS, Towers GJ, Coles SJ, Chan AWE, Duchen MR, Szabadkai G, Baker D, Selwood DL. Delocalized quinolinium-macrocyclic peptides, an atypical chemotype for CNS penetration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado3501. [PMID: 38985859 PMCID: PMC11235165 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Macrocyclic drugs can address an increasing range of molecular targets but enabling central nervous system (CNS) access to these drugs has been viewed as an intractable problem. We designed and synthesized a series of quinolinium-modified cyclosporine derivatives targeted to the mitochondrial cyclophilin D protein. Modification of the cation to enable greater delocalization was confirmed by x-ray crystallography of the cations. Critically, greater delocalization improved brain concentrations. Assessment of the compounds in preclinical assays and for pharmacokinetics identified a molecule JP1-138 with at least 20 times the brain levels of a non-delocalized compound or those reported for cyclosporine. Levels were maintained over 24 hours together with low hERG potential. The paradigm outlined here could have widespread utility in the treatment of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pingitore
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Dos Hermanas, Seville 41704, Spain
| | - Jessica Pancholi
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Thomas W Hornsby
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Justin Warne
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gareth Pryce
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Laura J McCormick
- EPSRC National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Julia Hill
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gauri Bhosale
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jing Peng
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lydia S Newton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Greg J Towers
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon J Coles
- EPSRC National Crystallography Service, School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Highfield Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Ah Wing Edith Chan
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Michael R Duchen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Gyorgy Szabadkai
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua 35131 Italy
| | - David Baker
- Centre for Neuroscience and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - David L Selwood
- Drug Discovery, UCL Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Rao J, Gao Q, Li N, Wang Y, Wang T, Wang K, Qiu F. Unraveling the enigma: Molecular mechanisms of berberrubine-induced nephrotoxicity reversed by its parent form berberine. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155648. [PMID: 38669970 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that is extensively applied in the clinic due to its potential therapeutic effects on dysentery and infectious diarrhoea. Its main metabolite, berberrubine, a promising candidate for ameliorating hyperlipidaemia, has garnered more attention than berberine. However, our study revealed that berberrubine induces severe kidney damage, while berberine was proven to be safe. PURPOSE Herein, we explored the opposite biological effects of these two compounds on the kidney and elucidated their underlying mechanisms. METHODS First, integrated metabolomic and proteomic analyses were conducted to identify relevant signalling pathways. Second, a click chemistry method combined with a cellular thermal shiftassay, a drug affinity responsive target stability assay, and microscale thermophoresis were used to identify the direct target proteins. Moreover, a mutation experiment was performed to study the specific binding sites. RESULTS Animal studies showed that berberrubine, but not berberine, induced severe chronic, subchronic, and acute nephrotoxicity. More importantly, berberine reversed the berberrubine-reduced nephrotoxicity. The results indicated that the cPLA2 signalling pathway was highly involved in the nephrotoxicity induced by berberrubine. We further confirmed that the direct target of berberrubine is the BASP1 protein (an upstream factor of cPLA2 signalling). Moreover, berberine alleviated nephrotoxicity by binding cPLA2 and inhibiting cPLA2 activation. CONCLUSION This study is the first to revel the opposite biological effects of berberine and its metabolite berberrubine in inducing kidney injury. Berberrubine, but not berberine, shows strong nephrotoxicity. The cPLA2 signalling pathway can be activated by berberrubine through targeting of BASP1, while berberine inhibits this pathway by directly binding with cPLA2. Our study paves the way for studies on the exact molecular targets of herbal ingredients. We also demonstrated that natural small molecules and their active metabolites can have opposite regulatory roles in vivo through the same signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqiu Rao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Na Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Yuan Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Tianwang Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China
| | - Kai Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, PR China.
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Lu-Nguyen N, Snowden S, Popplewell L, Malerba A. Systemic Pharmacotherapeutic Treatment of the ACTA1-MCM/FLExDUX4 Preclinical Mouse Model of FSHD. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6994. [PMID: 39000102 PMCID: PMC11241187 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the double homeobox 4 (DUX4) gene in skeletal muscle predominantly drives the pathogenesis of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). We recently demonstrated that berberine, an herbal extract known for its ability to stabilize guanine-quadruplex structures, effectively downregulates DUX4 expression in FSHD patient-derived myoblasts and in mice overexpressing exogenous DUX4 after viral vector-based treatment. Here, we sought to confirm berberine's inhibitory efficacy on DUX4 in the widely used FSHD-like transgenic mouse model, ACTA1-MCM/FLExDUX4, where DUX4 is induced at pathogenic levels using tamoxifen. Animals repeatedly treated with berberine via intraperitoneal injections for 4 weeks exhibited significant reductions in both mRNA and protein levels of DUX4, and in mRNA expression of murine DUX4-related genes. This inhibition translated into improved forelimb muscle strength and positive alterations in important FSHD-relevant cellular pathways, although its impact on muscle mass and histopathology was less pronounced. Collectively, our data confirm the efficacy of berberine in downregulating DUX4 expression in the most relevant FSHD mouse model. However, further optimization of dosing regimens and new studies to enhance the bioavailability of berberine in skeletal muscle are warranted to fully leverage its therapeutic potential for FSHD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Stuart Snowden
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Linda Popplewell
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
- National Horizons Centre, Teesside University, Darlington DL1 1HG, UK
| | - Alberto Malerba
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
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Sajeev A, Sailo B, Unnikrishnan J, Talukdar A, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Alqahtani A, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Unlocking the potential of Berberine: Advancing cancer therapy through chemosensitization and combination treatments. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:217019. [PMID: 38849013 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.217019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in cancer treatment options, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs remains a significant challenge. This review focuses on Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid found in various medicinal plants, which has garnered attention in the field of oncology for its anticancer potential either alone or in combination with other compounds and its ability to modulate chemoresistance, acting as a natural chemosensitizer. BBR's ability to modulate chemoresistance is attributed to its diverse mechanisms of action, including inducing DNA breaks, inhibition of drug efflux pumps, modulation of apoptosis and necroptosis, downregulating multidrug resistance genes, enhancing immune response, suppressing angiogenesis and targeting multiple pathways within cancer cells, including protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP1), janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK-STAT), Wnt/β-catenin etc. Moreover, BBR, in combination with other compounds, also offers a promising approach to cancer therapy, enforcing its broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Therefore, this review aims to elucidate the intricate mechanism of action of BBR in combinatorial therapy as a potential chemosensitizer to increase the efficiency of several drugs, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, lapatinib, tamoxifen, irinotecan, niraparib, etc. in various cancers. Additionally, this review briefly covers the origin and biological activities of BBR, exploring the specific actions underlying its anticancer effects. Further, pharmacokinetic properties of BBR are also discussed, providing insight into its therapeutic potential and optimization of its use in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjana Sajeev
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Bethsebie Sailo
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Jyothsna Unnikrishnan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Ayesha Talukdar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia; BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athba Alqahtani
- Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City. P.O. Box: 59046, Riyadh, 11525, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, 117600, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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Han L, Wu L, Yin Q, Li L, Zheng X, Du S, Huang X, Bai L, Wang Y, Bian Y. A promising therapy for fatty liver disease: PCSK9 inhibitors. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155505. [PMID: 38547616 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty liver disease (FLD) poses a significant global health concern worldwide, with its classification into nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) contingent upon the presence or absence of chronic and excessive alcohol consumption. The absence of specific therapeutic interventions tailored to FLD at various stages of the disease renders its treatment exceptionally arduous. Despite the fact that FLD and hyperlipidemia are intimately associated, there is still debate over how lipid-lowering medications affect FLD. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/ Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease predominantly synthesized in the liver, which has a crucial impact on cholesterol homeostasis. Research has confirmed that PCSK9 inhibitors have prominent lipid-lowering properties and substantial clinical effectiveness, thereby justifying the need for additional exploration of their potential role in FLD. PURPOSE Through a comprehensive literature search, this review is to identify the relationship and related mechanisms between PCSK9, lipid metabolism and FLD. Additionally, it will assess the pharmacological mechanism and applicability of PCSK9 inhibitors (including naturally occurring PCSK9 inhibitors, such as conventional herbal medicines) for the treatment of FLD and serve as a guide for updating the treatment protocol for such conditions. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was conducted using several electronic databases, including Pubmed, Medline, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database and ClinicalTrials.gov, from the inception of the database to 30 Jan 2024. Key words used in the literature search were "fatty liver", "hepatic steatosis", "PCSK9", "traditional Chinese medicine", "herb medicine", "botanical medicine", "clinical trial", "vivo", "vitro", linked with AND/OR. Most of the included studies were within five years. RESULTS PCSK9 participates in the regulation of circulating lipids via both LDLR dependent and independent pathways, and there is a potential association with de novo lipogenesis. Major clinical studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between circulating PCSK9 levels and the severity of NAFLD, with elevated levels of circulating PCSK9 observed in individuals exposed to chronic alcohol. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of PCSK9 inhibitors to ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), potentially completely alleviate liver steatosis, and diminish liver impairment. In animal experiments, PCSK9 inhibitors have exhibited efficacy in alleviating alcoholic induced liver lipid accumulation and hepatitis. Traditional Chinese medicine such as berberine, curcumin, resveratrol, piceatannol, sauchinone, lupin, quercetin, salidroside, ginkgolide, tanshinone, lunasin, Capsella bursa-pastoris, gypenosides, and Morus alba leaves are the main natural PCS9 inhibitors. Excitingly, by inhibiting transcription, reducing secretion, direct targeting and other pathways, traditional Chinese medicine exert inhibitory effects on PCSK9, thereby exerting potential FLD therapeutic effects. CONCLUSION PCSK9 plays an important role in the development of FLD, and PCSK9 inhibitors have demonstrated beneficial effects on lipid regulation and FLD in both preclinical and clinical studies. In addition, some traditional Chinese medicines have improved the disease progression of FLD by inhibiting PCSK9 and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Consequently, the inhibition of PCSK9 appears to be a promising therapeutic strategy for FLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhu Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Liuyun Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Qinan Yin
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xingyue Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Shan Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xuefei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Lan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China.
| | - Yuan Bian
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China.
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Yu L, Qin JY, Sun C, Peng F, Chen Y, Wang SJ, Tang J, Lin ZW, Wu LJ, Li J, Cao XY, Li WQ, Xie XF, Peng C. Xianglian Pill combined with 5-fluorouracil enhances antitumor activity and reduces gastrointestinal toxicity in gastric cancer by regulating the p38 MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117988. [PMID: 38428657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Perioperative or postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy based on 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common first-line adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer (GC). However, drug resistance and the side effects of 5-FU have reduced its efficacy. Among these side effects, gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity is one of the most common. Xianglian Pill (XLP) is a Chinese patent medicine that is commonly used for the treatment of diarrhoea. It can reduce inflammation and has a protective effect on the intestinal mucosa. Recent studies have shown that many components of XLP can inhibite tumor cell growth. However, the therapeutic effect of XLP in combination with 5-FU on GC is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate whether the combination of XLP and 5-FU can enhance anti-GC activity while reducing GI toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS XLP was administered orally during intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU in GC mice model. Mice were continuously monitored for diarrhea and xenograft tumor growth. After 2 weeks, the mice were sacrificed and serum was collected to determine interleukin-6 levels. Pathological changes, the expression of pro-inflammatory factors and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in GI tissue were determined by Western blot analysis. Pathological changes, apoptosis levels and p38 MAPK expression levels in xenograft tissues were also determined. RESULTS The results showed that XLP could alleviate GI mucosal injury caused by 5-FU, alleviated diarrhea, and inhibited the expression of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and myeloid differentiation primary response-88. Besides, XLP could promote the 5-FU-induced apoptosis of GC cells and enhance the inhibitory effect of 5-FU on tumor xenografts. Further study showed that XLP administration could regulate the expression of p38 MAPK. CONCLUSIONS XLP in combination with 5-FU could alleviate its GI side effects and enhance its inhibitory effect on xenograft tumor. Moreover, these effects were found to be related to the regulation of the p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jun-Yuan Qin
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Chen Sun
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Fu Peng
- School of Pharmacy, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610075, China.
| | - Yan Chen
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Su-Juan Wang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jun Tang
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Zi-Wei Lin
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Liu-Jun Wu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Jing Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Cao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Wen-Qing Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Xie
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Herbal Medicine of MOE, Chengdu, 610075, China.
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Chang C, Roh YS, Du M, Kuo YC, Zhang Y, Hardy M, Gahler R, Solnier J. Differences in Metabolite Profiles of Dihydroberberine and Micellar Berberine in Caco-2 Cells and Humans-A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5625. [PMID: 38891813 PMCID: PMC11171481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the pharmacokinetic pathway of berberine and its metabolites in vitro, in Caco-2 cells, and in human participants following the administration of dihydroberberine (DHB) and micellar berberine (LipoMicel®, LMB) formulations. A pilot trial involving nine healthy volunteers was conducted over a 24 h period; blood samples were collected and subjected to Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) analyses to quantify the concentrations of berberine and its metabolites. Pharmacokinetic correlations indicated that berberrubine and thalifendine follow distinct metabolic pathways. Additionally, jatrorrhizine sulfate appeared to undergo metabolism differently compared to the other sulfated metabolites. Moreover, berberrubine glucuronide likely has a unique metabolic pathway distinct from other glucuronides. The human trial revealed significantly higher blood concentrations of berberine metabolites in participants of the DHB treatment group compared to the LMB treatment group-except for berberrubine glucuronide, which was only detected in the LMB treatment group. Similarly, results from in vitro investigations showed significant differences in berberine metabolite profiles between DHB and LMB. Dihydroberberine, dihydroxy-berberrubine/thalifendine and jatrorrhizine sulfate were detected in LMB-treated cells, but not in DHB-treated cells; thalifendine and jatrorrhizine-glucuronide were detected in DHB-treated cells only. While DHB treatment provided higher blood concentrations of berberine and most berberine metabolites, both in vitro (Caco-2 cells) and in vivo human studies showed that treatment with LMB resulted in a higher proportion of unmetabolized berberine compared to DHB. These findings suggest potential clinical implications that merit further investigation in future large-scale trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuck Chang
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yoon Seok Roh
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Min Du
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yun Chai Kuo
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yiming Zhang
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Mary Hardy
- Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, San Diego, CA 92037, USA;
| | | | - Julia Solnier
- ISURA, Clinical Research, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (C.C.); (Y.S.R.); (M.D.); (Y.C.K.); (Y.Z.)
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Gao R, Lu Y, Zhang W, Zhang Z. The Application of Berberine in Fibrosis and the Related Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:753-773. [PMID: 38716621 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
The formation of fibrotic tissue, characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and fibronectin, is a normal and crucial stage of tissue repair in all organs. The over-synthesis, deposition, and remodeling of ECM components lead to organ dysfunction, posing a significant medical burden. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, is commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. With the deepening of scientific research, it has been gradually discovered that berberine also plays an important role in fibrotic diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the effective role of berberine in fibrosis-related diseases. Specifically, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the therapeutic role of berberine in treating fibrosis in organs such as the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys. By summarizing its various pathways and mechanisms of action, including the inhibition of the transforming growth factor-[Formula: see text]/Smad signaling pathway, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, RhoA/ROCK signaling, and mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway, as well as its activation of the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, phosphorylated Smad 2/3 and Smad 7, and other signaling pathways, this review offers additional evidence to support the treatment of fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongmao Gao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyu Lu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital, Chengdu 610057, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
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Qin Z, Han Y, Du Y, Zhang Y, Bian Y, Wang R, Wang H, Guo F, Yuan H, Pan Y, Jin J, Zhou Q, Wang Y, Han F, Xu Y, Jiang J. Bioactive materials from berberine-treated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote alveolar bone regeneration by regulating macrophage polarization. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1010-1026. [PMID: 38489007 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Alveolar bone regeneration has been strongly linked to macrophage polarization. M1 macrophages aggravate alveolar bone loss, whereas M2 macrophages reverse this process. Berberine (BBR), a natural alkaloid isolated and refined from Chinese medicinal plants, has shown therapeutic effects in treating metabolic disorders. In this study, we first discovered that culture supernatant (CS) collected from BBR-treated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) ameliorated periodontal alveolar bone loss. CS from the BBR-treated HBMSCs contained bioactive materials that suppressed the M1 polarization and induced the M2 polarization of macrophages in vivo and in vitro. To clarify the underlying mechanism, the bioactive materials were applied to different animal models. We discovered macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), which regulates macrophage polarization and promotes bone formation, a key macromolecule in the CS. Injection of pure M-CSF attenuated experimental periodontal alveolar bone loss in rats. Colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor or anti-human M-CSF (M-CSF neutralizing antibody, Nab) abolished the therapeutic effects of the CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs. Moreover, AKT phosphorylation in macrophages was activated by the CS, and the AKT activator reversed the negative effect of the CSF1R inhibitor or Nab. These results suggest that the CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs modulates macrophage polarization via the M-CSF/AKT axis. Further studies also showed that CS of BBR-treated HBMSCs accelerated bone formation and M2 polarization in rat teeth extraction sockets. Overall, our findings established an essential role of BBR-treated HBMSCs CS and this might be the first report to show that the products of BBR-treated HBMSCs have active effects on alveolar bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Qin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yanxing Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Function of Natural Medicine, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yifei Du
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Gusu school, Nanjing medical university, Suzhou, 215002, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Drug Target and Drug Discovery Center, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yifeng Bian
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ruyu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Haoran Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Fanyi Guo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hua Yuan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yongchu Pan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jianliang Jin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Research Centre for Bone and Stem Cells, Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Qigang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 211166, China
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Feng Han
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, Drug Target and Drug Discovery Center, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Yan Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Stomatological Translational Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Department of Periodontology, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
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Sun J, Zeng Q, Wu Z, Huang L, Sun T, Ling C, Zhang B, Chen C, Wang H. Berberine inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and proinflammatory macrophage M1 polarization to accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00347. [PMID: 38570276 PMCID: PMC11067341 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2024.e00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating macrophage polarization. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms through which berberine regulates post-injury inflammation within the peripheral nerve system remain elusive. This study seeks to elucidate the role of BBR and its underlying mechanisms in inflammation following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Adult male C57BL/6J mice subjected to PNI were administered daily doses of berberine (0, 60, 120, 180, 240 mg/kg) via gavage from day 1 through day 28. Evaluation of the sciatic function index (SFI) and paw withdrawal threshold revealed that BBR dose-dependently enhanced both motor and sensory functions. Immunofluorescent staining for anti-myelin basic protein (anti-MBP) and anti-neurofilament-200 (anti-NF-200), along with histological staining comprising hematoxylin-eosin (HE), luxol fast blue (LFB), and Masson staining, demonstrated that BBR dose-dependently promoted structural regeneration. Molecular analyses including qRT-PCR, Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunofluorescence confirmed that inactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by MCC950 shifted macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, while also impeding macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, BBR significantly downregulated the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its associated molecules in macrophages, thereby mitigating NLRP3 inflammasome activation-induced macrophage M1 polarization and inflammation. In summary, BBR's neuroprotective effects were concomitant with the suppression of inflammation after PNI, achieved through the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation-induced macrophage M1 polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Qiuhua Zeng
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhimin Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Lixin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Cong Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Baoyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 600 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, PR China.
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Xiang ZD, Guan HD, Zhao X, Xie Q, Cai FJ, Xie ZJ, Dang R, Li ML, Wang CH. Protoberberine alkaloids: A review of the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 126:155444. [PMID: 38367423 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stomach diseases have become global health concerns. Protoberberine alkaloids (PBAs) are a group of quaternary isoquinoline alkaloids from abundant natural sources and have been shown to improve gastric disorders in preclinical and clinical studies. The finding that PBAs exhibit low oral bioavailability but potent pharmacological activity has attracted great interest. PURPOSE This review aims to provide a systematic review of the molecular mechanisms of PBAs in the treatment of gastric disorders and to discuss the current understanding of the pharmacokinetics and toxicity of PBAs. METHODS The articles related to PBAs were collected from the Web of Science, Pubmed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases using relevant keywords. The collected articles were screened and categorized according to their research content to focus on the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of PBAs. RESULTS Based on the results of preclinical studies, PBAs have demonstrated therapeutic effects on chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer by activating interleukin-4 (IL-4)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) pathway and suppressing transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Janus kinase-2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. The major PBAs exhibit similar pharmacokinetic properties, including rapid absorption, slow elimination, and low bioavailability. Notably, the natural organ-targeting property of PBAs may account for the finding of their low blood levels and high pharmacological activity. PBAs interact with other compounds, including conventional drugs and natural products, by modulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters. The potential tissue toxicity of PBAs should be emphasized due to their high tissue accumulation. CONCLUSION This review highlights the gastroprotective effects, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of PBAs and will contribute to the evaluation of drug properties and clinical translational studies of PBAs, accelerating their transfer from the laboratory to the bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Dong Xiang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui-Da Guan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qi Xie
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fu-Jie Cai
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhe-Jun Xie
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rui Dang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Man-Lin Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Chang-Hong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Laboratory of Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Ayaz M, Mosa OF, Nawaz A, Hamdoon AAE, Elkhalifa MEM, Sadiq A, Ullah F, Ahmed A, Kabra A, Khan H, Murthy HCA. Neuroprotective potentials of Lead phytochemicals against Alzheimer's disease with focus on oxidative stress-mediated signaling pathways: Pharmacokinetic challenges, target specificity, clinical trials and future perspectives. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 124:155272. [PMID: 38181530 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's diseases (AD) and dementia are among the highly prevalent neurological disorders characterized by deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ) plaques, dense deposits of highly phosphorylated tau proteins, insufficiency of acetylcholine (ACh) and imbalance in glutamatergic system. Patients typically experience cognitive, behavioral alterations and are unable to perform their routine activities. Evidence also suggests that inflammatory processes including excessive microglia activation, high expression of inflammatory cytokines and release of free radicals. Thus, targeting inflammatory pathways beside other targets might be the key factors to control- disease symptoms and progression. PURPOSE This review is aimed to highlight the mechanisms and pathways involved in the neuroprotective potentials of lead phytochemicals. Further to provide updates regarding challenges associated with their use and their progress into clinical trials as potential lead compounds. METHODS Most recent scientific literature on pre-clinical and clinical data published in quality journals especially on the lead phytochemicals including curcumin, catechins, quercetin, resveratrol, genistein and apigenin was collected using SciFinder, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, JSTOR, EBSCO, Scopus and other related web sources. RESULTS Literature review indicated that the drug discovery against AD is insufficient and only few drugs are clinically approved which have limited efficacy. Among the therapeutic options, natural products have got tremendous attraction owing to their molecular diversity, their safety and efficacy. Research suggest that natural products can delay the disease onset, reduce its progression and regenerate the damage via their anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials. These agents regulate the pathways involved in the release of neurotrophins which are implicated in neuronal survival and function. Highly potential lead phytochemicals including curcumin, catechins, quercetin, resveratrol, genistein and apigenin regulate neuroprotective signaling pathways implicated in neurotrophins-mediated activation of tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) and p75 neurotrophins receptor (p75NTR) family receptors. CONCLUSIONS Phytochemicals especially phenolic compounds were identified as highly potential molecules which ameliorate oxidative stress induced neurodegeneration, reduce Aβ load and inhibit vital enzymes. Yet their clinical efficacy and bioavailability are the major challenges which need further interventions for more effective therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ayaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan.
| | - Osama F Mosa
- Public health Department, Health Sciences College at Lieth, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, KSA
| | - Asif Nawaz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan
| | - Alashary Adam Eisa Hamdoon
- Public health Department, Health Sciences College at Lieth, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, KSA; University of Khartoum, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, Sudan
| | - Modawy Elnour Modawy Elkhalifa
- Public health Department, Health Sciences College at Lieth, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, KSA; University of Khartoum, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, Sudan
| | - Abdul Sadiq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan
| | - Farhat Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Malakand, Chakdara, 18000 Dir (L), KP, Pakistan
| | - Alshebli Ahmed
- Public health Department, Health Sciences College at Lieth, Umm Al Qura University, Makkah, KSA; University of Khartoum, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, Sudan
| | - Atul Kabra
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - H C Ananda Murthy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Applied Natural Science, Adama Science and Technology University, P O Box 1888, Adama, Ethiopia; Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and technical science (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai-600077, Tamil Nadu, India
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Lin X, Zhang J, Chu Y, Nie Q, Zhang J. Berberine prevents NAFLD and HCC by modulating metabolic disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108593. [PMID: 38301771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global metabolic disease with high prevalence in both adults and children. Importantly, NAFLD is becoming the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Berberine (BBR), a naturally occurring plant component, has been demonstrated to have advantageous effects on a number of metabolic pathways as well as the ability to kill liver tumor cells by causing cell death and other routes. This permits us to speculate and make assumptions about the value of BBR in the prevention and defense against NAFLD and HCC by a global modulation of metabolic disorders. Herein, we briefly describe the etiology of NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC, with a particular emphasis on analyzing the potential mechanisms of BBR in the treatment of NAFLD from aspects including increasing insulin sensitivity, controlling the intestinal milieu, and controlling lipid metabolism. We also elucidate the mechanism of BBR in the treatment of HCC. More significantly, we provided a list of clinical studies for BBR in NAFLD. Taking into account our conclusions and perspectives, we can make further progress in the treatment of BBR in NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Lin
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yajun Chu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qiuying Nie
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Erhunse N, Kumari S, Anmol, Singh P, Omoregie ES, Singh AP, Sharma U, Sahal D. Annickia affinis (Exell) Versteegh & Sosef methanol stem bark extract, potent fractions and isolated Berberine alkaloid target both blood and liver stages of malaria parasites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117269. [PMID: 37813288 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Having identified Annickia affinis as the most potent antiplasmodial plant constituent in a hepta-herbal Agbo-iba (HHA) formula commonly used to manage malaria in Benin city, Nigeria, we have in this study attempted to identify the specialized metabolites responsible for antiplasmodial activity of A. affinis through anti-blood stage malaria parasite activity guided isolation of potent molecules from its stem bark methanol extract. After that, phenotypic effects, including stage-specific kill kinetics, were investigated. Further, the crude extract, its potent fractions, and specialized metabolites were also tested against the liver-stage malaria parasite. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. affinis was subjected to molecular PCR-based analysis to confirm its identity. Thereafter, extraction of its stem bark with methanol was carried out. Alkaloid enriched fractions from this stem bark extract were obtained using the acid-base-solvent extraction method. These alkaloid-enriched fractions were subjected to various chromatographic techniques that led to the isolation of two protoberberine alkaloids identified as berberine and palmatine based on NMR and mass spectrometry analysis. The efficacy of crude extract, fractions and purified alkaloids was tested against the malaria parasite's blood and liver stages, respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Annickia affinis methanol extract, fractions, and the isolated protoberberine alkaloids showed excellent antiplasmodial activity with good selectivity against blood-stage malaria parasite. Thus, their IC50 against various strains of the parasite ranged from 0.95 to 18.65 μg/ml, while CC50 against Human embryonic kidney (HEK) and the human hepatoma (HUH-7) cell lines ranged between 10 and > 100 μg/ml. Interestingly, the crude extract and the alkaloid enriched fractions showed promising activity against the liver-stage malaria parasite. Between berberine and palmatine isolated from the potent fractions, only the former showed ∼100% and 90% inhibitions of liver stage parasite at 5 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml, respectively, while the latter showed no inhibition even at 20 μg/ml. CONCLUSION This study reports that the ethnomedicinal use of HHA to manage malaria can be attributed to the presence of promising antiplasmodial protoberberine alkaloids together with synergistic effects via either enhancement of bioavailability or improved pharmacokinetics by other phytoconstituent(s) coming from other HHA constituent plants. The protoberberine alkaloids isolated have been identified as fast-acting antiplasmodial agents, with activity against all erythrocytic stages of the malaria parasite. Further, A. affinis methanol stembark extract and the protoberberine alkaloid berberine isolated from it also displayed excellent activity (>90% inhibition at 1 μg/ml) against the liver-stage malaria parasite. A. affinis and HHA can thus be useful as both liver-stage prophylactic and blood-stage curative agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nekpen Erhunse
- Malaria Drug Discovery Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin city, Nigeria
| | - Surekha Kumari
- Chemical Technology Division CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Anmol
- Chemical Technology Division CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Pooja Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhiz, 110067, India
| | | | - Agam Prasad Singh
- Infectious Diseases Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhiz, 110067, India
| | - Upendra Sharma
- Chemical Technology Division CSIR-IHBT, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, 176061, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Dinkar Sahal
- Malaria Drug Discovery Research Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
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Gong P, Long H, Guo Y, Wang Z, Yao W, Wang J, Yang W, Li N, Xie J, Chen F. Chinese herbal medicines: The modulator of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease targeting oxidative stress. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116927. [PMID: 37532073 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Plants are a natural treasure trove; their secondary metabolites participate in several pharmacological processes, making them a crucial component in the synthesis of novel pharmaceuticals and serving as a reserve resource foundation in this process. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the risk of progression to hepatitis and liver cancer. The "Treatise on Febrile Diseases," "Compendium of Materia Medica," and "Thousand Golden Prescriptions" have listed herbal remedies to treat liver diseases. AIM OF THE REVIEW Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD owing to their efficacy and low side effects. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during NAFLD, and the impact and potential mechanism of ROS on the pathogenesis of NAFLD are discussed in this review. Furthermore, common foods and herbs that can be used to prevent NAFLD, as well as the structure-activity relationships and potential mechanisms, are discussed. METHODS Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI database, Google Scholar, and WanFang database were searched for natural products that have been used to treat or prevent NAFLD in the past five years. The primary search was performed using the following keywords in different combinations in full articles: NAFLD, herb, natural products, medicine, and ROS. More than 400 research papers and review articles were found and analyzed in this review. RESULTS By classifying and discussing the literature, we obtained 86 herbaceous plants, 28 of which were derived from food and 58 from Chinese herbal medicines. The mechanism of NAFLD was proposed through experimental studies on thirteen natural compounds (quercetin, hesperidin, rutin, curcumin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, salvianolic acid B, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1, ursolic acid, berberine, honokiol, emodin). The occurrence and progression of NAFLD could be prevented by natural antioxidants through several pathways to prevent ROS accumulation and reduce hepatic cell injuries caused by excessive ROS. CONCLUSION This review summarizes the natural products and routinely used herbs (prescription) in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. Firstly, the mechanisms by which natural products improve NAFLD through antioxidant pathways are elucidated. Secondly, the potential of traditional Chinese medicine theory in improving NAFLD is discussed, highlighting the safety of food-medicine homology and the broader clinical potential of multi-component formulations in improving NAFLD. Aiming to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Gong
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Hui Long
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Yuxi Guo
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Zhineng Wang
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Wenbo Yao
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Wenjuan Yang
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Jianwu Xie
- School of Food and Biotechnological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China.
| | - Fuxin Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710054, China.
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Mushtaq Z, Imran M, Saeed F, Imran A, Ali SW, Shahbaz M, Alsagaby SA, Guerrero Sánchez Y, Umar M, Hussain M, Al Abdimonem W, Al Jbawi E, Mahwish, El-Ghorab AH, Abdelgawad MA. Berberine: a comprehensive Approach to combat human maladies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD PROPERTIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10942912.2023.2184300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zarina Mushtaq
- Department of Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran
- Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Narowal-Pakistan, Pakistan
| | - Farhan Saeed
- Department of Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ali Imran
- Department of Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shinawar Waseem Ali
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Quid-i-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahbaz
- Department of Food Science and Technology, MNS-University Multan, Pakistan
| | - Suliman A. Alsagaby
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Maryam Umar
- Department of Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Muzzamal Hussain
- Department of Food Sciences, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Waleed Al Abdimonem
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mahwish
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Government College Women University Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Ahmed H. El-Ghorab
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
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Dehau T, Cherlet M, Croubels S, Van De Vliet M, Goossens E, Van Immerseel F. Berberine-microbiota interplay: orchestrating gut health through modulation of the gut microbiota and metabolic transformation into bioactive metabolites. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1281090. [PMID: 38130410 PMCID: PMC10733463 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1281090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Dehau
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marc Cherlet
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Siska Croubels
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Michiel Van De Vliet
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Evy Goossens
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Immerseel
- Livestock Gut Health Team (LiGHT) Ghent, Department of Pathobiology, Pharmacology and Zoological Medicine, Faculty Of Veterinary Medicine, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Cai Y, Yang Q, Yu Y, Yang F, Bai R, Fan X. Efficacy and underlying mechanisms of berberine against lipid metabolic diseases: a review. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1283784. [PMID: 38034996 PMCID: PMC10684937 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1283784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Cai
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoning Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqiao Yu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Furong Yang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruina Bai
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodi Fan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing, China
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20
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Solnier J, Zhang Y, Kuo YC, Du M, Roh K, Gahler R, Wood S, Chang C. Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Assessment of a New Berberine Formulation with Enhanced Absorption In Vitro and in Human Volunteers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2567. [PMID: 38004546 PMCID: PMC10675484 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine is a plant-origin quaternary isoquinoline alkaloid with a vast array of biological activities, including antioxidant and blood-glucose- and blood-lipid-lowering effects. However, its therapeutic potential is largely limited by its poor oral bioavailability. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro solubility and Caco-2 cell permeability followed by pharmacokinetic profiling in healthy volunteers of a new food-grade berberine delivery system (i.e., Berberine LipoMicel®). X-ray diffractometry (XRD), in vitro solubility, and Caco-2 cell permeability indicated higher bioavailability of LipoMicel Berberine (LMB) compared to the standard formulation. Increased aqueous solubility (up to 1.4-fold), as well as improved Caco-2 cell permeability of LMB (7.18 × 10-5 ± 7.89 × 10-6 cm/s), were observed when compared to standard/unformulated berberine (4.93 × 10-6 ± 4.28 × 10-7 cm/s). Demonstrating better uptake, LMB achieved significant increases in AUC0-24 and Cmax compared to the standard formulation (AUC: 78.2 ± 14.4 ng h/mL vs. 13.4 ± 1.97 ng h/mL, respectively; p < 0.05; Cmax: 15.8 ± 2.6 ng/mL vs. 1.67 ± 0.41 ng/mL) in a pilot study of healthy volunteers (n = 10). No adverse reactions were reported during the study period. In conclusion, LMB presents a highly bioavailable formula with superior absorption (up to six-fold) compared to standard berberine formulation and may, therefore, have the potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of berberine. The study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier NCT05370261.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Solnier
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Yiming Zhang
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Yun Chai Kuo
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Min Du
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
| | - Kyle Roh
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Simon Wood
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia;
- InovoBiologic Inc., Calgary, AB Y2N 4Y7, Canada
- Food, Nutrition and Health Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Chuck Chang
- ISURA, Burnaby, BC V3N 4S9, Canada; (Y.Z.); (Y.C.K.); (M.D.); (K.R.); (C.C.)
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Tian E, Sharma G, Dai C. Neuroprotective Properties of Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1883. [PMID: 37891961 PMCID: PMC10604532 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12101883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid natural product, is isolated primarily from Coptis chinensis and other Berberis plants. BBR possesses various bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer, immune-regulation, and antimicrobial activities. Growing scientific evidence underscores BBR's substantial neuroprotective potential, prompting increased interest and scrutiny. In this comprehensive review, we elucidate the neuroprotective attributes of BBR, delineate the underlying molecular mechanisms, and assess its clinical safety and efficacy. The multifaceted molecular mechanisms responsible for BBR's neuroprotection encompass the attenuation of oxidative stress, mitigation of inflammatory responses, inhibition of apoptotic pathways, facilitation of autophagic processes, and modulation of CYP450 enzyme activities, neurotransmitter levels, and gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, BBR engages numerous signaling pathways, including the PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, AMPK, CREB, Nrf2, and MAPK pathways, to confer its neuroprotective effects. This comprehensive review aims to provide a substantial knowledge base, stimulate broader scientific discourse, and facilitate advancements in the application of BBR for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erjie Tian
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan University of Science and Technology, Kaiyuan Avenue 263, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and Advanced Imaging Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230, USA
| | - Chongshan Dai
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health and Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Biology Laboratory of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing 100193, China
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Yang Y, Xiao G, Cheng P, Zeng J, Liu Y. Protective Application of Chinese Herbal Compounds and Formulae in Intestinal Inflammation in Humans and Animals. Molecules 2023; 28:6811. [PMID: 37836654 PMCID: PMC10574200 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28196811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal inflammation is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder with uncertain pathophysiology and causation that has significantly impacted both the physical and mental health of both people and animals. An increasing body of research has demonstrated the critical role of cellular signaling pathways in initiating and managing intestinal inflammation. This review focuses on the interactions of three cellular signaling pathways (TLR4/NF-κB, PI3K-AKT, MAPKs) with immunity and gut microbiota to explain the possible pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation. Traditional medicinal drugs frequently have drawbacks and negative side effects. This paper also summarizes the pharmacological mechanism and application of Chinese herbal compounds (Berberine, Sanguinarine, Astragalus polysaccharide, Curcumin, and Cannabinoids) and formulae (Wumei Wan, Gegen-Qinlian decoction, Banxia xiexin decoction) against intestinal inflammation. We show that the herbal compounds and formulae may influence the interactions among cell signaling pathways, immune function, and gut microbiota in humans and animals, exerting their immunomodulatory capacity and anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. This demonstrates their strong potential to improve gut inflammation. We aim to promote herbal medicine and apply it to multispecies animals to achieve better health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, China; (Y.Y.); (G.X.); (P.C.)
- Hunan Key Laboratory, Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, China; (Y.Y.); (G.X.); (P.C.)
| | - Pi Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, China; (Y.Y.); (G.X.); (P.C.)
- Hunan Key Laboratory, Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Jianguo Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, China; (Y.Y.); (G.X.); (P.C.)
- Hunan Key Laboratory, Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Yisong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410125, China; (Y.Y.); (G.X.); (P.C.)
- Hunan Key Laboratory, Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Changsha 410125, China
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Marques C, Fernandes MH, Lima SAC. Elucidating Berberine's Therapeutic and Photosensitizer Potential through Nanomedicine Tools. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2282. [PMID: 37765251 PMCID: PMC10535601 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092282] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants of the Berberidaceae family, has been gaining interest due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, as well as neuro and cardiovascular protective effects in animal models. Recently, photodynamic therapy demonstrated successful application in many fields of medicine. This innovative, non-invasive treatment modality requires a photosensitizer, light, and oxygen. In particular, the photosensitizer can selectively accumulate in diseased tissues without damaging healthy cells. Berberine's physicochemical properties allow its use as a photosensitising agent for photodynamic therapy, enabling reactive oxygen species production and thus potentiating treatment efficacy. However, berberine exhibits poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, poor cellular permeability, and poor gastrointestinal absorption that hamper its therapeutic and photodynamic efficacy. Nanotechnology has been used to minimize berberine's limitations with the design of drug delivery systems. Different nanoparticulate delivery systems for berberine have been used, as lipid-, inorganic- and polymeric-based nanoparticles. These berberine nanocarriers improve its therapeutic properties and photodynamic potential. More specifically, they extend its half-life, increase solubility, and allow a high permeation and targeted delivery. This review describes different nano strategies designed for berberine delivery as well as berberine's potential as a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. To benefit from berberine's overall potential, nanotechnology has been applied for berberine-mediated photodynamic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Marques
- IUCS-CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Helena Fernandes
- BoneLab-Laboratory for Bone Metabolism and Regeneration, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto, LAQV, REQUIMTE, U. Porto, 4200-393 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sofia A. Costa Lima
- IUCS-CESPU, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Zhou J, Dai Y, Fu J, Yan C, Yu DG, Yi T. Dual-Step Controlled Release of Berberine Hydrochloride from the Trans-Scale Hybrids of Nanofibers and Microparticles. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1011. [PMID: 37371591 DOI: 10.3390/biom13061011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this nano era, nanomaterials and nanostructures are popular in developing novel functional materials. However, the combinations of materials at micro and macro scales can open new routes for developing novel trans-scale products with improved or even new functional performances. In this work, a brand-new hybrid, containing both nanofibers and microparticles, was fabricated using a sequential electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) process. Firstly, the microparticles loaded with drug (berberine hydrochloride, BH) molecules in the cellulose acetate (CA) were fabricated using a solution electrospraying process. Later, these microparticles were suspended into a co-dissolved solution that contained BH and a hydrophilic polymer (polypyrrolidone, PVP) and were co-electrospun into the nanofiber/microparticle hybrids. The EHDA processes were recorded, and the resultant trans-scale products showed a typical hybrid topography, with microparticles distributed all over the nanofibers, which was demonstrated by SEM assessments. FTIR and XRD demonstrated that the components within the hybrids were presented in an amorphous state and had fine compatibility with each other. In vitro dissolution tests verified that the hybrids were able to provide the designed dual-step drug release profiles, a combination of the fast release step of BH from the hydrophilic PVP nanofibers through an erosion mechanism and the sustained release step of BH from the insoluble CA microparticles via a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. The present protocols pave a new way for developing trans-scale functional materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Zhou
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Yelin Dai
- Wenqi Middle School, East Jiangchuan Road 980, Shanghai 200240, China
- High School Affiliated to Fudan University, Qingpu Campus, Longpu Road 500, Shanghai 201700, China
| | - Junhao Fu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Chao Yan
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Deng-Guang Yu
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
| | - Tao Yi
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sports, Macao Polytechnic University, Macau 999078, China
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Yang LJ, He JB, Jiang Y, Li J, Zhou ZW, Zhang C, Tao X, Chen AF, Peng C, Xie HH. Berberine hydrochloride inhibits migration ability via increasing inducible NO synthase and peroxynitrite in HTR-8/SVneo cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 305:116087. [PMID: 36584918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.116087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Inadequate trophoblasts migration and invasion is considered as an initial event resulting in preeclampsia, which is closely related to oxidative stress. Berberine hydrochloride (BBR), extracted from the traditional medicinal plant Coptis chinensis Franch., exerts a diversity of pharmacological effects, and the crude drug has been widely taken by most Chinese women to treat nausea and vomit during pregnancy. But there is no research regarding its effects on trophoblast cell function. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effect of BBR on human-trophoblast-derived cell line (HTR-8/SVneo) migration ability and its mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. The effect of BBR on cells migration function was examined by scratch wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. Intracellular nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (O2-) and peroxynitrite (ONOO-) levels were measured by flow cytometry. The expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), eNOS, p-eNOS, MnSOD, CuZnSOD, Rac1, NOX1, TLR4, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), p-NFκB, pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in cells were analyzed by Western blotting. Uric acid sodium salt (UA), the scavenger of ONOO-, PEG-SOD (a specific superoxide scavenger), L-NAME (a NOS inhibitor) and antioxidants (Vit E and DFO) were further used to characterize the pathway of BBR action. RESULTS 5 μM BBR decreased both the migration distance and the number of migrated cells without affecting cells viability in HTR-8/SVneo cells after 24 h treatment. BBR could increase the level of NO in HTR-8/SVneo cells, and the over-production of NO might be attributable to iNOS, but not eNOS. BBR could increase intracellular O2- levels, and the over-production of O2- is closely related with Rac1 in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The excessive production of NO and O2- further react to form ONOO-, and the increased ONOO- level induced by BBR was blunted by UA. Moreover, UA improved the impaired migration function caused by BBR in HTR-8/SVneo cells. The depressed migration function stimulated by BBR in HTR-8/SVneo cells was diminished by PEG-SOD and L-NAME. Furthermore, BBR increased the expression of IL-6 in HTR-8/SVneo cells, and antioxidants (Vit E and DFO) could decrease the expression of IL-6 and iNOS induced by BBR. CONCLUSIONS BBR inhibits the cell migration ability through increasing inducible NO synthase and peroxynitrite in HTR-8/SVneo cells, indicating that BBR and traditional Chinese medicines containing a high proportion of BBR should be used with caution in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Yang
- School of Public Health and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jia-Bei He
- School of Public Health and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Jianzhong Li
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhen-Wei Zhou
- School of Public Health and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Chuan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Xia Tao
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Alex F Chen
- Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- School of Public Health and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - He-Hui Xie
- School of Public Health and Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China; Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Xia Y, Yang HC, Zhang K, Tian JJ, Li ZF, Yu EM, Li HY, Gong WB, Xie WP, Wang GJ, Xie J. Berberine regulates glucose metabolism in largemouth bass by modulating intestinal microbiota. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1147001. [PMID: 36969581 PMCID: PMC10033662 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1147001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the role of intestinal microbiota in berberine (BBR)-mediated glucose (GLU) metabolism regulation in largemouth bass. Four groups of largemouth bass (133.7 ± 1.43 g) were fed with control diet, BBR (1 g/kg feed) supplemented diet, antibiotic (ATB, 0.9 g/kg feed) supplemented diet and BBR + ATB (1g/kg feed +0.9 g/kg feed) supplemented diet for 50 days. BBR improved growth, decreased the hepatosomatic and visceral weight indices, significantly downregulated the serum total cholesterol and GLU levels, and significantly upregulated the serum total bile acid (TBA) levels. The hepatic hexokinase, pyruvate kinase, GLU-6-phosphatase and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activities in the largemouth bass were significantly upregulated when compared with those in the control group. The ATB group exhibited significantly decreased final bodyweight, weight gain, specific growth rates and serum TBA levels, and significantly increased hepatosomatic and viscera weight indices, hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, phosphofructokinase, and pyruvate carboxylase activities, and serum GLU levels. Meanwhile, the BBR + ATB group exhibited significantly decreased final weight, weight gain and specific growth rates, and TBA levels and significantly increased hepatosomatic and viscera weight indices and GLU levels. High-throughput sequencing revealed that compared with those in the control group, the Chao one index and Bacteroidota contents were significantly upregulated and the Firmicutes contents were downregulated in the BBR group. Additionally, the Shannon and Simpson indices and Bacteroidota levels were significantly downregulated, whereas the Firmicutes levels were significantly upregulated in ATB and BBR + ATB groups. The results of in-vitro culture of intestinal microbiota revealed that BBR significantly increased the number of culturable bacteria. The characteristic bacterium in the BBR group was Enterobacter cloacae. Biochemical identification analysis revealed that E. cloacae metabolizes carbohydrates. The size and degree of vacuolation of the hepatocytes in the control, ATB, and ATB + BBR groups were higher than those in the BBR group. Additionally, BBR decreased the number of nuclei at the edges and the distribution of lipids in the liver tissue. Collectively, BBR reduced the blood GLU level and improved GLU metabolism in largemouth bass. Comparative analysis of experiments with ATB and BBR supplementation revealed that BBR regulated GLU metabolism in largemouth bass by modulating intestinal microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hui-Ci Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Jing-Jing Tian
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Zhi-Fei Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Er-Meng Yu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Hong-Yan Li
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Wang-Bao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Wen-Ping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Guang-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Guang-Jun Wang, ; Jun Xie,
| | - Jun Xie
- Key Laboratory of Tropical and Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture, Pearl River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Hainan Fisheries Innovation Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Sanya, China
- *Correspondence: Guang-Jun Wang, ; Jun Xie,
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A High Dose of Dietary Berberine Improves Gut Wall Morphology, Despite an Expansion of Enterobacteriaceae and a Reduction in Beneficial Microbiota in Broiler Chickens. mSystems 2023; 8:e0123922. [PMID: 36719211 PMCID: PMC9948737 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.01239-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytogenic products are embraced as alternatives to antimicrobials, and some are known to mitigate intestinal inflammation and ensure optimal gut health and performance in broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion of berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid found in plants, is believed to exert gut health-promoting effects through modulation of the gut microbiota; however, there are only a few studies investigating its effects in chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between dietary supplementation of a high concentration of berberine, the gastrointestinal microbiota, and histomorphological parameters in the gut. Berberine was shown to increase villus length and decrease crypt depth and CD3+ T-lymphocyte infiltration in the gut tissue of chickens at different ages. Berberine affected the diversity of the gut microbiota from the jejunum to the colon, both at a compositional and functional level, with larger effects observed in the large intestine. A high concentration of berberine enriched members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and depleted members of the Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae families, as well as tended to reduce butyrate production in the cecum. In vivo results were confirmed by in vitro growth experiments, where increasing concentrations of berberine inhibited the growth of several butyrate-producing strains while not affecting that of Enterobacteriaceae strains. Positive correlations were found between berberine levels in plasma and villus length or villus-to-crypt ratio in the jejunum. Our study showed that berberine supplementation at a high concentration improves chicken gut morphology toward decreased inflammation, which is likely not mediated by the induced gut microbiota shifts. IMPORTANCE Dietary additives are widely used to reduce intestinal inflammation and enteritis, a growing problem in the broiler industry. Berberine, with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity, would be an interesting feed additive in this regard. This study investigates for the first time the impact of berberine supplementation on the chicken gastrointestinal microbiota, as a potential mechanism to improve gut health, together with histological effects in the small intestine. This study identified a dose-effect of berberine on the gut microbiota, indicating the importance of finding an optimal dose to be used as a dietary additive.
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Purwaningsih I, Maksum IP, Sumiarsa D, Sriwidodo S. A Review of Fibraurea tinctoria and Its Component, Berberine, as an Antidiabetic and Antioxidant. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031294. [PMID: 36770960 PMCID: PMC9919506 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indah Purwaningsih
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Poltekkes Kemenkes Pontianak, Pontianak 78124, Indonesia
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (I.P.M.)
| | - Iman Permana Maksum
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (I.P.M.)
| | - Dadan Sumiarsa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
| | - Sriwidodo Sriwidodo
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
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Zhong L, Lin Y, Gong S, Wu X, Liu Y, Chen J, Li Y, Yan F, Su Z, Xie Q. Oxyberberrubine, a novel liver microsomes-mediated secondary metabolite of berberine, alleviates hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154521. [PMID: 36334387 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjiang Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yinsi Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shiting Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Fan Yan
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Qi Yu-ru Academic Experience Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Li M, Qin Z, Yu Q, Huang Z, Cheng J, Zhong L, Liu Y, Xie J, Li Y, Chen J, Zhan R, Su Z. Anti-Inflammatory Activation of Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex is Mediated by Berberine Erythrocytes Self-Assembly Targeted Delivery System. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:4365-4383. [PMID: 36583113 PMCID: PMC9793729 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s385301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhua Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zehui Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiuxia Yu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ziwei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Chinese Medicine Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Linjiang Zhong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianhui Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Guangzhou, 510120, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruoting Zhan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China,Correspondence: Ruoting Zhan; Ziren Su, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, no. 232, Waihuandong Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China, Email ;
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, People’s Republic of China
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Effects of Berberine against Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238630. [PMID: 36500723 PMCID: PMC9738201 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pancreas is a glandular organ with endocrine and exocrine functions necessary for the maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis and secretion of digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas leading to temporary or permanent pancreatic dysfunction. Inflammation and fibrosis caused by chronic pancreatitis exacerbate malignant transformation and significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the world's most aggressive cancer with a 5-year survival rate less than 10%. Berberine (BBR) is a naturally occurring plant-derived polyphenol present in a variety of herbal remedies used in traditional medicine to treat ulcers, infections, jaundice, and inflammation. The current review summarizes the existing in vitro and in vivo evidence on the effects of BBR against pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer with a focus on the signalling mechanisms underlying the effects of BBR.
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Integrated metabolomics and molecular docking reveal berberrubine inhibits thrombosis by regulating the vitamin K catalytic cycle in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 938:175436. [PMID: 36481237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Natural product berberine was reported to inhibit platelet activation and thrombosis by suppressing the class Ⅰ PI3Kβ/Rasa3/Rap1 pathway. This study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of berberrubine, a main metabolite of berberine, to inhibit thrombus formation. METHODS Carrageenan-induced mouse tail thrombosis model was used to evaluate the effects of berberrubine hydrochloride (BBB) on thrombus formation in vivo. Non-targeted metabolomics was performed with UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to explore the potential mechanisms of BBB in inhibiting thrombosis. The effects of BBB on bleeding risk and prothrombin time were determined. And molecular docking was used to identify the possible target of BBB. RESULTS After oral administration, BBB significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced thrombosis in mice without prolonging bleeding time. The results of non-targeted metabolomics showed that oral BBB could regulate 'Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis' and 'Ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis', which is closely related to the vitamin K catalytic cycle. Molecular docking revealed BBB could combine and interact with vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) and γ-Glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX), which was mutually confirmed with the experimental results that oral BBB could significantly prolong prothrombin time. CONCLUSIONS Integrated metabolomics and molecular docking reveal BBB inhibited thrombosis by regulating the vitamin K catalytic cycle. Our research is helpful in deeply understanding the antithrombotic material basis of oral berberine, and also could provide scientific evidence for developing new antithrombotic drugs based on BBB in the future.
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Multi-Target Potential of Berberine as an Antineoplastic and Antimetastatic Agent: A Special Focus on Lung Cancer Treatment. Cells 2022; 11:cells11213433. [PMID: 36359829 PMCID: PMC9655513 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite therapeutic advancements, lung cancer remains the principal cause of cancer mortality in a global scenario. The increased incidence of tumor reoccurrence and progression and the highly metastatic nature of lung cancer are of great concern and hence require the investigation of novel therapies and/or medications. Naturally occurring compounds from plants serve as important resources for novel drugs for cancer therapy. Amongst these phytochemicals, Berberine, an alkaloid, has been extensively explored as a potential natural anticancer therapeutic agent. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of Berberine in inhibiting cancer growth and progression mediated via several different mechanisms, which include cell cycle arrest, inducing cell death by apoptosis and autophagy, inhibiting cell proliferation and invasion, as well as regulating the expression of microRNA, telomerase activity, and the tumor microenvironment, which usually varies for different cancer types. In this review, we aim to provide a better understanding of molecular insights of Berberine and its various derivative-induced antiproliferative and antimetastatic effects against lung cancer. In conclusion, the Berberine imparts its anticancer efficacy against lung cancers via modulation of several signaling pathways involved in cancer cell viability and proliferation, as well as migration, invasion, and metastasis.
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Zamani M, Zarei M, Nikbaf-Shandiz M, Hosseini S, Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O. The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1013055. [PMID: 36313096 PMCID: PMC9614282 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1013055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern today. Herbal medicine is one helping way to control CVD risks. One conclusive of herbal medicine is Berberine (BBR) and converse about it still exists, to clarify this issue, this meta-analysis was performed. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs in adults on the effect of BBR supplementation on CVD risk factors up to July 2022. The pooled results showed BBR significantly reduced triglyceride (WMD = -23.70 mg/dl; 95%CI -30.16, -17.25; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = -20.64 mg/dl; 95%CI -23.65, -17.63; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein WMD = -9.63 mg/dl; 95%CI, -13.87, -5.39; P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = -7.74 mg/dl; 95%CI -10.79, -4.70; P < 0.001), insulin (WMD = -3.27 mg/dl; 95%CI -4.46,-2.07; P < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.45%; 95%CI -0.68, -0.23; P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (WMD = -1.04; 95%CI -1.55, -0.52; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (WMD = -5.46 mmHg; 95%CI -8.17, -2.76; P < 0.001), weight (WMD = -0.84; 95%CI -1.34,-0.34; P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD = -0.25 kg/m2; 95%CI -0.46, -0.04; P = 0.020), while increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD = 1.37 mg/dl; 95%CI 0.41,2.23; P = 0.005). The optimal dose of BBR was 1 g/day for TG, TC, and weight, 1.8 g/day for insulin and HOMA-IR, and 5 g/day for HDL. FBG's most efficient time frame was 40 weeks from the beginning of supplementation, whereas DBP and waist circumference was 50 weeks. In conclusion, the lipid profile, FBG balance, obesity parameters, and SBP were improved with BBR supplementation. Systematic review registration CRD42022347004.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zamani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Zarei
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shabnam Hosseini
- Nutrition and Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Shiraseb
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Lim DW, Wang JH. Gut Microbiome: The Interplay of an "Invisible Organ" with Herbal Medicine and Its Derived Compounds in Chronic Metabolic Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13076. [PMID: 36293657 PMCID: PMC9603471 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Resembling a concealed "organ" in a holobiont, trillions of gut microbes play complex roles in the maintenance of homeostasis, including participating in drug metabolism. The conventional opinion is that most of any drug is metabolized by the host and that individual differences are principally due to host genetic factors. However, current evidence indicates that only about 60% of the individual differences in drug metabolism are attributable to host genetics. Although most common chemical drugs regulate the gut microbiota, the gut microbiota is also known to be involved in drug metabolism, like the host. Interestingly, many traditional herbal medicines and derived compounds are biotransformed by gut microbiota, manipulating the compounds' effects. Accordingly, the gut microbiota and its specified metabolic pathways can be deemed a promising target for promoting drug efficacy and safety. However, the evidence regarding causality and the corresponding mechanisms concerning gut microbiota and drug metabolism remains insufficient, especially regarding drugs used to treat metabolic disorders. Therefore, the present review aims to comprehensively summarize the bidirectional roles of gut microbiota in the effects of herbal medicine in metabolic diseases to provide vital clues for guiding the clinical application of precision medicine and personalized drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Woo Lim
- Department of Diagnostics, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Dongguk-Ro 32, Goyang 10326, Korea
| | - Jing-Hua Wang
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon University, 75, Daedeok-daero 176, Seo-gu, Daejeon 35235, Korea
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Khoshandam A, Imenshahidi M, Hosseinzadeh H. Pharmacokinetic of berberine, the main constituent of Berberis vulgaris L.: A comprehensive review. Phytother Res 2022; 36:4063-4079. [PMID: 36221815 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) is a medicinal plant and its main constituent is an isoquinoline alkaloid named berberine that has multiple pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetes, anti-dyslipidemia, and anti-obesity. However, it has restricted clinical uses due to its very poor solubility and bioavailability (less than 1%). It undergoes demethylenation, reduction, and cleavage of the dioxymethylene group in the first phase of metabolism. Its phase two reactions include glucuronidation, sulfation, and methylation. The liver is the main site for berberine distribution. Berberine could excrete in feces, urine, and bile. Fecal excretion of berberine (11-23%) is higher than urinary and biliary excretion routes. However, a major berberine metabolite is excreted in urine greater than in feces. Concomitant administration of berberine with other drugs such as metformin, cyclosporine A, digoxin, etc. may result in important interactions. Thus, in this review, we gathered and dissected any related animal and human research articles regarding the pharmacokinetic parameters of berberine including bioavailability, metabolism, distribution, excretion, and drug-drug interactions. Also, we discussed and gathered various animal and human studies regarding the developed products of berberine with better bioavailability and consequently, better therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Khoshandam
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Imenshahidi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Vita AA, Pullen NA. Exploring the mechanism of berberine-mediated T fh cell immunosuppression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154343. [PMID: 35901597 PMCID: PMC9948547 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous research revealed a novel function of berberine (BBR), a clinically relevant plant-derived alkaloid, as a suppressor of follicular T helper (Tfh) cell proliferation in secondary lymphoid organs of BBR-treated mice that underwent immunization for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA1/J mice. Due to the importance of Tfh cell and B cell interactions in the generation of T cell-dependent humoral responses, the suppression of Tfh cell activity may have implications for the general safety of BBR as a prophylactic dietary supplement, and its potential use in antibody-driven autoimmune and hypersensitivity disorders. PURPOSE This research aims to characterize BBR's impact on the activation, differentiation, and proliferation of Tfh cells by examining the expression of key extracellular signaling molecules, as well as the activity of intracellular signaling molecules involved in the Ca2+-calcineurin-NFAT pathway and STAT3 phosphorylation, following activation. STUDY DESIGN In vitro experimental study using primary tissues. METHODS To explore the direct effects of BBR on the proliferation and differentiation of Tfh cells, isolated naïve CD4+ T cells (>95% pure) were activated and differentiated into pre- Tfh cells in the presence or absence of BBR. The resulting Tfh cell populations and the expression of the key extracellular molecules CXCR5, ICOS, and PD-1 were measured. In addition, we examined the impact of BBR treatment on the activity of key intracellular signaling molecules involved in Tfh cell activation and differentiation following TCR ligation and/or CD28 signaling (p-ZAP-70, p-Lck, p-PLCγ1, NFATc1 and intracellular calcium, Ca2+, concentrations), as well as IL-6 signaling (p-STAT3). RESULTS Treatment with BBR significantly reduced the expression of both CXCR5 (p < 0.01) and ICOS (p < 0.005), but not PD-1, and reduced the percentage of Tfh cells within the total CD4+ T cell population. BBR treatment also led to a reduction in intracellular Ca2+ flux, activation of p-STAT3, and IL-21 production. CONCLUSION Our observations provide insight into the mechanism of BBR-mediated Tfh cell suppression and suggest that BBR treatment can directly inhibit Tfh cell activity, perhaps through interfering with cytokine receptor or downstream signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Vita
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Campus Box 92, Greeley, CO 80639, United States; Helfgott Research Institute, National University of Natural Medicine, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Nicholas A Pullen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., Campus Box 92, Greeley, CO 80639, United States.
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Berberine: An Important Emphasis on Its Anticancer Effects through Modulation of Various Cell Signaling Pathways. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185889. [PMID: 36144625 PMCID: PMC9505063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of disease and a major cause of death worldwide. Despite advancement in various treatment modules, there has been little improvement in survival rates and side effects associated with this disease. Medicinal plants or their bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their anticancer potential. Novel drugs based on natural products are urgently needed to manage cancer through attenuation of different cell signaling pathways. In this regard, berberine is a bioactive alkaloid that is found in variety of plants, and an inverse association has been revealed between its consumption and cancer. Berberine exhibits an anticancer role through scavenging free radicals, induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of angiogenesis, inflammation, PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Wnt/β-catenin, and the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. In addition, synergistic effects of berberine with anticancer drugs or natural compounds have been proven in several cancers. This review outlines the anticancer effects and mechanisms of action of berberine in different cancers through modulation of various cell signaling pathways. Moreover, the recent developments in the drug delivery systems and synergistic effect of berberine are explained.
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Moreira ES, Ames-Sibin AP, Bonetti CI, Leal LE, Peralta RM, de Sá-Nakanishi AB, Comar JF, Bracht A, Bracht L. The short-term effects of berberine in the liver: Narrow margins between benefits and toxicity. Toxicol Lett 2022; 368:56-65. [PMID: 35963428 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Berberine is a plant alkaloid to which antihyperglycemic properties have been attributed. It is also known as an inhibitor of mitochondrial functions. In this work short-term translation of the latter effects on hepatic metabolism were investigated using the isolated perfused rat liver. Once-through perfusion with a buffered saline solution was done. At low portal concentrations berberine modified several metabolic pathways. It inhibited hepatic gluconeogenesis, increased glycolysis, inhibited ammonia detoxification, increased the cytosolic NADH/NAD+ ratio and diminished the ATP levels. Respiration of intact mitochondria was impaired as well as the mitochondrial pyruvate carboxylation activity. These results can be regarded as evidence that the direct inhibitory effects of berberine on gluconeogenesis, mediated by both energy metabolism and pyruvate carboxylation inhibition, represent most likely a significant contribution to its clinical efficacy as an antihyperglycemic agent. However, safety concerns also arise because all effects occur at similar concentrations and there is a narrow margin between the expected benefits and toxicity. Even mild inhibition of gluconeogenesis is accompanied by diminutions in oxygen uptake and ammonia detoxification and increases in the NADH/NAD+ ratio. All combined, desired and undesired effects could well in the end represent a deleterious combination of events leading to disruption of cellular homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luana Eloísa Leal
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Adelar Bracht
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Lívia Bracht
- Department of Biochemistry, State University of Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brazil.
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Ren G, Guo JH, Feng CL, Ding YW, Dong B, Han YX, Li YH, Wang LL, Jiang JD. Berberine inhibits carcinogenesis through antagonizing the ATX-LPA-LPAR2-p38-leptin axis in a mouse hepatoma model. MOLECULAR THERAPY - ONCOLYTICS 2022; 26:372-386. [PMID: 36090480 PMCID: PMC9420352 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is highly desirable in clinic. Berberine (BBR) is reported to play potential roles in cancer treatment and prevention. We studied the chemopreventive effect of BBR on hepatocellular carcinogenesis in an inflammation-driven mouse model, as it was enriched in liver after oral administration. Oral BBR significantly decreased the number and volume of visible nodular tumors, and prolonged the median overall survival by 9 and 8 weeks in the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-injected male and female mice respectively. The nodular tumors were induced through activation of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) pathway in liver. LPA stimulated the abnormal leptin transcription through interacting with LPA receptor-2 (LPAR2) followed by p38 activation, and BBR inhibited carcinogenesis by suppressing the bioactivity of LPA. Specifically, BBR significantly reduced the expression of the LPA synthetase autotaxin (ATX) and LPAR2 in the nodular tumors of DEN-injected mice. Subsequently, BBR repressed the abnormal transcription of leptin stimulated by LPA-induced phosphorylation of p38 in hepatoma cells. In fact, BBR reduced the abnormal expression of leptin in livers of DEN-injected male mice throughout the course of an 8-month experiment. BBR might be a preventive agent for HCC, working at least partially through antagonizing the ATX-LPA-LPAR2-p38-leptin axis in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Ren
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Corresponding author Gang Ren, Ph.D. Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jiang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chen-Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yu-Wei Ding
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Biao Dong
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yan-Xing Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yu-Huan Li
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lu-Lu Wang
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Corresponding author Lu-Lu Wang, Ph.D., Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- Department of Virology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 1 Xian Nong Tan Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Corresponding author Jian-Dong Jiang, M.D. Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 1 Tian Tan Xi Li, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
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Ghavipanje N, Fathi Nasri MH, Vargas-Bello-Pérez E. An insight into the potential of berberine in animal nutrition: Current knowledge and future perspectives. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2022; 107:808-829. [PMID: 36031857 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In animal nutrition, the interest for novel feed additives has expanded with elevating industry standards and consumer awareness besides the demand for healthy animal-derived food products. Consumer and animal health are leading concerns dictating the importance of novel animal feed additives. Berberine (BBR) is a natural pentacyclic isoquinoline alkaloid that has exhibited diverse pharmacological properties, including metabolism-regulating, hepatoprotective, and inflammatory alleviative in addition to its antioxidant activity. Despite detailed information on cellular mechanisms associated with BBR therapeutics, and strong clinical evidence, only a few studies have focused on BBR applied to animal nutrition. However, great pieces of evidence have shown that dietary BBR supplementation could result in improved growth performance, enhanced oxido-inflammatory markers, and mitigated metabolic dysfunctions in both monogastric and ruminant animals. The data discussed in the present review may set the basis for further research on BBR in animal diets for developing novel strategies aiming to improve animal health as well as products with beneficial properties for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Ghavipanje
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Reading, UK
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Wang H, Zhang H, Gao Z, Zhang Q, Gu C. The mechanism of berberine alleviating metabolic disorder based on gut microbiome. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:854885. [PMID: 36093200 PMCID: PMC9452888 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.854885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
With socioeconomic advances and improved living standards, metabolic syndrome has increasingly come into the attention. In recent decades, a growing number of studies have shown that the gut microbiome and its metabolites are closely related to the occurrence and development of many metabolic diseases, and play an important role that cannot be ignored, for instance, obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease and others. The correlation between gut microbiota and metabolic disorder has been widely recognized. Metabolic disorder could cause imbalance in gut microbiota, and disturbance of gut microbiota could aggravate metabolic disorder as well. Berberine (BBR), as a natural ingredient, plays an important role in the treatment of metabolic disorder. Studies have shown that BBR can alleviate the pathological conditions of metabolic disorders, and the mechanism is related to the regulation of gut microbiota: gut microbiota could regulate the absorption and utilization of berberine in the body; meanwhile, the structure and function of gut microbiota also changed after intervention by berberine. Therefore, we summarize relevant mechanism research, including the expressions of nitroreductases-producing bacteria to promote the absorption and utilization of berberine, strengthening intestinal barrier function, ameliorating inflammation regulating bile acid signal pathway and axis of bacteria-gut-brain. The aim of our study is to clarify the therapeutic characteristics of berberine further and provide the theoretical basis for the regulation of metabolic disorder from the perspective of gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyu Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zezheng Gao
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiqi Zhang
- Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengjuan Gu
- Shenzhen Hospital (Futian), Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Chengjuan Gu,
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Seth E, Chopra M. Neuroprotective efficacy of berberine following developmental exposure to chlorpyrifos in F1 generation of Wistar rats: Apoptosis-autophagy interplay. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155292. [PMID: 35439518 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chlorpyrifos (CPF), an organophosphate insecticide commonly used in agriculture and household applications, is considered a developmental neurotoxicant. This study aimed to explain the neuroprotective role of Berberine (BBR) against CPF-induced autophagy dysfunction and apoptotic neurodegeneration in the developing hippocampus. F1 generation of Wistar rats was exposed to CPF (3 mg/kg b.wt.) and co-treated with BBR (10 mg/kg b.wt) in two different exposure regimens, gestational (GD9-12 and GD17-21) and lactational (PND1-20). Our results demonstrated that CPF intoxication instigated cognitive and neurobehavioral impairment, oxidant-antioxidant imbalance, and histomorphological alterations in CA1, CA3, and DG regions of the offsprings. Furthermore, mRNA expression of pro-apoptotic genes (caspase3 and Bax) was upregulated, and that of anti-apoptotic BCl2 was downregulated. In addition, exposure to CPF also activated the autophagy inhibitor (mTOR) transcription and subsequently downregulated the expression of autophagy markers beclin1 and LC3-II. In contrast, gestational and lactational co-treatment of BBR significantly upregulated the enzymatic anti-oxidant bar of the hippocampus and attenuated histological alterations. Moreover, BBR co-treatments reduced apoptotic neurodegeneration in the hippocampal region by regulating the expression of apoptotic genes and upregulated the levels of autophagy, confirmed by ultrastructural studies, decreased gene expression and immunostaining of mTOR and increased, and increased expression gene expression and immunostaining of LC3-II positive cells. Our results confirm that treatment with BBR induces autophagy, which plays a neuroprotective role in CPF-induced developmental neuronal apoptosis in the F1 generation of Wistar rats by regulating the balance between autophagy and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Era Seth
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Mani Chopra
- Cytogenetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
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Yang S, Cao S, Li C, Zhang J, Liu C, Qiu F, Kang N. Berberrubine, a Main Metabolite of Berberine, Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Modulating Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Restoring Gut Microbiota. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:913378. [PMID: 35873595 PMCID: PMC9304582 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.913378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major public health problem in many countries. Berberine (BBR) is an effective therapeutic agent in alleviating NAFLD. Berberrubine (BRB) is one of the main active metabolites of BBR, which shows significant anti-obesity and antihypoglycemic effects. However, whether BRB is responsible for the in vivo therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanism of BRB on NAFLD have not been elucidated. In this study, the ability of BRB to ameliorate NAFLD, together with its molecular mechanism, was investigated. The results showed that BRB treatments could significantly improve hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in high-fat diet (HFD)–fed mice and oleic acid (OA)–treated HepG2 cells. Meanwhile, BBR and BRB treatment similarly prevented lipid accumulation by regulating the protein expression of ATGL, GK, PPARα, CPT-1, ACC1, FAS, and CD36. In addition, compared with BBR, BRB could maintain glucose homeostasis via GLUT2, GSK3β, and G6Pase in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, the components of the gut microbiota in mice were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. BBR and BRB treatment could greatly modify the structure and composition of gut microbiota. At the genus level, BBR and BRB treatment decreased Lactobacillus and Romboutsia, while BBR increased beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia and Bacteroides, and BRB increased beneficial bacteria, such as Ileibacterium and Mucispirillum. Altogether, both BRB and BBR were active in alleviating NAFLD in vivo and BRB might be used as a functional material to treat NAFLD clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shijie Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Congyu Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jichao Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Qiu, ; Ning Kang,
| | - Ning Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Feng Qiu, ; Ning Kang,
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Ma SR, Tong Q, Lin Y, Pan LB, Fu J, Peng R, Zhang XF, Zhao ZX, Li Y, Yu JB, Cong L, Han P, Zhang ZW, Yu H, Wang Y, Jiang JD. Berberine treats atherosclerosis via a vitamine-like effect down-regulating Choline-TMA-TMAO production pathway in gut microbiota. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:207. [PMID: 35794102 PMCID: PMC9259588 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) derived from the gut microbiota is an atherogenic metabolite. This study investigates whether or not berberine (BBR) could reduce TMAO production in the gut microbiota and treat atherosclerosis. Effects of BBR on TMAO production in the gut microbiota, as well as on plaque development in atherosclerosis were investigated in the culture of animal intestinal bacterial, HFD-fed animals and atherosclerotic patients, respectively. We found that oral BBR in animals lowers TMAO biosynthesis in intestine through interacting with the enzyme/co-enzyme of choline-trimethylamine lyase (CutC) and flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) in the gut microbiota. This action was performed by BBR’s metabolite dihydroberberine (a reductive BBR by nitroreductase in the gut microbiota), via a vitamine-like effect down-regulating Choline-TMA-TMAO production pathway. Oral BBR decreased TMAO production in animal intestine, lowered blood TMAO and interrupted plaque formation in blood vessels in the HFD-fed hamsters. Moreover, 21 patients with atherosclerosis exhibited the average decrease of plaque score by 3.2% after oral BBR (0.5 g, bid) for 4 months (*P < 0.05, n = 21); whereas the plaque score in patients treated with rosuvastatin plus aspirin, or clopidogrel sulfate or ticagrelor (4 months, n = 12) increased by 1.9%. TMA and TMAO in patients decreased by 38 and 29% in faeces (*P < 0.05; *P < 0.05), and 37 and 35% in plasma (***P < 0.001; *P < 0.05), after 4 months on BBR. BBR might treat atherosclerotic plaque at least partially through decreasing TMAO in a mode of action similar to that of vitamins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Rong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Tong
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Bin Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | - Zhen-Xiong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Li
- The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jin-Bo Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Cong
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences/Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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46
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Hassanein EHM, Ibrahim IM, Abd-Alhameed EK, Mohamed NM, Ross SA. Protective effects of berberine on various kidney diseases: Emphasis on the promising effects and the underlined molecular mechanisms. Life Sci 2022; 306:120697. [PMID: 35718235 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a pentacyclic benzylisoquinoline alkaloid that can be found in diversity of medicinal plants. BBR has a wide range of pharmacological bioactivities, in addition when administrated orally, it has a broad safety margin. It has been used as an antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and anti-diabetic drug in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Several scholars have found that BBR has promising renoprotective effects against different renal illnesses, including diabetic nephropathy, renal fibrosis, renal ischemia, renal aging, and renal stones. Also, it has renoprotective effects against nephrotoxicity induced by chemotherapy, heavy metal, aminoglycosides, NSAID, and others. These effects imply that BBR has an evolving therapeutic potential against acute renal failure and chronic renal diseases. Hence, we report herein the beneficial therapeutic renoprotective properties of BBR, as well as the highlighted molecular mechanism. In conclusion, the studies discussed throughout this review will afford a comprehensive overview about renoprotective effect of BBR and its therapeutic impact on different renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | | | - Esraa K Abd-Alhameed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Nesma M Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Samir A Ross
- National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA; Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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Protective Effects of Oxyberberine in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Intestinal Mucositis in the Mice Model. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1238358. [PMID: 35677366 PMCID: PMC9170416 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1238358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Aspects of the Alkaloidal Drug Berberine: Current and Future Trends. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123705. [PMID: 35744831 PMCID: PMC9229453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, herbal compounds have been the focus of scientific interest for the last several centuries, and continuous research into their medicinal potential is underway. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants that possess a broad array of medicinal properties, including anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects, and is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine. BBR promotes metabolisms of glucose and lipids by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting functions of mitochondria; all of these ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. BBR has also been shown to have benefits in congestive heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. BBR has been investigated as an interesting pharmacophore with the potential to contribute significantly to the research and development of novel therapeutic medicines for a variety of disorders. Despite its enormous therapeutic promise, the clinical application of this alkaloid was severely limited because of its unpleasant pharmacokinetic characteristics. Poor bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility are some of the obstacles that restricted its use. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a possible solution to these problems. The present review aims at recent updates on important therapeutic activities of BBR and different types of nanocarriers used for the delivery of BBR in different diseases.
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Geng Q, Zhang P, Liu X, Xue L. Effect of berberine and bicyclol on Chinese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a retrospective study. Postgrad Med 2022; 134:507-515. [PMID: 35382695 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2022.2063568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the effect of berberine and bicyclol on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Chinese non-alcoholic and non-viral hepatitis patients with a hepatic lipid content > 13% and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) ≥ 2 were treated with 500 mg berberine thrice daily, together with dietary modification (low-fat diet) and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (BT cohort; n = 112), or 25 mg bicyclol thrice daily plus dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (CT cohort, n = 145), or dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise for 4 months (DT cohort, n = 128). RESULTS Patients in the BT and the CT cohorts had improved anthropometric measurements (weight, height, body mass index, and waist-to-hip ratio), biochemical parameters (blood sugar, lipid profile, and liver functions tests), liver/spleen computed tomography findings, and liver biopsy results after 4 months of intervention (p < 0.05 for all). Bicyclol decreased the NAS in the CT cohort to a significantly greater degree than berberine in the BT cohort (p < 0.0001, q = 3.879). Patients in the DT cohort had reduced body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.05 for both). During the 4-month intervention, patients in the BT cohort had abdominal distension, mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and dyspepsia; patients in the CT cohort had dizziness and abdominal distension. CONCLUSIONS Berberine or bicyclol plus dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise could control NAFLD without serious adverse effects. Dietary modification and Tai Chi exercise alone for 4 months are insufficient for the management of NAFLD. It is possible to reduce body weight by administering berberine or bicyclol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Tisco, the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Tisco, the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohua Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Tisco, the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Linglong Xue
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of Tisco, the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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50
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Ai X, Yu P, Peng L, Luo L, Liu J, Li S, Lai X, Luan F, Meng X. Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:762654. [PMID: 35370628 PMCID: PMC8964367 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.762654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine plays a significant role in the treatment of various diseases and has attracted increasing attention for clinical applications. Vascular diseases affecting vasculature in the heart, cerebrovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and diabetic complications have compromised quality of life for affected individuals and increase the burden on health care services. Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid form Rhizoma coptidis, is widely used in China as a folk medicine for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Promisingly, an increasing number of studies have identified several cellular and molecular targets for berberine, indicating its potential as an alternative therapeutic strategy for vascular diseases, as well as providing novel evidence that supports the therapeutic potential of berberine to combat vascular diseases. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively and systematically describe the evidence for berberine as a therapeutic agent in vascular diseases, including its pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetics. According to data published so far, berberine shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antiautophagic activity via the regulation of multiple signaling pathways, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase silent information regulator 1 (SIRT-1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), janus kinase 2 (JAK-2), Ca2+ channels, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, we discuss the existing limitations of berberine in the treatment of vascular diseases, and give corresponding measures. In addition, we propose some research perspectives and challenges, and provide a solid evidence base from which further studies can excavate novel effective drugs from Chinese medicine monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Ai
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Peiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Lixia Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuling Luo
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengqian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xianrong Lai
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Luan
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianli Meng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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