Berberine suppresses in vitro migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells through the inhibitions of MMP-2/9, u-PA, AP-1, and NF-κB

Smoking and Unstable Plaque in Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review of The Role of Matrix Metalloproteinases

Smoking is a risk factor of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) that could increase matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) levels, leading to unstable coronary artery plaque. The current review aimed to identify the relationship between smoking and MMPs in patients with ACS. Literature search was conducted from inception until March 2022 in three online databases. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed, and the odds ratio (OR) together with its 95% confidence interval (CI) were determined. A total of 7,843 articles were identified, and only seven studies were included. Four studies investigated the MMP-3 and MMP-9 related genes and found that smokers with certain MMPs genotypes had high risk of ACS. Smoking also increased the MMPs level in patients with ACS compared with non-smokers. Additionally, a meta-analysis of two studies resulted in an increased odd of ACS in smokers with MMP-3 5A allele versus non-smokers with MMP-3 6A6A allele (OR: 15.94, 95% CI: 10.63-23.92; I2 =55%). In conclusion, the current review highlights the role of MMPs in relation to smoking and ACS. The determination of these roles may help in identifying new ACS markers among smokers and the development of drug-targeted treatment.

Berberine alleviates monosodium glutamate induced postnatal metabolic disorders associated vascular endothelial dysfunction in newborn rats: possible role of matrix metalloproteinase-1

Excessive food additives Monosodium glutamate (MSG) results in metabolic disorders with increased Cardiovascular diseases CVD. We aimed to emphasise berberine (BBR) effect on MSG induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its associated endothelial dysfunction. Newborn rats were divided into control group, MSG group (4 mg/g) each other day for the first 14 days of life and MSG + BBR group that was given MSG then BBR in dose 150 mg/kg/day for 6 weeks. Body weight, food intake, systolic blood pressure, biochemical metabolic and oxidative stress markers were evaluated. Aortic tissue homogenate Endothelin -1 (ET-1) and matrix metalloproteinase -1 (MMP-1) assessment, in addition to histological and EM examination were done. Newborn rats MSG exposure results in typical adult life MetS and oxidative stress with significant increase in ET-1 and MMP-1with aortic vasculopathy. BBR significantly improved all the disturbed parameters; suppress increased body weight (BW), food intake (FI) and partly improved the aortic vasculopathy lesions, holding a promise for BBR as a defending agent against MSG metabolic and vascular disorders.HIGH LIGHT MSGMSG is frequently consumed as a flavour enhancer especially between children and adolescentExcessive utilisation MSG is associated MS with vascular endothelial dysfunctionMMP-1 may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque formationBBR has beneficial outcome for metabolic disorders induced by MSG among newly born ratsBBR has a role in management vascular inflammation and remodelling.

Berberine: A Review of its Pharmacokinetics Properties and Therapeutic Potentials in Diverse Vascular Diseases

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.

Effects of Berberine on Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is an epidemic across the globe[A1], and its morbidity and mortality remain high, involving various complications and poor prognoses. In atherosclerosis, endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) migration and proliferation, foam cell formation, and inflammatory cell recruitment contribute to disease progression. Vascular stem cells (VSCs) also play a critical role in the cardiovascular system. Important data showed that the simultaneous increase of proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs is the main cause of graft vein stenosis, suggesting that inhibition of VSMCs proliferation and apoptosis simultaneously is an important strategy for the treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis. Complementary and alternative medicine use among patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is growing. Berberine is an extract of Chinese traditional herbs that is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects in the digestive system. Its underlying anti-CVD mechanisms are currently attracting interest, and its pharmacological actions, such as antioxidation, regulation of neurotransmitters and enzymes, and cholesterol-lowering effects, have been substantiated. Recent studying found that berberine could inhibit both the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs induced by mechanical stretch stress simultaneously, which suggests that berberine might be an excellent drug to treat atherosclerosis. This review will focus on the recent progress of the effect of berberine on vascular cells, especially VSMCs, to provide important data and a new perspective for the application of berberine in anti-atherosclerosis.

Atheroprotective Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Berberine

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and it is closely associated with hyperlipidemia, endothelial injury, macrophage-derived foam cells formation, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), platelet aggregation, and altered gut microbiota. Various symptomatic treatments, that are currently used to inhibit atherosclerosis, need to be administered in long term and their adverse effects cannot be ignored. Berberine (BBR) has beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through regulating multiple aspects of its progression. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of BBR. BBR alleviated atherosclerosis by attenuation of dyslipidemia, correction of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation, activation of macrophage autophagy, regulation of the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, attenuation of platelet aggregation, and modulation of gut microbiota. This review would provide a modern scientific perspective to further understanding the molecular mechanism of BBR attenuating atherosclerosis and supply new ideas for atherosclerosis management.

An inhibitory effect of Berberine from herbal Coptis chinensis Franch on rat detrusor contraction in benign prostatic hyperplasia associated with lower urinary tract symptoms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coptis chinensis Franch (CCF), also known as Huang Lian in China, is a traditional Chinese medicine that commonly used for more than 2000 years. Clinically, CCF often used as anti-inflammatory, immune regulation and other effects. It has been reported that the decoction containing CCF can be used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aims to investigate the effect of CCF on inhibition of BPH development in vivo and in vitro, and further identify the active compound (s) and the possible mechanism involved in BPH-related bladder dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oestrodial/testosterone-induced BPH rat model was established as the in vivo model. The prostate index (PI) was calculated, the pathogenesis was analyzed and the micturition parameters were determined in the shamed-operated, BPH model and BPH + CCF groups after 4-week administration. The tension in detrusor strips was then assessed upon KCl or ACh stimulation with or without incubation of CCF or active compounds. To further investigate the signaling involved, rat detrusor cells were cultured as the in vitro models, the instantaneous calcium influx was measured and the ROCK-1 expression was detected.

RESULTS

Increased PI value and the aggravated prostatic pathology were observed with voiding dysfunction in BPH rats, which were significantly blocked by oral CCF taken. ACh or KCl-induced contractile responses in detrusor strips were significantly inhibited and the micturition parameters were improved when incubation with CCF or its active compounds such as berberine. Both CCF and berberine suppressed the cellular calcium influx and ROCK-1 expression upon ACh stimulation, demonstrating that berberine was one of the active compounds that contributed to CCF-improved micturition symptoms and function.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our findings give evidence that CCF and its active compound berberine inhibited BPH and bladder dysfunction via Ca²⁺ and ROCK signaling, supporting their clinical use for BPH and BPH-related LUTS treatment.

A New Therapeutic Candidate for Cardiovascular Diseases: Berberine

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death in the world. However, due to the limited effectiveness and potential adverse effects of current treatments, the long-term prognosis of CVD patients is still discouraging. In recent years, several studies have found that berberine (BBR) has broad application prospects in the prevention and treatment of CVD. Due to its effectiveness and safety for gastroenteritis and diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, BBR has been widely used in China and other Asian countries since the middle of the last century. The development of pharmacology also provides evidence for the multi-targets of BBR in treating CVD. Researches on CVD, such as arrhythmia, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis and cardiomyopathy, heart failure, etc., revealed the cardiovascular protective mechanisms of BBR. This review systematically summarizes the pharmacological research progress of BBR in the treatment of CVD in recent years, confirming that BBR is a promising therapeutic option for CVD.

A randomized, multicenter and noninferiority study of amoxicillin plus berberine vs tetracycline plus furazolidone in quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori rescue treatment

OBJECTIVE

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely associated with gastric ulcers and gastric adenocarcinomas. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a quadruple regimen with amoxicillin plus berberine vs tetracycline plus furazolidone in rescue therapy for H. pylori eradication.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, open-label, multicenter, noninferiority trial. Patients with previous treatment failures recruited from five centers were randomized (1:1) to receive a regimen with esomeprazole and bismuth plus either berberine and amoxicillin (the BA group) or tetracycline and furazolidone (the TF group) for 14 days. Their H. pylori infection status was confirmed 4-8 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was the eradication rate. The secondary outcomes included the rates of symptom improvement, compliance, and adverse events. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03609892).

RESULTS

Altogether 658 participants were consecutively enrolled. An intention-to-treat analysis demonstrated that the two regimens achieved a similar eradication rate (76.3% vs 77.5%; P = 0.781). The per-protocol analysis reached a similar result (81.5% vs 85.0%; P = 0.278). The eradication rate reached in the BA group was greater than the pre-established margin of noninferiority, at -10% (the lower bounds of the 95% CI were -7.66% and -9.43%, respectively). The rate of adverse events was lower for the BA group than the TF group (18.5% vs 26.1%, P = 0.024). Rates of compliance and symptom improvement were similar for the two therapies.

CONCLUSION

The efficacy of both regimens in rescue treatment for H. pylori eradication was satisfactory, 14-day BA-based quadruple therapy is noninferior to the TF-based therapy.

Dexamethasone combined with berberine is an effective therapy for bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a heterogeneous pathological process in lung tissues with a considerable mortality rate. Currently, combination therapy represents an effective approach to treat PF. Dexamethasone (Dxs) and berberine (BBR) are widely applied to inhibit the progression of PF. Dxs plus penehyclidine hydrochloride or alfacalcidol have been reported more effective in therapy compared with any single drug treatment. However, whether Dxs plus BBR induces an increased antifibrotic effect remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of BBR plus Dxs in bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF. A PF model in rats was established and rats were divided into control, BLM, BBR, Dxs and BBR plus Dxs groups (n=9/group). On days 3, 7 and 14, blood samples were collected from the eyes of the rats (n=6/group). CXC chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), collagen I, collagen III, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 serum levels were measured by ELISA. On day 14, all rats were sacrificed. Hematoxylin and eosin analysis, Masson staining and hydroxyproline (Hyp) assessment were performed to observe histopathological changes and collagen deposition. mRNA and protein levels of CXCL14, CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), collagen I/III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), MMP2/9 and phosphorylated-Smad 2/3 in lung tissue were further evaluated. Similar effects in preventing lung damage were observed histopathologically for Dxs and BBR compared with the BLM group. These treatments further reduced levels of Hyp, CXCL14, CXCR4, collagen I/III, MMP2/9, α-SMA and p-Smad 2/3. The combination of Dxs and BBR exhibited increased effectiveness compared with the single treatments. Results further suggested that antifibrotic mechanisms were involved in inhibiting CXCL14 and MMP2/MMP9 expression, and preventing the activation of Smad2/3 and hedgehog signaling pathways. The combined use of Dxs and BBR may represent a potential therapeutic approach for PF.

Berberine Effects on NFκB, HIF1A and NFE2L2/AP-1 Pathways in HeLa Cells

Background:

Berberine has multitudinous anti-cancer stem cells effects making it a highly promising candidate substance for the next-generation cancer therapy. However, berberine modes of action predispose it to significant side-effects that probably limit its clinical testing and application.

Materials and Methods:

HeLa cells were treated with two concentrations of berberine (30 and 100 µM) for 24 hours to assess the functioning of the NFE2L2/AP-1, NFκB and HIF1A pathways using 22 RNAs expression qPCR-based analysis.

Results:

Berberine effects appeared to be highly dose-dependent, with the lower concentration being capable of suppressing the NFκB functioning and the higher concentration causing severe signaling side-effects seen in the HIF1A pathway and the NFE2L2 sub-pathways, and especially and more importantly in the AP-1 sub-pathway.

Conclusion:

The results of the study suggest that berberine has clinically valuable anti-NFκB effects however jeopardized by its side effects on the HIF1A and especially NFE2L2/AP-1 pathways, its therapeutic window phenomenon and its cancer type-specificity. These, however, may be ameliorated using the cocktail approach, provided there is enough data on signaling effects of berberine.

Berberine in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases: From Mechanisms to Therapeutics

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (CVMD) are the leading causes of death worldwide, underscoring the urgent necessity to develop new pharmacotherapies. Berberine (BBR) is an eminent component of traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for more than 2000 years. Recently, BBR has attracted much interest for its pharmacological actions in treating and/or managing CVMD. Recent discoveries of basic, translational and clinical studies have identified many novel molecular targets of BBR (such as AMPK, SIRT1, LDLR, PCSK9, and PTP1B) and provided novel evidences supporting the promising therapeutic potential of BBR to combat CVMD. Thus, this review provides a timely overview of the pharmacological properties and therapeutic application of BBR in CVMD, and underlines recent pharmacological advances which validate BBR as a promising lead drug against CVMD.

Gambogic acid prevents angiotensin II‑induced abdominal aortic aneurysm through inflammatory and oxidative stress dependent targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF‑κB signaling pathways

Gamboge is the dry resin secreted by Garcinia hanbaryi Hook.f, with the function of promoting blood circulation and anti‑cancer effects, detoxification, hemostasis and killing insects. It is also used for the treatment of cancer, brain edema and other diseases. Gambogic acid is the main effective constituent of Gamboge. The present study tested the hypothesis that the effect of Gambogic acid prevents angiotensin II‑induced abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and explored its underlying mechanism. It was demonstrated that gambogic acid significantly inhibited AAA incidence rate, and reduced edge leading aortic diameter and aortic wall thickness in AAA mice. Gambogic acid treatment markedly decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress factors, and transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9 protein expression in AAA mice. Furthermore, Gambogic acid decreased expression of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), and phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70‑S6 kinase 1. It also suppressed nuclear factor (NF)‑κB protein expression in AAA mice. The findings of the present study indicated that Gambogic acid prevents angiotensin II‑induced AAA through inflammatory and oxidative stress‑dependent targeting of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF‑κB signaling pathways.

The Protein Extract of Chlorella minutissima Inhibits The Expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in Cancer Cells through Upregulation of TIMP-3 and Down Regulation of c-Jun

Objective

Considering the bioactivities exhibited by microalgae, the effect of protein extract of Chlorella minutissimma (CP extract) was investigated on the expression of human matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB231, and that of MMP-2 and -9 in hepatocellular cancer cell line HepG2 at different expression levels. The study aimed identification and analysis of inhibitory activity of microalgal components extracted from Chlorella minutissima against human MMPs.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, we analysed the effect of Chlorella extracts on MMP-1, -2, and -9 expression at various levels. Gelatin zymography was performed to study the inhibitory effect of Chlorella exracts on human gelatinases at the activity level, followed by western blotting to analyse the expression of all three MMPs at the protein level. The similar effect at the mRNA level along with the probable mechanism underlying inhibition of MMPs was assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results

The results reveal that the treatment with CP extract decreased the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 by 0.26-, 0.29-, and 0.40-fold, respectively, at 20 μg/ml concentration as well as inhibited the activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by 37.56 and 42.64%, respectively, at 15 μg/ml concentration. Additionally, upregulated mRNA expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) by 1.68-fold was seen in HepG2 cells at 20 μg/ml concentration treatment group. However, CP extract did not induce any change in the mRNA expression of the TIMP-1, -2 and -4 in HepG2 and TIMP-1, -2, -3 and -4 in MDA-MB231 cells. Activator protein-1 (AP-1)-dependent c-Jun-mediated transcriptional regulation of MMP-1, -2, and -9 was also studied to elucidate the appropriate mechanism involved in the inhibition of MMPs.

Conclusion

The CP extract successfully inhibited MMP-1, -2, and -9 at different expression levels through TIMP-3 upregulation and c-Jun downregulation.

Berberine hydrochloride inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer via the suppression of the MMP2 and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways

Berberine, also known as berberine hydrochloride and isoquinoline alkaloid, is a major alkaloid from Coptis chinensis. Berberine's extensive biological properties have previously been studied, and it has been used clinically for the treatment of diarrhea, hypertension, diabetes and other diseases. The present study aimed to determine the possible anticancer effects of berberine hydrochloride treatment on human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell proliferation and apoptosis via the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) signaling pathway. Human A549 lung carcinoma cells were exposed to various concentrations of berberine hydrochloride in order to analyze the possible anticancer effects on NSCLC cell proliferation and apoptosis, using a MTT assay and an Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis kit. Subsequently, the present study detected the expression of MMP-2, Bcl-2, Bax and Janus kinase 2 (Jak2). Berberine hydrochloride treatment inhibited the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and transcription factor AP-1 (AP-1) proteins, in A549 cells. Firstly, it was revealed that berberine hydrochloride treatment may inhibit proliferation, increase cytotoxicity and enhance apoptosis in A549 cells. Subsequently, treatment with berberine hydrochloride significantly downregulated MMP-2 protein expression, increased the activity of the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway and suppressed the Jak2/VEGF/NF-κB/AP-1signaling pathways. These results suggest that berberine hydrochloride may be a potential novel anticancer drug, since it inhibits cell proliferation and promotes the rate of apoptosis of NSCLC cells by the suppression of the MMP-2, Bcl-2/Bax and Jak2/VEGF/NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathways.

Effect of berberine on PPARα-NO signalling pathway in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation induced by angiotensin IV

CONTEXT

The available treatments for the abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are still dismal. Berberine has been demonstrated to possess extensive medicine activity, yet relatively little is known about its effect on VSMCs proliferation. Many studies showed that PPARα and NO participated in the process of VSMCs proliferation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of berberine and its possible influence on PPARα-NO pathway in angiotensin IV-stimulated VSMCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The primary VSMCs were cultured with the tissue explants method, and the proliferation was characterized by MTT and protein content. Protein and mRNA expression were measured by Western blot and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. NO synthase (NOS) activity was measured using a spectrophotometric assay, and NO concentration was measured using the Griess assay.

RESULTS

Angiotensin IV (0.1 nmol/L)-induced VSMCs proliferation was evidenced by increasing the optical density at A₄₉₀ and total protein content (p < 0.01), which was inhibited by berberine (10, 30 and 100 μmol/L) in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Angiotensin IV decreased the expression of PPARα at mRNA and protein level (p < 0.05), which occurred in parallel with declining eNOS mRNA expression, NOS activity and NO concentration (p < 0.01). Berberine at 30 μmol/L reversed the effects of angiotensin IV in VSMCs (p < 0.05), which were abolished by MK 886 (0.3 μmol/L) (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results support the therapeutic effects of berberine on angiotensin IV-induced proliferation in cultured VSMCs at least partially through targeting the PPARα-NO signalling pathway.

KSP inhibitor SB743921 induces death of multiple myeloma cells via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway

SB743921 is a potent inhibitor of the spindle protein kinesin and is being investigated in ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of myeloma. However, little is known about the molecular events underlying the induction of cell death in multiple myeloma (MM) by SB743921, alone or in combination treatment. Here, we report that SB743921 induces mitochondria-mediated cell death via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway, but does not cause cell cycle arrest in KMS20 MM cells. SB743921-mediated inhibition of the NF-κB pathway results in reduced expression of SOD2 and Mcl-1, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. We also found that combination treatment with SB743921 and bortezomib induces death in bortezomib-resistant KMS20 cells. Altogether, these data suggest that treatment with SB743921 alone or in combination with bortezomib offers excellent translational potential and promises to be a novel MM therapy.

Berberis Vulgaris and Berberine: An Update Review

Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid present in several plants, including Coptis sp. and Berberis sp. Berberine is a customary component in Chinese medicine, and is characterized by a diversity of pharmacological effects. An extensive search in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Ovid, Wiley, ProQuest, ISI, and Science Direct) were used to identify the pharmacological and clinical studies on Berberis vulgaris and berberine, during 2008 to 2015, using 'berberine' and 'Berberis vulgaris' as search words. We found more than 1200 new article studying the properties and clinical uses of berberine and B. vulgaris, for treating tumor, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, bacterial and viral infections, cerebral ischemia trauma, mental disease, Alzheimer disease, osteoporosis, and so on. In this article, we have updated the pharmacological effects of B. vulgaris and its active constituent, berberine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Research advances in HMGN5 and cancer

High-mobility group nucleosome-binding domain 5 (HMGN5) is a new member of the high-mobility group N (HMGN) protein family that is involved in nucleosomal binding and transcriptional activation. It was first discovered in mouse, and recent studies found that the expressions of HMGN5 in many human cancers were also highly regulated, such as prostate, bladder, breast, and lung and clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Numerous reports have demonstrated that HMGN5 plays significant roles in many biological and pathological conditions, such as in developmental defects, hypersensitivity to stress, embryonic stem cell differentiation, and tumor progression. Importantly, deficiency of HMGN5 has been shown to be linked to cancer cell growth, cell cycle regulation, migration, invasion, and clinical outcomes, and it represents a promising therapeutic target for many malignant tumors. In the present review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge concerning the role of HMGN5 in cancer development and progression.

Berberine inhibits Chlamydia pneumoniae infection-induced vascular smooth muscle cell migration through downregulating MMP3 and MMP9 via PI3K

The mechanisms by which Chlamydia pneumoniae infection promote vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration required in the development of atherosclerosis have not yet been fully clarified. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have important roles in VSMC migration. However, it is still unknown whether MMPs are involved in C. pneumoniae infection-induced VSMC migration. In addition, whether berberine can exert its inhibitory effects on the infection-induced VSMC migration also remains unclear. Accordingly, we investigated the effects of berberine on C. pneumoniae infection-induced VSMC migration and explored the possible mechanisms involved in this process. Herein, we found that C. pneumoniae infection could induce VSMC migration through Matrigel-coated membrane (P<0.05), which can be significantly inhibited by the broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001 (P<0.05). Our results also showed that C. pneumoniae infection upregulated both mRNA and protein expressions of MMP3 and MMP9 (P<0.05). The specific phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 significantly suppressed the increases in MMP3 and MMP9 protein expressions induced by C. pneumoniae infection (P<0.05). Further experiments showed that berberine significantly attenuated C. pneumoniae infection-induced VSMC migration (P<0.05). Moreover, berberine suppressed the protein expressions of MMP3 and MMP9 caused by C. pneumoniae infection in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). C. pneumoniae infection-induced increase in the phosphorylation level of Akt at Ser473 was inhibited by the treatment with berberine (P<0.05). Taken together, our data suggest that berberine inhibits C. pneumoniae infection-induced VSMC migration by downregulating the expressions of MMP3 and MMP9 via PI3K.