51
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Zeng Q, Siu W, Li L, Jin Y, Liang S, Cao M, Ma M, Wu Z. Autophagy in Alzheimer's disease and promising modulatory effects of herbal medicine. Exp Gerontol 2019; 119:100-110. [PMID: 30710681 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and unremitting neurodegenerative disorder characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment. It affects the quality of life of victims severely. The prevalence of AD has been increasing in recent years. Therefore, it is of great importance to elucidate the pathogenesis of AD and find out effective therapeutic approaches. Autophagy, a primary intracellular way of degrading aggregated proteins and damaged organelles, has been discovered to be involved in the pathological changes of AD. In the last few years, much progress has been made in finding autophagy regulators from natural products, providing new insights to develop treatment strategy for AD by targeting autophagy. In the present review, we provided an overview of the recent research progress regarding the function role of autophagy in AD, the regulation mechanisms of autophagy-lysosomal pathway as well as therapeutic potential of herbal medicine on AD by targeting autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zeng
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Wingsum Siu
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Limin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Yu Jin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Shaoyu Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Meiqun Cao
- Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Min Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Zhengzhi Wu
- Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine postdoctoral research station, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Shenzhen Institute of Geriatrics, Shenzhen 518020, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China.
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52
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Lima JA, Hamerski L. Alkaloids as Potential Multi-Target Drugs to Treat Alzheimer's Disease. STUDIES IN NATURAL PRODUCTS CHEMISTRY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64183-0.00008-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
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53
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Fan D, Liu L, Wu Z, Cao M. Combating Neurodegenerative Diseases with the Plant Alkaloid Berberine: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:563-579. [PMID: 29676231 PMCID: PMC6712296 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180419141613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most serious health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Such diseases are characterized by a progressive degeneration and / or death of neurons in the central nervous system. Currently, there are no therapeutic approaches to cure or even halt the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. During the last two decades, much attention has been paid to the neuroprotective and anti-neurodegenerative activities of compounds isolated from natural products with high efficacy and low toxicity. Accumulating evidence indicates that berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, may act as a promising anti-neurodegenerative agent by inhibiting the activity of the most important pathogenic enzymes, ameliorating intracellular oxidative stress, attenuating neuroinflammation, triggering autophagy and protecting neurons against apoptotic cell death. This review attempts to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of berberine against neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie its effects on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhengzhi Wu
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;, E-mail: and Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; E-mail:
| | - Meiqun Cao
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China;, E-mail: and Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; E-mail:
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Cui HX, Hu YN, Li JW, Yuan K, Guo Y. Preparation and Evaluation of Antidiabetic Agents of Berberine Organic Acid Salts for Enhancing the Bioavailability. Molecules 2018; 24:E103. [PMID: 30597911 PMCID: PMC6337101 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine has many pharmacological effects, such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant, but the question remains on how its low oral bioavailability has greatly limited its clinical application. As a safer hypoglycemic agent, we must evaluate the bioavailability of berberine organic acid salts (BOAs) to ensure that the bioavailability of berberine is not negatively affected. It has been proven that the bioavailability of BOAs is higher than that of BH (berberine hydrochloride); especially BF (berberine fumarate) and BS (berberine succinate), which are improved by 1.278-fold and 1.313-fold, respectively. After 1 h of oral administration, berberine mainly acted on the stomach of mice, it also influenced the liver, kidney, lungs, and intestines after 4 h. The accumulation of BF in the lung is more evident than BH. Our analysis shows that these results are closely related to the regulation of organic acids and berberine in the intestinal tract, they also indicate the influence of intestinal flora on berberine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Xin Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China (H.-X.C.).
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment & Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Ya-Nan Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China (H.-X.C.).
| | - Jing-Wan Li
- Forestry and biotechnology College, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Lin'an 311300, China.
| | - Ke Yuan
- Jiyang College of Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, Zhu'ji 311800, China.
| | - Ying Guo
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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55
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Xu J, Wu W, Zhang H, Yang L. Berberine alleviates amyloid β 25-35-induced inflammatory response in human neuroblastoma cells by inhibiting proinflammatory factors. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:4865-4872. [PMID: 30542442 PMCID: PMC6257820 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of berberine (BBR) on amyloid β 25-35 (Aβ25-35)-induced inflammatory response in human neuroblastoma cells. To model the inflammatory response observed in the central nervous system of patients with Alzheimer's disease, SH-SY5Y and SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells were induced by Aβ25-35 (5 µM) for 24 h. Subsequently, cells were treated with BBR or indomethacin for 2 h. The cell survival rate was determined by the MTT assay. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the cell culture medium was examined by spectrophotometry. The expression levels of inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by ELISA assays. The mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) were measured by reverse-transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. The results indicated that, treatment with Aβ25-35 increased the expression levels of PGE2 and TNF-α, increased the activity of LDH, and up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, IL-1β, and TNFR1. Treatment with BBR down-regulated the expression levels of PGE2 and TNF-α, decreased the activity of LDH, and downregulated the mRNA and protein expression of COX-2, IL-1β, and TNFR1. Taken together, the present results suggested that BBR suppressed the inflammatory response induced by Aβ25-35 in neuroblastoma cells. The mechanism of action may be associated with the inhibition of proinflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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56
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Fan J, Zhang K, Jin Y, Li B, Gao S, Zhu J, Cui R. Pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 23:21-28. [PMID: 30450823 PMCID: PMC6307759 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, is used in herbal medicine and has recently been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of mood disorders. Furthermore, berberine modulates neurotransmitters and their receptor systems within the central nervous system. However, the detailed mechanisms of its action remain unclear. This review summarizes the pharmacological effects of berberine on mood disorders. Therefore, it may be helpful for potential application in the treatment of mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjini Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuohui Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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57
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Berberine Protects Secondary Injury in Mice with Traumatic Brain Injury Through Anti-oxidative and Anti-inflammatory Modulation. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1814-1825. [PMID: 30027364 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2597-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of death and disability worldwide. Novel and effective therapy is needed to prevent the secondary spread of damage beyond the initial injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether berberine has a neuroprotective effect on secondary injury post-TBI, and to explore its potential mechanism in this protection. The mice were randomly divided into Sham-saline, TBI-saline and TBI-Berberine (50 mg/kg). TBI was induced by Feeney's weight-drop technique. Saline or berberine was administered via oral gavage starting 1 h post-TBI and continuously for 21 days. Motor coordination, spatial learning and memory were assessed using beam-walking test and Morris water maze test, respectively. Brain sections were processed for lesion volume assessment, and expression of neuronal nuclei (NeuN), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. There were statistically significant improvement in motor coordination, spatial learning and memory in the TBI-Berberine group, compared to the TBI-saline group. Treatment with berberine significantly reduced cortical lesion volume, neuronal loss, COX-2, iNOS and 8-OHdG expression in both the cortical lesion border zone (LBZ) and ipsilateral hippocampal CA1 region (CA1), compared to TBI-saline. Berberine treatment also significantly decreased Iba1- and GFAP-positive cell number in both the cortical LBZ and ipsilateral CA1, relative to saline controls. These results indicated that berberine exerted neuroprotective effects on secondary injury in mice with TBI probably through anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
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58
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Jiao-Tai-Wan Improves Cognitive Dysfunctions through Cholinergic Pathway in Scopolamine-Treated Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:3538763. [PMID: 30050927 PMCID: PMC6040267 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3538763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is characterized as the gradual loss of learning ability and cognitive function, as well as memory impairment. Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a Chinese medicine prescription including Coptis chinensis and cinnamon, is mainly used for the treatment of insomnia, while the effect of JTW in improving cognitive function has not been reported. In this study, we employed a scopolamine- (SCOP-) treated learning and memory deficit model to explore whether JTW could alleviate cognitive dysfunction. In behavioral experiments, Morris water maze, Y-maze, fearing condition test, and novel object discrimination test were conducted. Results showed that oral administration of JTW (2.1 g/kg, 4.2 g/kg, and 8.4 g/kg) can effectively promote the ability of spatial recognition, learning and memory, and the memory ability of fresh things of SCOP-treated mice. In addition, the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was effectively decreased; the activity of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and concentration of acetylcholine (Ach) were improved after JTW treatment in both hippocampus and cortex of SCOP-treated mice. JTW effectively ameliorated oxidative stress because of decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in hippocampus and cortex. Furthermore, JTW promotes the expressions of neurotrophic factors including postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both hippocampus and cortex. Nissl's staining shows that the neuroprotective effect of JTW was very effective. To sum up, JTW might be a promising candidate for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction.
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59
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Lin X, Zhang N. Berberine: Pathways to protect neurons. Phytother Res 2018; 32:1501-1510. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorui Lin
- Second Department of Clinical Medicine; China Medical University; No. 77 Puhe Road Shenyang 110122 PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Neuroendocrine Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; China Medical University; No. 77 Puhe Road Shenyang 110122 PR China
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60
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Zhang XJ, Chen JH, Luo L, He W, Liu GH, Gong J, Zeng YF, Xie ZY, Liao QF. Comparative brain pharmacokinetic study of Jiaotai pills in normal and insomnic rats using brain microdialysis combinated with LC–MS/MS. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chmed.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
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61
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Xu Z, Feng W, Shen Q, Yu N, Yu K, Wang S, Chen Z, Shioda S, Guo Y. Rhizoma Coptidis and Berberine as a Natural Drug to Combat Aging and Aging-Related Diseases via Anti-Oxidation and AMPK Activation. Aging Dis 2017; 8:760-777. [PMID: 29344415 PMCID: PMC5758350 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2016.0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for human diseases, as it results in cellular growth arrest, impaired tissue function and metabolism, ultimately impacting life span. Two different mechanisms are thought to be primary causes of aging. One is cumulative DNA damage induced by a perpetuating cycle of oxidative stress; the other is nutrient-sensing adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and rapamycin (mTOR)/ ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) pathways. As the main bioactive component of natural Chinese medicine rhizoma coptidis (RC), berberine has recently been reported to expand life span in Drosophila melanogaster, and attenuate premature cellular senescence. Most components of RC including berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine have been found to have beneficial effects on hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and hypertension aging-related diseases. The mechanism of these effects involves multiple cellular kinase and signaling pathways, including anti-oxidation, activation of AMPK signaling and its downstream targets, including mTOR/rpS6, Sirtuin1/ forkhead box transcription factor O3 (FOXO3), nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathways. Most of these mechanisms converge on AMPK regulation on mitochondrial oxidative stress. Therefore, such evidence supports the possibility that rhizoma coptidis, in particular berberine, is a promising anti-aging natural product, and has pharmaceutical potential in combating aging-related diseases via anti-oxidation and AMPK cellular kinase activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifang Xu
- 1Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.,2Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Wei Feng
- 3South Branch of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Beijing 102618, China
| | - Qian Shen
- 4Dongfang hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Nannan Yu
- 1Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Kun Yu
- 1Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- 1Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.,2Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
| | - Zhigang Chen
- 4Dongfang hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100078, China
| | - Seiji Shioda
- 5Peptide Drug Innovation, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Yi Guo
- 1Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China.,2Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China
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62
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M S S, C D N. Influence of quercetin, naringenin and berberine on glucose transporters and insulin signalling molecules in brain of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 94:605-611. [PMID: 28783583 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Quercetin, naringenin, and berberine are plant bioactives that can cross the blood-brain barrier and offer neuroprotection. In the present study, we looked into the effect of them on expression of various glucose transporters and key components of brain insulin signalling, namely, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS 1), phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K), Akt 1 and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) in brain of control, diabetic and bioactive-treated rats by Western blot. Amongst the bioactives tested, quercetin was more potent and restored LRP1 and brain insulin signalling components as well as glucose transporters such as GLUTs 1, 2, 3 and 4 in diabetic animals. On the other hand, berberine and naringenin supplementation to diabetic animals improved brain IRS 1 levels and restored GLUT 1 and GLUT 3 expression without significant effect on PI3K and Akt 1 activation and GLUT 4 levels. From the present study, we conclude that quercetin, naringenin, and berberine can differentially act through insulin-dependent and -independent mechanisms thereby altering glucose homeostasis in the brain during experimental diabetes and bring about the beneficial effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep M S
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
| | - Nandini C D
- Department of Molecular Nutrition, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India.
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63
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Ayati SH, Fazeli B, Momtazi-Borojeni AA, Cicero AFG, Pirro M, Sahebkar A. Regulatory effects of berberine on microRNome in Cancer and other conditions. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2017; 116:147-158. [PMID: 28693796 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid found in different plant families such as Berberidaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Papaveraceae. BBR is well-known for its anti-inflammatory, lipid-modifying, anticancer, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, antiparasitic and fungicide activities. Multiple pharmacological actions of BBR stem from different molecular targets of this phytochemical. MicroRNAs (miRs) are single-stranded, evolutionary conserved, small non-coding RNA molecules with a length of 19-23 nucleotides that are involved in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of target mRNA. MiRs emerged as important regulatory elements in almost all biological processes like cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and organogenesis, and numerous human diseases such as cancer and diabetes. BBR was shown to regulate the expression of miRs in several diseases. Here, we reviewed the target miRs of BBR and the relevance of their modulation for the potential treatment of serious human diseases like multiple myeloma, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer and glioblastoma. The role of miR regulation in the putative anti-diabetic effects of BBR is discussed, as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Hasan Ayati
- Immunology Research Center, Department of Immunology, Medical School, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Badrieh Fazeli
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Isfahan University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Momtazi-Borojeni
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Arrigo F G Cicero
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran.
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64
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In silico modeling on ADME properties of natural products: Classification models for blood-brain barrier permeability, its application to traditional Chinese medicine and in vitro experimental validation. J Mol Graph Model 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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65
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Durairajan SSK, Iyaswamy A, Shetty SG, Kammella AK, Malampati S, Shang W, Yang C, Song J, Chung S, Huang J, Ilango K, Han QB, Li M. A modified formulation of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang reduces memory impairments and β-amyloid plaques in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6238. [PMID: 28740171 PMCID: PMC5524904 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06217-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a degenerative disorder typified by progressive deterioration of memory and the appearance of β-amyloid peptide (Aβ)-rich senile plaques. Recently we have identified a novel function of a patented formulation of modified Huanglian-Jie-Tu-Tang (HLJDT-M), a Chinese herbal medicine, in treating AD in in vitro studies (US patent No. 9,375,457). HLJDT-M is a formulation composed of Rhizoma Coptitis, Cortex Phellodendri and Fructus Gardeniae without Radix Scutellariae. Here, we assessed the efficacy of HLJDT-M on a triple transgenic mouse model of AD (3XTg-AD). Oral administration of HLJDT-M ameliorated the cognitive dysfunction of 3XTg-AD mice and lessened the plaque burden. In addition, biochemical assays revealed a significant decrease in levels of detergent-soluble and acid-soluble Aβ via decreasing the levels of full length amyloid-β precursor protein (FL-APP) and C-terminal fragments of APP (CTFs) in brain lysates of HLJDT-M-treated mice. HLJDT-M treatment also significantly reduced the levels of FL-APP and CTFs in N2a/SweAPP cells. In contrast, treatment using the classical formula HLJDT did not reduce the memory impairment of 3XTg-AD mice and, rather, increased the Aβ/Fl-APP/CTFs in both animal and cell culture studies. Altogether, our study indicates that HLJDT-M is a promising herbal formulation to prevent and/or cure AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siva Sundara Kumar Durairajan
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
| | - Ashok Iyaswamy
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Sravan Gopalakrishna Shetty
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Ananth Kumar Kammella
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Sandeep Malampati
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Wenbin Shang
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Chuanbin Yang
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Juxian Song
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Sookja Chung
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Jiandong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Kaliappan Ilango
- Phytochemistry and Analysis laboratory, Interdisciplinary Institute of Indian System of Medicine, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Kancheepuram, India
| | - Quan-Bin Han
- Natural Products Chemistry & Analysis Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Min Li
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
- Mr. & Mrs. Ko Chi-Ming Centre for Parkinson's Disease Research, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong.
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Prolyl oligopeptidase and its role in the organism: attention to the most promising and clinically relevant inhibitors. Future Med Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2017-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolyl oligopeptidase (POP), also called prolyl endopeptidase, is a cytosolic enzyme investigated by several research groups. It has been proposed to play an important role in physiological processes such as modulation of the levels of several neuronal peptides and hormones containing a proline residue. Due to its proteolytic activity and physiological role in cell signaling pathways, inhibition of POP offers an emerging approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases as well as other diseases related to cognitive impairment. Furthermore, it may also represent an interesting target for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, and as an antiangiogenesis or antineoplastic agent. In this review paper, we summarized naturally occurring POP inhibitors together with peptide-like inhibitors and their biological effects. Some of them have shown promising results and interesting pharmacological profiles. However, to date, there is no POP inhibitor available on the market although several clinical trials have been undertaken.
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Chang CF, Lee YC, Lee KH, Lin HC, Chen CL, Shen CKJ, Huang CC. Therapeutic effect of berberine on TDP-43-related pathogenesis in FTLD and ALS. J Biomed Sci 2016; 23:72. [PMID: 27769241 PMCID: PMC5073438 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0290-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the central nervous system regions of the sporadic and familial FTLD and ALS patients, TDP-43 has been identified as the major component of UBIs inclusions which is abnormally hyperphosphorylated, ubiquitinated, and cleaved into C-terminal fragments to form detergent-insoluble aggregates. So far, the effective drugs for FTLD and ALS neurodegenerative diseases are yet to be developed. Autophagy has been demonstrated as the major metabolism route of the pathological TDP-43 inclusions, hence activation of autophagy is a potential therapeutic strategy for TDP-43 pathogenesis in FTLD and ALS. Berberine, a traditional herbal medicine, is an inhibitor of mTOR signal and an activator for autophagy. Berberine has been implicated in several kinds of diseases, including the neuronal-related pathogenesis, such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. However, the therapeutic effect of berberine on FTLD or ALS pathology has never been investigated. Results Here we studied the molecular mechanism of berberine in cell culture model with TDP-43 proteinopathies, and found that berberine is able to reverse the processing of insoluble TDP-43 aggregates formation through deregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signal and activation of autophagic degradation pathway. And inhibition of autophagy by specific autophagosome inhibitor, 3-MA, reverses the effect of berberine on reducing the accumulation of insoluble TDP-43 and aggregates formation. These results gave us the notion that inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA reverses the effect of berberine on TDP-43 pathogenesis, and activation of mTOR-regulated autophagy plays an important role in berberine-mediated therapeutic effect on TDP-43 proteinopathies. Conclusion We supported an important notion that the traditional herb berberine is a potential alternative therapy for TDP-43-related neuropathology. Here we demonstrated that berberine is able to reverse the processing of insoluble TDP-43 aggregates formation through deregulation of mTOR/p70S6K signal and activation of autophagic degradation pathway. mTOR-autophagy signals plays an important role in berberine-mediated autophagic clearance of TDP-43 aggregates. Exploring the detailed mechanism of berberine on TDP-43 proteinopathy provides a better understanding for the therapeutic development in FTLD and ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Fu Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chao Lee
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuen-Haur Lee
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Lin
- Institute and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ling Chen
- Translational Research Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Kun James Shen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chen Huang
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Zhang Z, Li X, Li F, An L. Berberine alleviates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing neuroinflammation in aged mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 38:426-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Zhang Q, Bian H, Guo L, Zhu H. Berberine Preconditioning Protects Neurons Against Ischemia via Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2016; 44:927-41. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x16500518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Berberine exerts neuroprotective and modulates hypoxia inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF-1[Formula: see text]. Based on the role of HIF-1[Formula: see text] in hypoxia preconditioning and association between HIF-1[Formula: see text] and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), we hypothesized that berberine preconditioning (BP) would ameliorate the cerebral injury induced by ischemia through activating the system of HIF-1[Formula: see text] and S1P. Adult male rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and rat primary cortical neurons treated with oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) with BP at 24[Formula: see text]h (40[Formula: see text]mg/kg) and 2[Formula: see text]h (10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mol/L), respectively, were used to determine the neuroprotective effects. The HIF-1[Formula: see text] accumulation, and S1P metabolism were assayed in the berberine-preconditioned neurons, and the HIF-1[Formula: see text]-mediated transcriptional modulation of sphingosine kinases (Sphk) 1 and 2 was analyzed using chromatin immunoprecipitation and real-time polymerase chain reaction. BP significantly prevented cerebral ischemic injury in the MCAO rats at 24[Formula: see text]h and 72[Formula: see text]h following ischemia/reperfusion. In OGD-treated neurons, BP enhanced HIF-1[Formula: see text] accumulation with activation of PI3K/Akt, and induced S1P production by activating Sphk2 via the promotion of HIF-1[Formula: see text]-mediated Sphk2 transcription. In conclusion, BP activated endogenous neuroprotective mechanisms associated with the S1P/HIF-1 pathway and helped protect neuronal cells against hypoxia/ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichun Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Botanical Medicine Refine Engineering Research Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- Department of Clinic Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
| | - Huimin Bian
- Department of Clinic Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
| | - Liwei Guo
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Botanical Medicine Refine Engineering Research Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
| | - Huaxu Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
- Jiangsu Botanical Medicine Refine Engineering Research Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P.R. China
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Libro R, Giacoppo S, Soundara Rajan T, Bramanti P, Mazzon E. Natural Phytochemicals in the Treatment and Prevention of Dementia: An Overview. Molecules 2016; 21:518. [PMID: 27110749 PMCID: PMC6274085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21040518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The word dementia describes a class of heterogeneous diseases which etiopathogenetic mechanisms are not well understood. There are different types of dementia, among which, Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the more common. Currently approved pharmacological treatments for most forms of dementia seem to act only on symptoms without having profound disease-modifying effects. Thus, alternative strategies capable of preventing the progressive loss of specific neuronal populations are urgently required. In particular, the attention of researchers has been focused on phytochemical compounds that have shown antioxidative, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties and that could represent important resources in the discovery of drug candidates against dementia. In this review, we summarize the neuroprotective effects of the main phytochemicals belonging to the polyphenol, isothiocyanate, alkaloid and cannabinoid families in the prevention and treatment of the most common kinds of dementia. We believe that natural phytochemicals may represent a promising sources of alternative medicine, at least in association with therapies approved to date for dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaliana Libro
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Giacoppo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Thangavelu Soundara Rajan
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy.
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71
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Berberine and neurodegeneration: A review of literature. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:970-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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72
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Abdel Moneim AE. The neuroprotective effect of berberine in mercury-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Metab Brain Dis 2015; 30:935-942. [PMID: 25600690 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-015-9652-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system is one of the most vulnerable organs affected by mercury toxicity. Both acute and chronic exposure to mercury is also known to cause a variety of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Here, the neuroprotective effect of berberine (BN; 100 mg/kg bwt) on mercuric chloride (HgCl2; 0.4 mg/kg bwt) induced neurotoxicity and oxidative stress was examined in rats. Adult male albino Wistar rats were injected with HgCl2 for 7 days. HgCl2 treatment induced oxidative stress by increasing lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitrite/nitrate (nitric oxide; NO) production along with a concomitant decrease in glutathione (GSH) and various antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Pre-treatment of rats with BN inhibited LPO and NO production, whereas it increased GSH content. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were also restored concomitantly when compared to the control rats after BN administration. Berberine also caused decrease in TNF-α level and caspase-3 activity which was higher with HgCl2. Furthermore, treatment with BN inhibited apoptosis, as indicated by the reduction of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in brain tissue. These data indicated that BN augments antioxidant defense with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities against HgCl2-induced neurotoxicity and provides evidence that it has a therapeutic potential as neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E Abdel Moneim
- Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt,
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Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative illness associated with dementia and is most prevalent among the elderly population. Current medications can only treat symptoms. Alkaloids are structurally diverse and have been an important source of therapeutics for various brain disorders. Two US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for AD, galantamine and rivastigmine, are in fact alkaloids. In addition, clinical trials of four other extensively studied alkaloids-huperzine A, caffeine, nicotine, and indomethacin-have been conducted but do not convincingly demonstrate their clinical efficacy for AD. Interestingly, rhynchophylline, a known neuroprotective alkaloid, was recently discovered by in silico screening as an inhibitor of EphA4, a novel target for AD. Here, we review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AD, current treatment strategies, and therapeutic potential of several selected plant alkaloids in AD, highlighting their various drug targets and the key supportive preclinical and clinical studies. Future research should include more rigorous clinical studies of the most promising alkaloids, the further development of recently discovered candidate alkaloids, and the continual search for new alkaloids for relevant drug targets. It remains promising that an alkaloid drug candidate could significantly affect the progression of AD in addition to providing symptomatic relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Pong Ng
- Division of Life Science, Molecular Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Terry Cho Tsun Or
- Division of Life Science, Molecular Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nancy Y Ip
- Division of Life Science, Molecular Neuroscience Center, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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Kumar A, Ekavali, Chopra K, Mukherjee M, Pottabathini R, Dhull DK. Current knowledge and pharmacological profile of berberine: An update. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 761:288-97. [PMID: 26092760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 353] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, occurs as an active constituent in numerous medicinal plants and has an array of pharmacological properties. It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antidiarrheal and antitrachoma activity. Moreover, several clinical and preclinical studies demonstrate ameliorative effect of berberine against several disorders including metabolic, neurological and cardiological problems. This review provides a summary regarding the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic features of berberine, with a focus on the different mechanisms underlying its multispectrum activity. Studies regarding the safety profile, drug interactions and important clinical trials of berberine have also been included. Clinical trials with respect to neurological disorders need to be undertaken to exploit the beneficiary effects of berberine against serious disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Also, clinical studies to detect rare adverse effects of berberine need to be initiated to draw a complete safety profile of berberine and strengthen its applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India.
| | - Ekavali
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Kanwaljit Chopra
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Madhurima Mukherjee
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Raghavender Pottabathini
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
| | - Dinesh K Dhull
- Neuropharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies (UGC-CAS), Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India
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Moneim AEA. Mercury-induced neurotoxicity and neuroprotective effects of berberine. Neural Regen Res 2015; 10:881-882. [PMID: 26199596 PMCID: PMC4498341 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.158336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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Lu J, Cao Y, Cheng K, Xu B, Wang T, Yang Q, Yang Q, Feng X, Xia Q. Berberine regulates neurite outgrowth through AMPK-dependent pathways by lowering energy status. Exp Cell Res 2015; 334:194-206. [PMID: 25889370 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As a widely used anti-bacterial agent and a metabolic inhibitor as well as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, berberine (BBR) has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier. Its efficacy has been investigated in various disease models of the central nervous system. Neurite outgrowth is critical for nervous system development and is a highly energy-dependent process regulated by AMPK-related pathways. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BBR on AMPK activation and neurite outgrowth in neurons. The neurite outgrowth of primary rat cortical neurons at different stages of polarization was monitored after exposure of BBR. Intracellular energy level, AMPK activation and polarity-related pathways were also inspected. The results showed that BBR suppressed neurite outgrowth and affected cytoskeleton stability in the early stages of neuronal polarization, which was mediated by lowered energy status and AMPK activation. Liver kinase B1 and PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathways were also involved. In addition, mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress contributed to the lowered energy status induced by BBR. This study highlighted the knowledge of the complex activities of BBR in neurons and corroborated the significance of energy status during the neuronal polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yuanzhao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Kuoyuan Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Tianchang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xudong Feng
- Department of Medicine, Children׳s Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Qing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, PR China.
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Chen CC, Hung TH, Lee CY, Wang LF, Wu CH, Ke CH, Chen SF. Berberine protects against neuronal damage via suppression of glia-mediated inflammation in traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115694. [PMID: 25546475 PMCID: PMC4278716 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a series of neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to evolution of neuronal injury. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects and anti-inflammatory actions of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, in both in vitro and in vivo TBI models. Mice subjected to controlled cortical impact injury were injected with berberine (10 mg·kg−1) or vehicle 10 min after injury. In addition to behavioral studies and histology analysis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain water content were determined. Expression of PI3K/Akt and Erk signaling and inflammatory mediators were also analyzed. The protective effect of berberine was also investigated in cultured neurons either subjected to stretch injury or exposed to conditioned media with activated microglia. Berberine significantly attenuated functional deficits and brain damage associated with TBI up to day 28 post-injury. Berberine also reduced neuronal death, apoptosis, BBB permeability, and brain edema at day 1 post-injury. These changes coincided with a marked reduction in leukocyte infiltration, microglial activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, and expression of inflammatory mediators. Berberine had no effect on Akt or Erk 1/2 phosphorylation. In mixed glial cultures, berberine reduced TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling. Berberine also attenuated neuronal death induced by microglial conditioned media; however, it did not directly protect cultured neurons subjected to stretch injury. Moreover, administration of berberine at 3 h post-injury also reduced TBI-induced neuronal damage, apoptosis and inflammation in vivo. Berberine reduces TBI-induced brain damage by limiting the production of inflammatory mediators by glial cells, rather than by a direct neuroprotective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Cheng Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tai-Ho Hung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Taipei and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chao Yu Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Liang-Fei Wang
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hu Wu
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chia-Hua Ke
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Szu-Fu Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Departments of Physiology and Biophysics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Nadjafi S, Ebrahimi SA, Rahbar-Roshandel N. Effect of berberine on nitric oxide production during oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion in OLN-93 oligodendrocytes. Pak J Biol Sci 2014; 17:1185-1189. [PMID: 26027164 DOI: 10.3923/pjbs.2014.1185.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effect of berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Coptidis rhizoma, on Nitric Oxide (NO) production, as a possible involved factor, during excitotoxic injury in oligodendroglial cells were evaluated. The overactivation of ionotropic glutamate receptors which is known as the excitotoxicity, is an important phenomenon because of the contribution in acute injury to the central nervous system, chronic neurodegenerative disorders, oligodendrocyte loss and demyelinating diseases as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Intracellular Ca2+ overload, have a key role during excitotoxic injury and such increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ triggers a series of events such as production of NO that end to cell death. Previous report showed the protective effects of berberine on ischemic-induced excitotoxic insult in oligodendrocytes. Hereby, we intended to know if the NO production could be associated with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced excitotoxic damage in oligodendrocyte; moreover, the alteration of NO production could be considered as an involved mechanism for protective effect of berberine in such condition. Therefore, the effect of berberine (2 μM) on NO production during oxygen-glucose deprivation/24 h reperfusion in oligodendrocytes were examined. The OLN-93 cell line (a permanent immature rat oligodendrocyte) was used as a model of oligodendrocyte. Thirty minutes-oxygen-glucose deprivation/24 h reperfusion was used to induce excitotoxicity. NO production was evaluated by Griess method. Our results demonstrated that berberine (2 μM) significantly decreased NO production during 30 min oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion. It seems that blockade of NO production by berberine may also participate in oligodendroglial cell protection against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced insult.
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Kysenius K, Brunello CA, Huttunen HJ. Mitochondria and NMDA receptor-dependent toxicity of berberine sensitizes neurons to glutamate and rotenone injury. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107129. [PMID: 25192195 PMCID: PMC4156429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of metabolic and age-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, is on the rise. In addition to traditional pharmacotherapy, drug candidates from complementary and alternative medicine are actively being pursued for further drug development. Berberine, a nutraceutical traditionally used as an antibiotic, has recently been proposed to act as a multi-target protective agent against type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemias, ischemic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. However, the safety profile of berberine remains controversial, as isolated reports suggest risks with acute toxicity, bradycardia and exacerbation of neurodegeneration. We report that low micromolar berberine causes rapid mitochondria-dependent toxicity in primary neurons characterized by mitochondrial swelling, increased oxidative stress, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and depletion of ATP content. Berberine does not induce caspase-3 activation and the resulting neurotoxicity remains unaffected by pan-caspase inhibitor treatment. Interestingly, inhibition of NMDA receptors by memantine and MK-801 completely blocked berberine-induced neurotoxicity. Additionally, subtoxic nanomolar concentrations of berberine were sufficient to sensitize neurons to glutamate excitotoxicity and rotenone injury. Our study highlights the need for further safety assessment of berberine, especially due to its tendency to accumulate in the CNS and the risk of potential neurotoxicity as a consequence of increasing bioavailability of berberine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Kysenius
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Henri J. Huttunen
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail:
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Durairajan SSK, Huang YY, Yuen PY, Chen LL, Kwok KY, Liu LF, Song JX, Han QB, Xue L, K. Chung S, Huang JD, Baum L, Senapati S, Li M. Effects of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang and its modified formula on the modulation of amyloid-β precursor protein processing in Alzheimer's disease models. PLoS One 2014; 9:e92954. [PMID: 24671102 PMCID: PMC3966845 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0092954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) is a famous traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used clinically to treat cerebral ischemia. Recently, we found that berberine, a major alkaloid compound in HLJDT, reduced amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model. In this study, we compared the effects of HLJDT, four single component herbs of HLJDT (Rhizoma coptidis (RC), Radix scutellariae (RS), Cortex phellodendri (CP) and Fructus gardenia (FG)) and the modified formula of HLJDT (HLJDT-M, which is free of RS) on the regulatory processing of amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) in an in vitro model of AD. Here we show that treatment with HLJDT-M and its components RC, CP, and the main compound berberine on N2a mouse neuroblastoma cells stably expressing human APP with the Swedish mutation (N2a-SwedAPP) significantly decreased the levels of full-length APP, phosphorylated APP at threonine 668, C-terminal fragments of APP, soluble APP (sAPP)-α and sAPPβ-Swedish and reduced the generation of Aβ peptide in the cell lysates of N2a-SwedAPP. HLJDT-M showed more significant APP- and Aβ- reducing effects than berberine, RC or CP treatment alone. In contrast, HLJDT, its component RS and the main active compound of RS, baicalein, strongly increased the levels of all the metabolic products of APP in the cell lysates. The extract from FG, however, did not influence APP modulation. Interestingly, regular treatment of TgCRND8 APP transgenic mice with baicalein exacerbated the amyloid plaque burden, APP metabolism and Aβ production. Taken together, these data provide convincing evidence that HLJDT and baicalein treatment can increase the amyloidogenic metabolism of APP which is at least partly responsible for the baicalein-mediated Aβ plaque increase in the brains of TgCRND8 mice. On the other hand, HLJDT-M significantly decreased all the APP metabolic products including Aβ. Further study of HLJDT-M for therapeutic use in treating AD is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ying-Yu Huang
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Pui-Yee Yuen
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Lei-Lei Chen
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Yan Kwok
- Natural Products Chemistry & Analysis Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Liang-Feng Liu
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Ju-Xian Song
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Quan-Bin Han
- Natural Products Chemistry & Analysis Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Lei Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sookja K. Chung
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Jian-Dong Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Larry Baum
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Sanjib Senapati
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India
| | - Min Li
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
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81
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Zhou Y, Cao S, Wang Y, Xu P, Yan J, Bin W, Qiu F, Kang N. Berberine metabolites could induce low density lipoprotein receptor up-regulation to exert lipid-lowering effects in human hepatoma cells. Fitoterapia 2013; 92:230-7. [PMID: 24321576 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from several Chinese herbal medicines, such as Coptis chinensis, Berberis aristata, and Coptis japonica. It exhibits a lipid-lowering effect by up-regulating the hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression. However, the plasma concentration of BBR is very low after oral administration for the reason that BBR is poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized. Therefore, it is hard to explain the pharmacological effects of BBR in vivo. Here, RT-PCR, Western blotting and Oil Red O staining were used to investigate the effects of four BBR metabolites on LDLR expression and lipid accumulation in human hepatoma Hep G2 cells. Our results suggested that BBR increased the LDLR mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Four metabolites of BBR, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, berberrubine and demethyleneberberine, were found to be able to up-regulate LDLR mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, almost all the metabolites had potent effects on inhibiting cellular lipid accumulation. These results suggest that both BBR and its metabolites exhibit lipid-lowering effects by up-regulating LDLR expression, and BBR and its metabolites might be the in vivo active forms of BBR produced after oral administration. This study provides information to help us understand the mechanisms underlying the hypolipidemic effects of BBR in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, PR China
| | - Shijie Cao
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Peixiang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiankun Yan
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Wen Bin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Ning Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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Verapamil augments the neuroprotectant action of berberine in rat model of transient global cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 720:98-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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83
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Moghaddam HK, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Roghani M, Khaksari M, Norouzi P, Ahooie M, Mahboobi F. Berberine ameliorate oxidative stress and astrogliosis in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Mol Neurobiol 2013; 49:820-6. [PMID: 24113841 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-013-8559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as stroke, seizures, dementia, and cognitive impairment. Berberine, a natural isoquinoline alkaloid, is reported to exhibit beneficial effect in various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, astrocytes are proving critical for normal CNS function, and alterations in their activity and impaired oxidative stress could contribute to diabetes-related cognitive dysfunction. Metabolic and oxidative insults often cause rapid changes in glial cells. Key indicators of this response are increased synthesis of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) as an astrocytic marker. Therefore, we examined the effects of berberine on glial reactivity of hippocampus in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, using GFAP immunohistochemistry. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and nitrite levels were assessed as the parameters of oxidative stress. Eight weeks after diabetes induction, we observed increased numbers of GFAP(+) astrocytes immunostaining associated with increased lipid peroxidation, decreased superoxide dismutase activity, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus of STZ-diabetic rats. In contrast, chronic treatment with berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg p.o. once daily) lowered hyperglycemia, reduced oxidative stress, and prevented the upregulation of GFAP in the brain of diabetic rats. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that the treatment with berberine resulted in an obvious reduction of oxidative stress and GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the hippocampus of STZ-induced diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Kalalian Moghaddam
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran,
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84
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Moghaddam HK, Baluchnejadmojarad T, Roghani M, Goshadrou F, Ronaghi A. Berberine chloride improved synaptic plasticity in STZ induced diabetic rats. Metab Brain Dis 2013; 28:421-8. [PMID: 23640014 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-013-9411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 03/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies indicated that diabetes affects synaptic transmission in the hippocampus, leading to impairments of synaptic plasticity and defects in learning and memory. Although berberine treatment ameliorates memory impairment and improves synaptic plasticity in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats, it is not clear if the effects are pre- or post-synaptic or both. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of berberine chloride on short-term plasticity in inhibitory interneurons in the dentate gyrus of STZ-induced diabetic rats. Experimental groups included: The control, control berberine treated (100 mg/kg), diabetic and diabetic berberine treated (50,100 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks) groups. The paired pulse paradigm was used to stimulate the perforant pathway and field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSP) were recorded in dentate gyrus (DG). In comparison with control, paired pulse facilitation in the diabetic group was significantly increased (P < 0.01) and this effect prevented by chronic berberine treatment (50,100 mg/kg). However, there were no differences between responses of the control berberine 100 mg/kg treated and diabetes berberine treated (50 and 100 mg/kg) groups as compared to the control group. The present results suggest that the pre-synaptic component of synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus is affected under diabetic conditions and that berberine prevents this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Kalalian Moghaddam
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
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85
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Hsu YY, Tseng YT, Lo YC. Berberine, a natural antidiabetes drug, attenuates glucose neurotoxicity and promotes Nrf2-related neurite outgrowth. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2013; 272:787-96. [PMID: 23954465 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen intermediates production and apoptotic damage induced by high glucose are major causes of neuronal damage in diabetic neuropathy. Berberine (BBR), a natural antidiabetes drug with PI3K-activating activity, holds promise for diabetes because of its dual antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. We have previously reported that BBR attenuated H2O2 neurotoxicity via activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2-dependent pathway. In this study, we further explored the novel protective mechanism of BBR on high glucose-induced apoptotic death and neurite damage of SH-SY5Y cells. Results indicated BBR (0.1-10 nM) significantly attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nucleus condensation, and apoptotic death in high glucose-treated cells. However, AG1024, an inhibitor of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor, significantly abolished BBR protection against high glucose-induced neuronal death. BBR also increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased cytochrome c release. High glucose down-regulated IGF-1 receptor and phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β, the effects of which were attenuated by BBR treatment. BBR also activated nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the key antioxidative transcription factor, which is accompanied with up-regulation of hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). Furthermore, BBR markedly enhanced nerve growth factor (NGF) expression and promoted neurite outgrowth in high glucose-treated cells. To further determine the role of the Nrf2 in BBR neuroprotection, RNA interference directed against Nrf2 was used. Results indicated Nrf2 siRNA abolished BBR-induced HO-1, NGF, neurite outgrowth and ROS decrease. In conclusion, BBR attenuated high glucose-induced neurotoxicity, and we are the first to reveal this novel mechanism of BBR as an Nrf2 activator against glucose neurotoxicity, providing another potential therapeutic use of BBR on the treatment of diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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86
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87
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Zhu H, Qian Z, He F, Liu M, Pan L, Zhang Q, Tang Y. Novel pharmacokinetic studies of the Chinese formula Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang in MCAO rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 20:767-774. [PMID: 23628154 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2012.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that after oral administration of an Huang-Lian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT) decoction, there is a higher concentration of the pure components, berberine, baicalin and gardenoside in the plasma of Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats than in sham-operated rats, The aim of the present study was to determine whether these components could be reliably measured in MCAO rat tissues. First, the plasma concentration-time profiles of berberine, palmatine, baicalin, baicalein and gardenoside were characterised in MCAO rats after oral administration of the aqueous extract of HLJDT. Subsequently, liver, lung and kidney tissues were obtained from sudden death MCAO rats in the absorption phase (0.25 h), the distribution phase (1.0 h) and the elimination phase (8.0 h) after administration of the HLJDT aqueous extract. An HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of the distribution characteristics of berberine, palmatine, baicalin, baicalein and gardenoside simultaneously from the above-mentioned rat tissues. The results indicated that berberine, palmatine, baicalin and baicalein distributed rapidly and accumulated at high levels in the lung, while gardenoside distributed widely in the lung and the kidney. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the distribution of the active ingredients derived from HLJDT in MCAO rat tissues. The tissue distribution results provide a biopharmaceutical basis for the design of the clinic application of HLJDT in cerebrovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaxu Zhu
- Separation Engineering of Chinese Traditional Medicine Compound, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China.
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88
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Lin TY, Lin YW, Lu CW, Huang SK, Wang SJ. Berberine Inhibits the Release of Glutamate in Nerve Terminals from Rat Cerebral Cortex. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67215. [PMID: 23840629 PMCID: PMC3686739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine, an isoquinoline plant alkaloid, protects neurons against neurotoxicity. An excessive release of glutamate is considered to be one of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage in several neurological diseases. In this study, we investigated whether berberine could affect endogenous glutamate release in nerve terminals of rat cerebral cortex (synaptosomes) and explored the possible mechanism. Berberine inhibited the release of glutamate evoked by the K+ channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), and this phenomenon was prevented by the chelating extracellular Ca2+ ions and the vesicular transporter inhibitor bafilomycin A1, but was insensitive to the glutamate transporter inhibitor DL-threo-beta-benzyl-oxyaspartate. Inhibition of glutamate release by berberine was not due to it decreasing synaptosomal excitability, because berberine did not alter 4-AP-mediated depolarization. The inhibitory effect of berberine on glutamate release was associated with a reduction in the depolarization-induced increase in cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration. Involvement of the Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) channels in the berberine action was confirmed by blockade of the berberine-mediated inhibition of glutamate release by the Cav2.1 (P/Q-type) channel blocker ω-agatoxin IVA. In addition, the inhibitory effect of berberine on evoked glutamate release was prevented by the mitogen-activated/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitors. Berberine decreased the 4-AP-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and synapsin I, the main presynaptic target of ERK; this decrease was also blocked by the MEK inhibition. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of berberine on evoked glutamate release was prevented in nerve terminals from mice lacking synapsin I. Together, these results indicated that berberine inhibits glutamate release from rats cortical synaptosomes, through the suppression of presynaptic Cav2.1 channels and ERK/synapsin I signaling cascade. This finding may provide further understanding of the mode of berberine action in the brain and highlights the therapeutic potential of this compound in the treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Yu Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wan Lin
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yuan Ze University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Kuei Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Far-Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Su-Jane Wang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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89
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Neurotoxic effects of berberine on long-term L-DOPA administration in 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. Arch Pharm Res 2013; 36:759-67. [PMID: 23539311 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-013-0051-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of berberine on long-term administration of L-DOPA in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease (PD) were investigated. Rat models of PD were prepared by 6-OHDA lesions in the ipsilateral sides, and then were treated with berberine (5 and 15 mg/kg) and/or L-DOPA (10 mg/kg) once daily for 21 days. Treatments with either concentration of berberine (5 and 15 mg/kg) in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups decreased the numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunopositive neurons in the substantia nigra and the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the striatum as compared to 6-OHDA-lesioned groups. In addition, dopaminergic neuronal cell death of the ipsilateral sides in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups was attenuated by L-DOPA administration. However, both concentrations of berberine in 6-OHDA-lesioned groups treated with L-DOPA aggravated the numbers of TH-immunopositive neurons in the substantia nigra and the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, DOPAC and HVA in the striatum as compared to rats not treated with berberine. These results suggest that berberine leads to the degeneration of dopaminergic neuronal cells in the substantia nigra in the rat model of PD with chronic L-DOPA administration. Long-term L-DOPA therapy that may involve possibly neurotoxic isoquinoline agents including berberine should involve monitoring for adverse symptoms.
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90
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Pimentel GD, Ropelle ER, Rocha GZ, Carvalheira JBC. The role of neuronal AMPK as a mediator of nutritional regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. Metabolism 2013; 62:171-178. [PMID: 22898253 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 07/01/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) senses intracellular metabolic stress, i.e., an increase in the cellular AMP:ATP ratio, and integrates diverse hormonal and nutritional signals to restore energy balance. Recent evidence suggests that different nutrients can modulate AMPK activity in the hypothalamus, thereby controlling weight gain through a leptin-independent mechanism. Understanding the mechanisms by which nutrients control hypothalamic AMPK activity is crucial to the development of effective nutritional interventions for the treatment of food intake-related disorders, such as anorexia and obesity. This article highlights the current evidence for the intricate relationship between nutrients and hypothalamic AMPK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo D Pimentel
- Department of Internal Medicine, State University of Campinas, Campinas/São Paulo, Brazil
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91
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Ma BL, Ma YM. Pharmacokinetic properties, potential herb–drug interactions and acute toxicity of oralRhizoma coptidisalkaloids. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2012; 9:51-61. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2012.722995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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92
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Jia L, Liu J, Song Z, Pan X, Chen L, Cui X, Wang M. Berberine suppresses amyloid-beta-induced inflammatory response in microglia by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways. J Pharm Pharmacol 2012; 64:1510-21. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7158.2012.01529.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The neuroinflammation induced by amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) is one of the key events in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progress in which microglia are the main cells involved. Berberine, one of the major constituents of Chinese herb Rhizoma coptidis, is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-microbial activity. In this study, we examined the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of berberine in Aβ-induced neuroinflammation using murine primary microglia cells and cultured BV2 microglia cells.
Methods
The effects of berberine on Aβ-stimulated inflammatory factor expression and secretion were examined using RT-PCR and ELISA analysis. The signal pathways involved in berberine's effects were also investigated using Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.
Results
In primary microglial and BV2 cells, berberine treatment significantly inhibited Aβ-stimulated production of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Berberine treatment down-regulated the expression of cyclo-oxygenase-2 and induced nitric oxide synthase in these cells. Moreover, berberine strongly inhibited the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) activation, presumably through blocking the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways.
Conclusions
Our data indicated berberine is a potent suppressor of neuroflammation, presumably through inhibition of NF-κB activation, and suggested berberine has therapeutic potential for the treatment of neuroinflammation that is involved in neurological diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyun Jia
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, China
| | - Zhen Song
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, China
| | - Xiaohua Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xing Cui
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shandong University, China
| | - Molin Wang
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, China
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93
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Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang C, Li Y, Dong L, Cui L, Wang L, Liu Z, Qiao H, Zhu C, Xing Y, Cao X, Ji Y, Zhao K. Neuroprotection of early and short-time applying berberine in the acute phase of cerebral ischemia: up-regulated pAkt, pGSK and pCREB, down-regulated NF-κB expression, ameliorated BBB permeability. Brain Res 2012; 1459:61-70. [PMID: 22560097 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.03.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 03/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Berberine (BBR) has gained attention for its vast beneficial biological effects through immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis properties. Inflammatory and apoptosis damage play an important role in cerebral ischemic pathogenesis and may represent a target for treatment. The aim of this study was to explore BBR's effect in ischemic injury and the role of the Akt/GSK (glycogen synthase kinase) signaling cascade in mediating the anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects in the rat brain of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to pMCAO and randomly assigned into four groups: Sham (sham-operated) group, pMCAO (pMCAO+0.9% saline) group, BBR-L (pMCAO+BBR 10 mg/kg) and BBR-H (pMCAO+BBR 40 mg/kg) group. BBR was administered immediately after pMCAO and the neuroprotection was detected. Phospho-Akt (pAkt), phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3-β (pGSK3β), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and claudin-5 in ischemic cerebral cortex were detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Compared with pMCAO group, BBR dramatically lessened neurological deficits scores, brain water contents and infarct sizes, upregulated the expression of pAkt, pGSK3β, pCREB and claudin-5, and decreased the nuclear accumulation of NF-κB (P<0.05) in ischemic brain. The results showed that BBR reduced ischemic brain injury after pMACO, and this effect may be via the increasing the activation of Akt/GSK signaling and claudin-5, and decreasing NF-κB expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050000, China
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94
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Hsu YY, Chen CS, Wu SN, Jong YJ, Lo YC. Berberine activates Nrf2 nuclear translocation and protects against oxidative damage via a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-dependent mechanism in NSC34 motor neuron-like cells. Eur J Pharm Sci 2012; 46:415-25. [PMID: 22469516 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2012.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a well-known anti-diabetic herbal medicine in Asia due to its beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity, glucose metabolism and glycolysis. Here, we identified the critical role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt involved BBR cellular defense mechanisms and first revealed the novel effect of BBR on nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 induction in NSC34 motor neuron-like cells. BBR (0.1-10 nM) led to increasing insulin receptor expression, Akt phosphorylation and enhanced oxidant-sensitive Nrf2/HO-1 induction, which were blocked by a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002. In H(2)O(2)-treated cells, BBR significantly attenuated ROS production and increased cell viability, antioxidant defense (GSH and SOD) and oxidant-sensitive proteins (HO-1 and Nrf2), which also were blocked by LY294002. Furthermore, BBR improved mitochondrial function by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and decreasing the oxygen consumption rate. BBR-induced anti-apoptotic function was demonstrated by increasing anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and survival of motor neuron protein (SMN) and by decreasing apoptotic proteins (cytochrome c, Bax and caspase). These results suggest that BBR, which is active at nanomolar concentration, is a potential neuroprotective agent via PI3K/Akt-dependent cytoprotective and antioxidant pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yun Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan, ROC
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95
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Patil S, Dash RP, Anandjiwala S, Nivsarkar M. Simultaneous quantification of berberine and lysergol by HPLC-UV: evidence that lysergol enhances the oral bioavailability of berberine in rats. Biomed Chromatogr 2011; 26:1170-5. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.2674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant Patil
- Department of Natural Products; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad; S. G. Highway, Thaltej; Ahmedabad; 380054; Gujarat; India
| | - Ranjeet Prasad Dash
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development Centre; S. G. Highway, Thaltej; Ahmedabad; 380054; Gujarat; India
| | - Sheetal Anandjiwala
- Department of Natural Products; National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad; S. G. Highway, Thaltej; Ahmedabad; 380054; Gujarat; India
| | - Manish Nivsarkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; B. V. Patel Pharmaceutical Education and Research Development Centre; S. G. Highway, Thaltej; Ahmedabad; 380054; Gujarat; India
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96
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Hu J, Chai Y, Wang Y, Kheir MM, Li H, Yuan Z, Wan H, Xing D, Lei F, Du L. PI3K p55γ promoter activity enhancement is involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of berberine against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 674:132-42. [PMID: 22119079 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Berberine is a candidate clinical neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke. In the present study, we examined the influence of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mediating the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine. Oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation of nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells and primary neurons, and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mice were used as in vitro and in vivo ischemia models. We found that the anti-apoptotic effects of berberine against ischemia were indeed mediated by the increased phosphor-activation of Akt (higher p-Akt to total Akt), leading to the intensified phosphorylation of Bad and the decreased cleavage of the pro-apoptotic protease caspase-3. Berberine action is specific for PI3K, rather than the upstream receptor tyrosine kinase. The anti-apoptotic effect is maintained in the presence of tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor PD153035, but is suppressed by the PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 and the Akt inhibitor Akti-1/2.The unique PI3K regulatory subunit p55γ was upregulated by berberine during ischemia-reperfusion and was not blocked by these inhibitors. We constructed a reporter plasmid to detect PI3K p55γ promoter activity and found that berberine enhanced PI3K p55γ promoter activity during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Hu
- Protein Science Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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97
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Ji HF, Shen L. Berberine: a potential multipotent natural product to combat Alzheimer's disease. Molecules 2011; 16:6732-40. [PMID: 21829148 PMCID: PMC6264702 DOI: 10.3390/molecules16086732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
With the accelerated aging of human society Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become one of the most threatening diseases in the elderly. However, there is no efficient therapeutic agent to combat AD. Berberine is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that possesses a wide range of pharmacological effects. In the present paper, we review the multiple activities of berberine, including antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory, monoamine oxidase inhibitory, amyloid-b peptide level-reducing and cholesterol-lowering activities, which suggest that berberine may act as a promising multipotent agent to combat AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liang Shen
- Shandong Provincial Research Center for Bioinformatic Engineering and Technique, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255049, China
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98
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López A, Tarragó T, Giralt E. Low molecular weight inhibitors of Prolyl Oligopeptidase: a review of compounds patented from 2003 to 2010. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2011; 21:1023-44. [PMID: 21539473 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.577416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prolyl Oligopeptidase (POP) is a serine peptidase that cleaves post-proline bonds in short peptides. Besides the direct hydrolytic regulation function over peptides, neuropeptides and peptide hormones, POP is probably involved in the regulation of the inositol pathway and participates in protein-protein interactions. Experimental data show that POP inhibitors have neuroprotective, anti-amnesic and cognition-enhancing properties. These compounds are considered therapeutic agents of interest for the treatment of cognitive deficits related to neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Recent findings pointed to the involvement of POP in angiogenesis, although the exact mechanism is still under study. AREAS COVERED This review comprises patents and patent applications involving POP inhibitors patented between 2003 and 2010, classified as peptidomimetics, heteroaryl ketones and alkaloids. The binding processes and the mechanisms of inhibition of these inhibitors are also discussed, together with their in vivo effects. EXPERT OPINION The major part of the repertory of POP inhibitors derived from systematical modification of the canonical compound benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal (ZPP). Nevertheless, only two of them have progressed into the clinical trials. One possible reason for this failure is the lack of studies concerning pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicity, together with the absence of suitable animal models. Moreover, POP is still not a well-defined therapeutic target. Further studies are required for the elucidation of the biological role of POP and to validate the therapeutic action of inhibitors in cognitive processes. In contrast, the involvement of POP in protein-protein interactions together with the recent evidences in angiogenesis opens alternative approaches to the traditional active site-directed inhibitors, as well as new therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham López
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Barcelona Science Park, Barcelona, Spain
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99
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Xia X, Yan J, Shen Y, Tang K, Yin J, Zhang Y, Yang D, Liang H, Ye J, Weng J. Berberine improves glucose metabolism in diabetic rats by inhibition of hepatic gluconeogenesis. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16556. [PMID: 21304897 PMCID: PMC3033390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Accepted: 01/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a compound originally identified in a Chinese herbal medicine Huanglian (Coptis chinensis French). It improves glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic patients. The mechanisms involve in activation of adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) and improvement of insulin sensitivity. However, it is not clear if BBR reduces blood glucose through other mechanism. In this study, we addressed this issue by examining liver response to BBR in diabetic rats, in which hyperglycemia was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by high fat diet. We observed that BBR decreased fasting glucose significantly. Gluconeogenic genes, Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), were decreased in liver by BBR. Hepatic steatosis was also reduced by BBR and expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was inhibited in liver. Activities of transcription factors including Forkhead transcription factor O1 (FoxO1), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1) and carbohydrate responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) were decreased. Insulin signaling pathway was not altered in the liver. In cultured hepatocytes, BBR inhibited oxygen consumption and reduced intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level. The data suggest that BBR improves fasting blood glucose by direct inhibition of gluconeogenesis in liver. This activity is not dependent on insulin action. The gluconeogenic inhibition is likely a result of mitochondria inhibition by BBR. The observation supports that BBR improves glucose metabolism through an insulin-independent pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Berberine/pharmacology
- Berberine/therapeutic use
- Blood Glucose/analysis
- Blood Glucose/drug effects
- Blood Glucose/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/metabolism
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/chemically induced
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism
- Down-Regulation/drug effects
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Gluconeogenesis/drug effects
- Glucose/metabolism
- Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- Insulin/blood
- Insulin/metabolism
- Liver/drug effects
- Liver/metabolism
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Streptozocin
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Xia
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinhua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfeng Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kuanxiao Tang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Yin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Eunice, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Yanhua Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjie Yang
- Department of gastrointestinal-pancreatic surgery, The First-Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Ye
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Eunice, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Jianping Weng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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100
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Bhutada P, Mundhada Y, Bansod K, Hiware R, Rathod S, Dixit P, Mundhada D. Berberine protects C57BL/6J mice against ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability. Phytother Res 2010; 25:302-7. [PMID: 20734325 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2010] [Revised: 04/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Berberine ([C20H18NO4](+) ), one of the major constituents of the Chinese herb Rhizoma coptidis, is an isoquinoline alkaloid. Plethora of recent reports has indicated its ability to modulate several neurotransmitter systems, especially those implicated in ethanol dependence. Thus, the influence of berberine treatment on the development and expression of ethanol dependence was tested by using the ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability paradigm. Mice were provided with a nutritionally balanced control liquid diet as the sole nutrient source on day 0; from day 1-4 (ethanol, 3% v/v), from day 5-7 (ethanol, 6% v/v) and from day 8-10 (ethanol, 10% v/v) was incorporated into the liquid diet. On day 11, the ethanol liquid diet was replaced with nutritionally balanced control liquid diet, and ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability signs were recorded. The results revealed that acute administration of berberine (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently attenuated ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability signs, and these results were comparable to diazepam (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.). Further, chronic administration of berberine (10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) to the ethanol diet fed mice markedly attenuated the ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability signs. In conclusion, the results and evidence suggest that berberine exhibited an inhibitory influence against ethanol withdrawal-induced hyperexcitability signs, which could be mediated through its neuromodulatory action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pravinkumar Bhutada
- Agnihotri College of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Division, Bapuji Wadi, Sindhi (Meghe), Wardha 442 001, Maharashtra, India.
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