Search

Introduction: Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine from nerve terminals. Binding of dopamine to dopamine receptors increases the phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element (CREB) protein and changes the transcription of downstream genes.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of methamphetamine induction followed by aerobic training and Berberine on dopamine receptor 4 and CREB gene expression in the heart tissue of methamphetamine-addicted female rats during the withdrawal period. Methods: 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 control groups, methamphetamine, methamphetamine + aerobic training, methamphetamine + Berberine, methamphetamine + aerobic training + Berberine. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine was performed for 5 days, and during the withdrawal period, aerobic training was performed for 4 weeks and simultaneously the consumption of berberine 100 mg/kg as a solution in drinking water was considered. Real Time PCR method was used to measure gene expression. Independent T-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and SPSS24 software were used at the level of 0.05 to analyze the data. The code of ethics in the research was received with number IR.IAU.SHAHROOD.REC.1402.015. Results: The results showed that methamphetamine use caused a non-significant increase (97%) in CREB expression and a non-significant decrease (52%) in dopamine 4 receptor compared to the control group (P>0.05). The implementation of interventions during the withdrawal period, such as Berberine consumption and the combination of berberine with aerobic training, produced non-significant increasing and decreasing effects on dopamine 4 receptor gene expression and CREB in the heart of methamphetamine-addicted rats, respectively (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Short-term induction of methamphetamine did not cause significant changes in the expression of dopamine 4 receptor and CREB genes in the heart. Therefore, these genes could not undergo a significant change as a result of interventions such as Berberine and exercise. More studies are needed to investigate exact genetic changes in heart tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is a type of blood cancer associated with the malignant proliferation of lymphoid progenitor cells. In recent years, natural medicines have received attention due to reasons such as availability, fewer side effects, and lower costs. Berberine (BBR) is a bioactive compound with anticancer effects that influences progesterone production. Progesterone can affect some tumors by inhibiting or inducing cell proliferation through its nuclear or membrane receptors. In this study, we investigated the effect of BBR on the expression of membrane progesterone receptor beta (mPRβ) in NALM6 cells. After culturing the cells in a serum-containing medium, the cells were treated with different concentrations of BBR (20-100 μM) at 48 and 72 h, and cell survival was determined using the MTT assay. Finally, the effect of BBR on the expression of mPRβ in NALM6 cells at concentrations of 30 and 10 μM at 48 and 72 h, respectively, was evaluated using flow cytometry. Our results showed that the cells express mPRβ. The BBR significantly inhibited cell growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, and mPRβ expression was significantly decreased in treated cells compared to untreated cells. These findings suggest that NALM6 cells are most likely influenced by progesterone. In addition, apart from its direct anticancer effects, BBR may also modulate the effects of progesterone on cancer cells. The findings of this study may be useful for designing new anti-cancer approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is an uncommon type of white blood cells cancer that originates from bone marrow stem cells. Progesterone (P4) and berberine (BBR) are bioactive compounds that inhibit the growth of tumor cells. The present study aimed to assess the simultaneous effect of P4 and BBR on the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in K562 cells. The K562 cells were cultured in a complete cell culture medium and simultaneously exposed to IC50 different concentrations of P4 and BBR at 24 h (P4:102.4 μM; BBR:125 μM), 48 h (P4:78.4 μM; BBR:114 μM), and 72 h (P4:70 μM; BBR:45 μM). Then, the cell viability and cellular ROS level were determined using MTT assay and 2′, 7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF) by flow cytometry, respectively. Our results showed that the combination of P4 and BBR inhibited the cells more effectively than P4 and BBR alone at 72 h, as well as P4 and their combination reduced ROS level in the cells compared to BBR and untreated cells at 24 h and 72 h. Taken together, P4 through a ROSdependent pathway and BBR through a ROS-independent pathway may be inhibited cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death in young people. Berberine is a flavonoid rich in barberries and many traditional Iranian herbal remedies that could be used in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These properties make it a viable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this study intended to investigate the neuroprotective activity of berberine in animal model of traumatic brain injury. Materials and methods: Thirty minutes after induction of traumatic brain injury by Marmarou free fall method, Wistar rats received berberine (10, 20 and 50mg/kg i.p.). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected from cisterna magna after behavioral tests to evaluate the levels of a proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Results: According to current results, TBI can cause decline in Veterinary coma scale, cerebral edema, Blood-Brain Barrier dysfunction, vesibulomotor impairment, and alteration of cytokines in favor of inflammation in CSF. Nevertheless, administration of berberine in 10 and 20mg/kg can attenuate these findings. Also, beberine (20 mg/kg) effectively increased IL-10 and decreased IL-1β in CSF. All findings were more noticeable at 20mg/kg berberine (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that berberine had neuroprotective effects on the brain and was able to affect the consequences of brain trauma. Also, it is suggested that at least some of these neuroprotective effects are mediated by modulation in the path of inflammatory factors in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Osteosarcoma, as the most common bone cancer has not shown considerable response to current chemotherapy drugs. New nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems seems to be promising in cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to design and synthesize a niosomal nano-carrier for drug delivery of berberine to Saos-2 cell line, as a model of osteosarcoma. Materials and methods: Different niosome formulations composed of cholesterol (25%) and different surfactants (75%) were prepared using thin film method. The resulting niosome with optimal properties was pegylated by adding 5% of DSPE-mPEG2000. Finally, the cytotoxicity of free form of berberine and berberine-containing pegylated niosome in normal fibroblast cell line (HFF) and Saos-2 cell line were evaluated by MTT assay. Results: The niosome made of cholesterol (25%) and Tween 60 (75%) showed the highest drug loading and release rate and was selected as the optimal formulation. Findings showed that the optimized pegylated niosome had high loading efficiency and controlled drug release (79.34% and 66.79%, respectively). Finally, MTT assay showed that the berberine-containing pegylated niosome had more toxicity in Saos-2 cell line than the free form of the drug. Conclusion: The synthesized niosomal nano-carrier had desirable properties such as high loading efficiency and controlled drug release, which can be used as a favorable drug delivery system with low toxicity and high delivery efficiency in order to increase the effect of the drug while reducing its dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Constant exposure to lead, even in small amounts, can lead to damage to various systems of the body. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the weakening of the endogenous antioxidant system play a major role in lead damage. Antioxidant drugs may be effective in reducing lead-induced damage, so in this study, the effect of berberine on leadinduced oxidative agents was investigated. Methods: In this study were used forty male wistar rats. The animals were randomly divided into 5 groups. 1- Sham group, four groups that received lead orally for one month. These four groups included the 100ppm and 500ppm lead poisoned groups and the 100 and 500ppm lead poisoned groups treated with berberine 50mg / kg. Lead was added to the drinking water of the animals and berberine was gavaged daily. After the treatment period, the animals were deeply anesthetized and blood sample was taken from the heart of animals to evaluate the activity of antioxidants glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde MDA level in the serum. Results: The results of biochemical factors showed that serum SOD, CAT and GSH activity in lead poisoning groups were not significantly different from sham group. Berberine was able to increase SOD activity in the lead 500 group. Berberine also increased CAT activity in the lead-poisoned group receiving 500 dose of lead. Also, in lead groups treated with berberine, a significant increase in GSH activity was observed compared to the lead group. The results of the MDA examination showed that the serum MDA level of rats that received lead increased significantly compared to sham group and berberine decreased MDA level in lead 500 group. Conclusion: In general, the results of this study showed that exposure to lead for 2 months has no effect on the activity of antioxidant, but increases serum MDA. Increased MDA indicates the presence of oxidative stress. The study also found that berberine increased the antioxidants activity and decreased the MDA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Epidemiological evidence suggests the antioxidant role of berberine in oxidative stress status. However, its antioxidant function following intense muscle contractions has not been well characterized. The present study was performed with aim to investigate the response of some oxidant or antioxidant indices to intense exercise following berberine supplementation. Material and Methods For this purpose, 26 non-athlete young men aged 18-24 years (80 ± 15 kg) were randomly divided into two supplement (n=13) and placebo (n=13) groups. The supplement group performed an intense exercise test following 10 days of berberine supplementation (1200mg/daily) and blood samples were taken before, immediately and 1 hour after the test to determine acute and delayed responses of malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT) to berberine loading and compared with placebo group. The placebo group also experienced the same conditions but with the maltodextrin placebo. Data were compared using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: There was a significant difference in the acute and delayed MDA responses to berberine supplementation with the placebo group (p <0.05). In other words, berberine supplementation led to a significant decrease in MDA following an intense exercise test compared to placebo. However, acute and delayed response of CAT to the exercise test was not affected by berberine supplementation. Conclusion: Emphasizing decreased MDA, it can be concluded that berberine supplementation reduces the oxidative effects of intense exercise in young non-athlete men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 prevents apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway and high-level expression of Bcl-2 is required for survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid that induces apoptosis of cancer cells via mitochondrial pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Berberine on Bcl-2 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of CLL patients compared to healthy subjects in vitro. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, peripheral blood was obtained from 12 CLL patients and six age-matched healthy subjects. PBMCs were isolated by Ficoll separation and were cultured in two groups for 48 hours incubation; treated with Berberine (25 μM) and untreated. Finally, Bcl-2 gene expression was investigated in both groups following RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis by Real time PCR using SYBR Green method. Results: Bcl-2 gene expression levels in CLL patients treated with Berberine were significantly lower than those of the untreated group (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found between healthy subjects treated with Berberine and control group. Conclusion: The apoptotic activity of Berberine may be mediated through the reduction of Bcl-2 mRNA expression level in leukemic cells of CLL. Considering the major role of Bcl-2 in survival of tumor cells, Berberine could be considered as a natural therapeutic option for CLL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as stroke, seizures, dementia, and cognitive impairment. Berberine, a natural isoquinolne 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, this study was conducted to determine the effect of berberine on glial reactivity of hippocampus in (STZ)-induced diabetes rats. Materials and Methods: Experimental groups included: The control, control berberine treated (100 mg/kg.8 weeks), diabetic and diabetic berberine treated (50,100 mg/kg for 8 weeks) groups. The effects of berberine on glial reactivity of hippocampus evaluated in (STZ)-induced diabetics rats, using GFAP immunohistochemistry test. Data were analyzed by using Prism-5, one way ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: Eight weeks after diabetes induction we observed an increase in GFAP immune staining in the hippocampus of STZ-diabetic rats relative to levels in the control brains. In contrast, chronic treatment with berberine (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., once daily) lowered hyperglycemia, and prevents the up regulation of GFAP in brain of diabetic rats. Conclusion: the present study demonstrates treatment with berberine resulted in an obvious reduction of GFAP+ immunoreactive astrocytes in hippocampus of STZ -induced diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study investigated the effect of berberine on renal dysfunction and histological damages of the lung induced by renal ischemia/ reperfusion at an early stage. Methods: There were four experimental groups of adult male rats (n=7). Seven days before induction of ischemia, the Ber+I/R group received oral (by gavage) berberine (15 mg/kg/day) while the I/R group received distilled water. Renal arteries were not occluded in the sham group and Ber+sham group, and they were administered distilled water and berberine (15 mg/kg/day), respectively, by gavage 7 days before surgery. Renal ischemia was induced by occlusion of both renal arteries for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis, and finally lung samples were preserved for light microscopical examination. Results: The 45 min ischemia/24 h reperfusion resulted in renal functional disorders and histological damages to the lung, which were associated with increased plasma levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALK) during reperfusion period. In the Ber+I/R group, renal functional disorders and histological damage to the lung were improved, which was accompanied by less increase in plasma creatinine, BUN, LDH and ALK than those of the non-treated rats. Conclusion: Berberine has an ameliorative effect on renal as well as pulmonary injuries following renal ischemia/reperfusion in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]