Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, inhibits streptozotocin-induced apoptosis in mouse pancreatic islets through down-regulating Bax/Bcl-2 gene expression ratio
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Abstract
Diabetes may cause apoptosis in pancreatic islets. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid
used for its pharmacological functions including anti-inflammation. However, the berberine
effect on pancreatic islets is still not clear. This study is aimed at clarifying
the protective mechanism in berberine against islet cell apoptosis. This study established
in vitro experimental models using streptozotocin (STZ)-treated primary pancreatic
islet cells from ICR mice to unravel the protective mechanism of berberine on islets.
The Bax/Bcl-2 (pro-/anti-apoptotic) genes expression in the islets was determined
using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay. The results showed that
berberine administration at one time or before STZ-stimulation significantly (P<0.05)
down-regulated the Bax/Bcl-2 genes expression ratio, compared to those in STZ-treatment
alone group. Our results suggest that berberine's anti-apoptotic effect on pancreatic
primary islets is through down-regulating the Bax/Bcl-2 genes expression ratio in
both concurrent and preventive manners.