n/a
Abstract Title:

Berberine Improves the Protective Effects of Metformin on Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice through Trib1-dependent Inhibiting Inflammation.

Abstract Source:

Pharm Res. 2021 Nov ;38(11):1807-1820. Epub 2021 Nov 12. PMID: 34773184

Abstract Author(s):

Bin Zhang, Xuelian Zhang, Chenyang Zhang, Guibo Sun, Xiaobo Sun

Article Affiliation:

Bin Zhang

Abstract:

PURPOSE: Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of severe diabetic complications in the diabetes, is the main cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Notably, the currently available medications used to treat DN remain limited. Here, we determined whether berberine (BBR) could enhance the anti-diabetic nephropathy activities of metformin (Met) and explored its possible mechanisms.

METHOD: The anti-diabetic nephropathy properties were systematically analyzed in the diabetic db/db mice treated with Met, BBR or with combination of Met and BBR.

RESULTS: We found that both single Met and BBR treatments, and combination therapy could lower blood glucose, and ameliorate insulin resistance. The improvement of lipids metabolism by co-administration was more evident, as indicated by reduced serum cholesterol and less fat accumulation in the liver. Further, it was found that Met and BBR treatments, and co-administration could attenuate the progression of DN. However, anti-diabetic nephropathy activities of Met were enhanced when combined with BBR, as evidenced by improved renal function and histological abnormalities of diabetic kidney. Mechanistically, BBR enhanced renal-protective effects of Met primarily through potently promoting expression of Trib1, which subsequently downregulated the increased protein levels of CCAAT/enhancer binding proteinα (C/EBPα), and eventually inhibited fatty synthesis proteins and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling.

CONCLUSION: Our data provide novel insight that co-administration of BBR and Met exerts a preferable activity of anti-diabetic nephropathy via collectively enhancing lipolysis and inhibiting inflammation. Combination therapy with these two drugs may provide an effective therapeutic strategy for the medical treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

Study Type : Animal Study

Print Options


Key Research Topics

This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.