Berberine-induced upregulation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells is related to nitric oxide production in healthy subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Berberine (BR) has a beneficial effect on endothelial function by increasing nitric oxide (NO), as NO plays a pivotal role in the regulation of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization and function. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether BR-induced upregulation of circulating EPCs is related to NO production in healthy subjects.


METHODS
Twenty volunteers were recruited and received 400 mg of BR 3 times a day for 30 days. We assessed the number of EPC colony-forming units (EPC-CFUs), as well as the proliferative, adhesive and migratory activities of circulating EPCs before and after the 30-day BR therapy. The level of plasma NO was also measured before and after the 30-day BR therapy.


RESULTS
After 30 days of BR therapy, the number of EPC-CFUs was increased and the function of EPCs, including proliferation, adhesion and migration, was augmented. In parallel, BR therapy enhanced the plasma NO level. There was a significant linear regression relationship between the enhanced plasma NO level and the increased number and function of circulating EPCs.


CONCLUSIONS
BR-induced upregulation of the number and function of circulating EPCs in healthy subjects is related to NO production.
Xu
Ming-Guo
MG
Department of Hypertension and Vascular Disease, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Wang
Jie-Mei
JM
Chen
Long
L
Wang
Yan
Y
Yang
Zhen
Z
Tao
Jun
J
D001599:Berberine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000097:blood; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D015854:Up-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects
D001599:Berberine; D009569:Nitric Oxide