BBR induces apoptosis in HepG2 cell through an Akt-ASK1-ROS-p38MAPKs-linked cascade.
Berberine (BBR) has indicated significant antimicrobial activity against a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The mechanism by which BBR initiates apoptosis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that BBR exhibited significant cytotoxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Herein, we investigated cytotoxicity mechanism of BBR in HepG2 cells. The results showed that the induction of apoptosis in HepG2 cells by BBR was characterized by DNA fragmentation, an increased percentage of annexin V, and the activation of caspase-3. The expressions of Bcl-2 protein and pro-caspase-3 were reduced by BBR in HepG2 cells. However, Bax protein was increased in the cells. BBR-induced apoptosis was preceded by increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NAC treatment, a scavenger of ROS, reversed BBR-induced apoptosis effects via inhibition of Bax activation and Bcl-2 inactivation. BBR-induced, dose-dependent induction of apoptosis was accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of MAP Kinases (JNK and p38 MAPK), ASK1, Akt, and p53. Furthermore, SB203580, p38 inhibitor, reduced the apoptotic effect of BBR, and blocks the generation of ROS and NO as well as activation of Bax. We found that the treatment of HepG2 cells with BBR triggers generation of ROS through Akt phosphorylation, resulting in dissociation of the ASK1-mediated activation of JNK and p38 pathways.
Hyun
Mee-Sun
MS
Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, South Korea.
Hur
Jung-Mu
JM
Mun
Yeun-Ja
YJ
Kim
Dongho
D
Woo
Won-Hong
WH
D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000378:metabolism; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001599:Berberine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006801:Humans; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D048848:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5 / Q000378:metabolism*; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / Q000378:metabolism*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*
D017304:Annexin A5; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D001599:Berberine; D051057:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; D048031:JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048848:MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5; D053148:Caspase 3