Effects of Berberine on NLRP3 and IL-1βExpressions in Monocytic THP-1 Cells with Monosodium Urate Crystals-Induced Inflammation.
Background.Urate crystals-induced inflammation is a critical factor during the initiation of gouty arthritis. Berberine is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity. However, the underlying effects of berberine on monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation remain obscure.Objectives.This study is set to explore the protective effect and mechanism of berberine on monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation in human monocytic THP-1 cells.Methods.The mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1βwere measured by Real-Time PCR, and the protein levels of NLRP3 and IL-1βwere determined by ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence.Results.The NLRP3 and IL-1βexpressions were significantly increased in model group compared to that in normal group (P< 0.05). Meanwhile, there was significant reduction in the expressions of NLRP3 and IL-1βmRNA in groups 6.25μM berberine and 25μM berberine when compared with model group (P< 0.05).Conclusions.Therefore, berberine alleviates monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation by downregulating NLRP3 and IL-1βexpressions. The regulatory effects of berberine may be related to the inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome.
Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450052, China.
Ya-Fei
0000-0002-4141-5259
YF
Liu
Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, 1 Huangjiahu West Road, Wuhan, Hubei 430065, China.
Cai-Yu-Zhu
CY
Wen
Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Zhe
Z
Chen
Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Yu
Y
Wang
Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Ying
Y
Huang
Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Sheng-Hao
0000-0001-8530-270X
SH
Tu
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