Effects of Berberine on NLRP3 and IL-1β Expressions in Monocytic THP-1 Cells with Monosodium Urate Crystals-Induced Inflammation. (5th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Ya-Fei; Wen, Cai-Yu-Zhu; Chen, Zhe; Wang, Yu; Huang, Ying; Tu, Sheng-Hao
• Other Names: Umar Sadiq Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: BioMed research international. Volume 2016(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-09-05
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1155/2016/2503703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6133

Abstract

Abstract : 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-1 β were measured by Real-Time PCR, and the protein levels of NLRP3 and IL-1 β were determined by ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Results. The NLRP3 and IL-1 β expressions 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-1 β mRNA in groups 6.25 μ M berberine and 25 μ M berberine when compared with model group (P < 0.05 ). Conclusions. Therefore, berberine alleviates monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation by downregulating NLRP3 and IL-1 β expressions. The regulatory effects of berberine may be related to the inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome.