황련(黃連)의 주성분인 Berberine의 뇌신경소교세포로부터 LPS에 의해 유도되는 염증매개물질 생성억제효과

Effects of Berberine on the production of inflammatory mediators from LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells

Objectives : Berberine, a main alkaloid component of Coptidis rhizoma, has an antimicrobial and anti-tumor activities and antiinflammatory effect. In the present study, we investigated effect of berberine on the production of inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide(NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-1${\beta}$ in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells, Methods : BV2 cells were pre-treated with berberine and then stimulated with LPS. The cytotoxicity of berberine was determined by MTT assay. The NO production was measured by Griess assay. The mRNA expression and protein levels of inducible nirtic oxide synthase(iNOS) were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The production of PGE2 and cytokines was measured by ELISA. Results : Berberine inhibited the production of NO, PGE2 and pro inflammatory cytokines, TNF-${\alpha}$ and IL-1${\beta}$ in a dose dependent manner in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, berebrine greatly suppressed the mRNA expression and protein levels of iNOS and inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS stimulation. These results indicate that the post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism of iNOS and/or inflammatory cytokine gene expression by berberine is involved in its anti-inflammatory effects, respectively. Conclusion : The present study suggests that berberine can be useful as a potential anti-inflammatory agent for treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alsheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke.