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Berberine mitigates high glucose-potentiated platelet aggregation and apoptosis by modulating aldose reductase and

Manoj Paul1, Mahadevappa Hemshekhar2, Kempaiah Kemparaju1

  • 1Department of Studies in Biochemistry, University of Mysore, Manasagangothri, Mysuru 570006, India.

Free Radical Biology & Medicine
|November 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Berberine effectively inhibits high glucose-induced platelet aggregation and apoptosis in diabetes mellitus by targeting reactive oxygen species production. This suggests berberine as a potential therapeutic for diabetic vascular complications.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) is linked to increased atherothrombotic events due to platelet hyper-reactivity and apoptosis.
  • Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) from aldose reductase (AR) and NADPH oxidase (NOX) activities contribute to platelet dysfunction in DM.
  • Aspirin resistance in DM necessitates novel therapeutic strategies targeting underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the inhibitory effects of berberine on high glucose-induced platelet aggregation and apoptosis.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of berberine's action in platelets.

Main Methods:

  • Platelet aggregation and apoptosis assays were performed on high glucose (HG)-treated platelets.
  • Modulation of AR, NOX, and glutathione reductase activities by berberine was assessed.
  • Analysis of calcium release, ERK activation, granule release, adhesive properties, and mitochondrial function.

Main Results:

  • Berberine inhibited HG-induced platelet aggregation and superoxide production by modulating AR, NOX, and glutathione reductase.
  • Berberine suppressed calcium release, ERK activation, granule release, and platelet adhesion.
  • Berberine prevented p38-p53 mediated BAX activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis in HG-treated platelets.

Conclusions:

  • Berberine exhibits significant platelet-protective effects in a high glucose environment.
  • Inhibition of AR and NOX activities by berberine underlies its therapeutic potential.
  • Berberine may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for managing diabetic vascular pathologies.

Keywords:
ApoptosisBerberineDiabetes mellitusPlatelet aggregationPlatelets

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