Microarray Expression Profiling and Raman Spectroscopy Reveal Anti-Fatty Liver Action of Berberine in a Diet-Induced
Bo Chen1,2, Yang-Min Zheng1,2,3, Miao-Qing Zhang1,2,4,5
1Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health Commission (NHC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Pharmacology
|January 24, 2020
Summary
Berberine (BBR) effectively treats non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in zebrafish larvae by reducing liver fat and oxidative stress. This study highlights BBR
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Genomics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising in children due to overfeeding.
- Berberine (BBR) shows promise for NAFLD in adults, but its pediatric effects are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate BBR's therapeutic effects on pediatric NAFLD using zebrafish larvae.
- To elucidate the mechanisms of BBR's hepatoprotection.
Main Methods:
- Larval zebrafish fed a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) were treated with BBR.
- Raman and 3D molecular imaging assessed liver steatosis, biochemical composition, and reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Gene expression microarray, GO, KEGG, and qPCR analyzed molecular pathways.
Main Results:
- BBR (5 and 25 μM) prevented HCD-induced liver lipid accumulation and reduced ROS levels.
- Raman mapping showed BBR normalized liver biochemical composition.
- Gene expression analysis revealed DEGs involved in lipid metabolism, immune response, DNA repair, and iron homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- BBR significantly improves hepatic steatosis in HCD-fed zebrafish larvae.
- Mechanisms involve regulating lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and iron homeostasis.
- Raman imaging is a valuable tool for drug evaluation in pediatric NAFLD research.
