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Berberine Suppressed Tumor Growth through Regulating Fatty Acid Metabolism and Triggering Cell Apoptosis via

Lingli Li1, Ze Peng1, Qian Hu1,2

  • 1Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : Ecam
|April 25, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Berberine demonstrates anticancer effects against human gastric cancer by inducing apoptosis. This occurs through reduced fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) expression and increased fatty acid accumulation, impacting lipid metabolism.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
  • Berberine, a natural compound, has shown potential anticancer properties.
  • Understanding berberine's mechanism, particularly its role in lipid metabolism, is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antitumor mechanism of berberine in human gastric cancer.
  • To explore the role of lipid metabolism in berberine's anticancer effects.
  • To determine the impact of berberine on fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and PPARα.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro assays: cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis assays using MGC803 cells.
  • In vivo studies: ectopic xenograft models in Balb/c nude mice.
  • Biochemical analysis: assessment of fatty acid accumulation and FABP/PPARα protein expression.

Main Results:

  • Berberine inhibited MGC803 cell viability and proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
  • Berberine induced apoptosis in MGC803 cells and reduced tumor volume/weight in vivo.
  • Berberine led to fatty acid accumulation and suppressed FABP/PPARα expression, effects mimicked by a FABP inhibitor.

Conclusions:

  • Berberine exhibits significant anticancer effects against human gastric cancer both in vitro and in vivo.
  • The antitumor activity is mediated by berberine-induced apoptosis.
  • This apoptosis is linked to reduced FABP expression and consequent fatty acid accumulation, highlighting berberine's impact on lipid metabolism.

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