Berberine Modulates Macrophage Activation by Inducing Glycolysis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic pathways
• Cellular biology

Background:

• Macrophage activation by β-glucan involves glucose metabolism changes.
• The specific role of metabolic reprogramming in monocyte/macrophage activation is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of berberine on macrophage glucose metabolism and activation.
• To explore the relationship between metabolic rewiring and immune responses in macrophages.

Main Methods:

• Treatment of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with berberine.
• Analysis of glucose transporter (GLUT)1 expression and hexokinase activity.
• Assessment of cytokine secretion under varying glucose conditions.
• In vivo studies using mouse models of Salmonella typhimurium infection and LPS-induced endotoxic shock.

Main Results:

• Berberine induced aerobic glycolysis by inhibiting the tricarboxylic acid cycle in BMDMs.
• Berberine increased glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression and hexokinase activity.
• Berberine treatment alleviated enteritis in Salmonella-infected mice and protected against endotoxic shock.
• Berberine attenuated serum TNF-α increase and blood glucose drop in LPS-injected mice.

Conclusions:

• Macrophage activation is intricately linked to glucose metabolism.
• Berberine modulates macrophage function through metabolic reprogramming, offering therapeutic potential.
• Targeting glucose metabolism represents a promising strategy for modulating immune responses.