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Updated: Sep 22, 2025

In vitro Measurements of Tracheal Constriction Using Mice
Published on: June 25, 2012
Berberine Alleviates Gastroesophageal Reflux-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness in a Transient Receptor Potential
Bo Zou1,2, Chaofan Cao1,3, Yue Fu1
1Institute of Respiratory Diseases, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, China.
Background:
To investigate the beneficial effect of berberine on gastroesophageal reflux-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (GERAHR) and explore the underlying mechanism.
Methods:
Coword cluster analysis and strategic coordinates were used to identify hotspots for GERAHR research, and an online tool (STRING, https://string-db.org/) was used to predict the potential relationships between proteins. Guinea pigs with chemically induced GERAHR received PBS or different berberine-based treatments to evaluate the therapeutic effect of berberine and characterize the underlying mechanism. Airway responsiveness was assessed using a plethysmography system, and protein expression was evaluated by western blotting, immunohistochemical staining, and quantitative PCR analysis.
Results:
Bioinformatics analyses revealed that TRP channels are hotspots of GERAHR research, and TRPA1 is related to the proinflammatory neuropeptide substance P (SP). Berberine, especially at the middle dose tested (MB, 150 mg/kg), significantly improved lung function, suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration, and protected inflammation-driven tissue damage in the lung, trachea, esophagus, and nerve tissues in GERAHR guinea pigs. MB reduced the expression of TRPA1, SP, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in evaluated organs and tissues. Meanwhile, the MB-mediated protective effects were attenuated by simultaneous TRPA1 activation.
Conclusions:
Mechanistically, berberine was found to suppress GERAHR-induced upregulation of TRPA1, SP, and TNF-α in many tissues. Our study has highlighted the potential therapeutic value of berberine for the treatment of GERAHR.
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