Abstract

This study is aimed to investigate the protective effect against type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) of Berberine (BBR), and the underlying mechanism of action is explored. We established a rat model of combined AD and T2DM and used it to investigate the effect of BBR (150mg/kg) on the course of these pathologies. The Morris water maze, biochemical analysis, hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemical study, immunofluorescent staining, TUNEL assay, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to reveal the effect of BBR on blood glucose, lipid changes, hippocampal injuries and cognitive impairment. The results showed that BBR could alleviate memory deficits, restore the disordered arrangement of nerve cells, the damage of neurons, improve TUNEL-positive cells and decrease the elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and glycosylated serum protein levels in Alzheimer diabetic rats. Moreover, BBR treatment reduces the transcription of mRNAs and expression of proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. These findings conclude that BBR can protect neurons by inhibiting the pathway of ER stress and thereby play an essential role in the preventive and therapeutic of AD and T2DM.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.