Effects of Berberine on Hepatic Sirtuin 1-uncoupling Protein 2 Pathway in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats Induced by High-fat Diet

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the involvement of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)-uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) pathway in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and whether berberine exerts its effects by regulating this pathway. MethodsMale SD rats were divided into three groups: normal control group, high-fat diet group, and berberine supplement group. The rats in the normal control group were given normal diet while the rats in the other two groups were fed with high-fat diet. Rats in the berberine supplement group were concurrently given berberine (100 mg/kg body weight) once daily. After 16 weeks, the levels of serum, liver lipids, and serum aminotransferase were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the liver were measured using commercial kits. Histopathological changes of liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Oil Red O staining. The hepatic mRNA and protein levels of SIRT1 and UCP2 were assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or Western blotting. ResultsBerberine supplement could significantly decrease the serum and liver lipid contents in rats fed with high-fat diet. Meanwhile, SOD level was significantly elevated, but MDA level was reduced in the liver. The results of HE and Oil Red O staining showed that the hepatic steatosis was alleviated in berberine supplement group. Furthermore, berberine induced an increase in SIRT1 expression but a decrease in UCP2 expression. ConclusionThe regulation of hepatic SIRT1-UCP2 pathway may be an important mechanism by which berberine exerts the beneficial effects in NAFLD rats.