Berberine Inhibits the Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier and Glial Cell Activation in a Rat Model of Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy

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Autori principali: Syed Afroz Ali, Ashok Kumar Datusalia
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Pubblicazione: Wiley 2025
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author Syed Afroz Ali
Ashok Kumar Datusalia
author_facet Syed Afroz Ali
Ashok Kumar Datusalia
Syed Afroz Ali
Ashok Kumar Datusalia
collection Wiley Open Access
contents Berberine Inhibits the Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier and Glial Cell Activation in a Rat Model of Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy Syed Afroz Ali Ashok Kumar Datusalia Phytotherapy Research ABSTRACTBackground and aim: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neurological disorder in individuals with liver diseases, necessitating effective neuroprotective interventions to alleviate its adverse outcomes. Berberine (BBR), a natural compound with well‐established anti‐fibrotic and neuroprotective properties, has not been extensively studied in the context of glial activation under hyperammonaemic conditions. This study evaluates the neuroprotective potential of BBR in a thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced HE rat model, focusing on its effects on glial activation and NLRP3 inflammasome signalling. Methods: Neurological impairments were assessed using open field tests and sensory analysis. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of glial and neuronal markers, tight junction proteins and NLRP3 inflammasome components in the cortex and hippocampus. Histopathological and molecular changes were further examined using H&E, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Key Results: BBR treatment significantly improved behavioural abnormalities and reduced systemic ammonia levels in TAA‐exposed rats. It restored blood–brain barrier integrity, as evidenced by reduced tight junction protein degradation. BBR inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome markers, including caspase‐1, IL‐1β, ASC, and NF‐κB, while reducing glial cell activation (IBA‐1 and GFAP). Notably, BBR diminished NLRP3 expression in glial cells, indicating its potent anti‐inflammatory effects. Additionally, BBR preserved neuronal integrity, as demonstrated by the maintained expression of MAP‐2 and NeuN and reduced cleaved Gasdermin D levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BBR alleviates behavioural and molecular abnormalities in HE through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing HE. 10.1002/ptr.8430 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
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spellingShingle Berberine Inhibits the Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier and Glial Cell Activation in a Rat Model of Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
Syed Afroz Ali
Ashok Kumar Datusalia
Phytotherapy Research
Berberine Inhibits the Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier and Glial Cell Activation in a Rat Model of Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy Syed Afroz Ali Ashok Kumar Datusalia Phytotherapy Research ABSTRACTBackground and aim: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complex neurological disorder in individuals with liver diseases, necessitating effective neuroprotective interventions to alleviate its adverse outcomes. Berberine (BBR), a natural compound with well‐established anti‐fibrotic and neuroprotective properties, has not been extensively studied in the context of glial activation under hyperammonaemic conditions. This study evaluates the neuroprotective potential of BBR in a thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced HE rat model, focusing on its effects on glial activation and NLRP3 inflammasome signalling. Methods: Neurological impairments were assessed using open field tests and sensory analysis. Western blotting was performed to evaluate the expression of glial and neuronal markers, tight junction proteins and NLRP3 inflammasome components in the cortex and hippocampus. Histopathological and molecular changes were further examined using H&E, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Key Results: BBR treatment significantly improved behavioural abnormalities and reduced systemic ammonia levels in TAA‐exposed rats. It restored blood–brain barrier integrity, as evidenced by reduced tight junction protein degradation. BBR inhibited the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome markers, including caspase‐1, IL‐1β, ASC, and NF‐κB, while reducing glial cell activation (IBA‐1 and GFAP). Notably, BBR diminished NLRP3 expression in glial cells, indicating its potent anti‐inflammatory effects. Additionally, BBR preserved neuronal integrity, as demonstrated by the maintained expression of MAP‐2 and NeuN and reduced cleaved Gasdermin D levels. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BBR alleviates behavioural and molecular abnormalities in HE through NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing HE. 10.1002/ptr.8430 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor
title Berberine Inhibits the Disruption of the Blood–Brain Barrier and Glial Cell Activation in a Rat Model of Acute Hepatic Encephalopathy
topic Phytotherapy Research
url https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8430