Effects of berberine on fibronectin and p38MAPK signal pathway in rat glomerular mesangial cells cultured under high glucose condition / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effects of berberine on extracellular matrix in rat glomerular mesangial cells cultured under high glucose and its possible mechanism.Methods Six groups were divided according to the different experimental conditions① Normal glucose group (NG);② Mannitol group (Mannitol);③ High glucose group (HG);④ SB203580 treatment group (HG+SB203580);⑤ Berberine low dosagegroup (HG+BBR 30 ?mol?L-1);⑥ Berberine high dosage group (HG+BBR 90 ?mol?L-1). The phospho-p38MAPK,phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) and fibronectin were detected by Western blot analysis. Results Berberine obviously decreased protein expression of fibronectin compared with high glucose group. Phospho-p38MAPK and phospho-CREB level was significantly lowered compared with that of high glucose group. Conclusion Berberine can inhibit extracellular matrix accumulation including fibronectin via p38MAPK signal pathway in treatment of diabetic nephropathy.