Effects of Berberine Combined with Magnolol and Honokiol on the Formation of THP-1 Macrophage-derived Foam Cells / 中药新药与临床药理

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the effects and mechanism of berberine in combination with magnolol and honokiol on the formation of THP-1 macrophage-derived foam cells. Methods THP-1 macrophages were induced into foam cells by ox-LDL, and intracellular cholesterol in foam cells was determined by HPLC-MS; the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α in the supernate of THP-1 macrophages was tested by ELISA and cell-surface CD36 level was assessed byflow cytometry. Results Combined treatment of berberine, magnolol and honokiol significantly reduced cholesterol con-tent in foam cells, also inhibited expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and CD36 in THP-1 macrophage. Conclusion Co-administration of berberine, magnolol and honokiol can inhibit the formation of foam cells probably through, down-regulating the level of tumor necrosis factor-α and CD36.