Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (36): 6780-6784.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.36.029

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Berberine suppresses COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: c-JUN terminal kinase pathway

Jiang Xin1, Guo Yi2, Wang Qi-zhang2, Liu Hua-dong1, Pang Xin-li1   

  1. 1 Department of Cardiology Internal Medicine, 2 Department of Neurology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen  518020, Guangdong Province, China
  • Online:2010-09-03 Published:2010-09-03
  • About author:Jiang Xin☆, Doctor, Associate chief physician, Department of Cardiology Internal Medicine, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Shenzhen People’s Hospital), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong Province, China jiangxin99@tom.com
  • Supported by:

    the Science and Technology Bureau Project of Shenzhen City, No. JH200505260319A*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: When the cells were stimulated by various cytokines and the environment, c-JUN terminal kinase signaling pathway can regulate cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, cancer, inflammation and the immune response by activating different receptors.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibition of berberine (BBR) on COX-2 mRNA and protein expression via c-JUN terminal kinase signaling cascade pathways in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
METHODS: Mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured from peripheral vein blood and divided into five groups treated with blank control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS+BBR 25 µmol/L, LPS+BBR 50 µmol/L, LPS+BBR 100 µmol/L respectively. Monocytes were extracted at 30 minutes, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours following culture. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to examine COX-2 mRNA levels. Western blot analysis was used to measure c-JUN terminal kinase and COX-2 protein levels. Simultaneously, selectivity c-JUN terminal kinase inhibitor was added to examine COX-2 mRNA and protein expression.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the blank control group, COX-2 mRNA and protein expression of LPS group significantly increased (P < 0.01). COX-2 mRNA and protein expression significantly decreased after different concentrations of BBR treatment (P < 0.05). With the increased concentration of BBR, the COX-2 expression decreased progressively. After the administration of 12 hours, the COX-2 mRNA and protein expression reduced more prominently than that of the other time points. However, there was no significant change in the level of c-JUN terminal kinase activity (P > 0.05). Following the treatment of LPS+ BBR at the concentration of 100 µmol/L, c-JUN terminal kinase activity levels were significant (P < 0.05). COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions were inhibited significantly following incubated with c-JUN terminal kinase inhibitor (P < 0.05). Results have confirmed that BBR inhibits COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in a dose-dependent manner. c-JUN terminal kinase active protein expression can be significantly inhibited by BBR at a high dose. BBR inhibits COX-2 mRNA and protein expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells perhaps via c-JUN terminal kinase pathway.

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