Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-12 plays a pivotal role in the development of T helper type 1 (Th1)-immune response, which may have therapeutic effects on diseases associated with pathologic Th2 responses such as allergic disorders and asthma. In this study, we investigated the effects of berberine, a benzodioxoloquinolizine alkaloid with anti-microbial and anti-tumor activities, on the production of IL-12 p40, an inducible subunit of IL-12, in mouse macrophages. Berberine-induced IL-12 p40 production and activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in dose-dependent manners, which were significantly inhibited by p38 MAPK inhibitors and yohimbine, indicating that p38 MAPK and α2-adrenergic receptor were involved in the induction of IL-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages by berberine. Furthermore, berberine significantly enhanced IL-12 p40 production in mouse macrophages when combined with lipopolysaccharide, a well-known inducer of IL-12 production. These findings may explain some of the known biological effects of berberine and suggests berberine as an immunotherapeutic compound for induction of IL-12, which is potentially applicable for tumors, infectious disease, and airway inflammation.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1901-1910 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Biochemical Pharmacology |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2002 May 15 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Berberine
- Interleukin-12
- Lipopolysaccharide
- Macrophage
- P38 MAPK
- T helper
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology