Berberine differentially modulates the activities of ERK, p38 MAPK, and JNK to suppress Th17 and Th1 T cell differentiation in type 1 diabetic mice.

ABSTRACT: Berberine, an alkaloid derivative from Berberis vulgaris L., has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diarrhea and diabetes, but the underlying mechanisms for treating diabetes are not fully understood. Recent studies suggested that berberine has many beneficial biological effects, including anti-inflammation. Because type 1 diabetes is caused by T cell-mediated destruction of beta cells and severe islet inflammation, we hypothesized that berberine could ameliorate type 1 diabetes through its immune regulation properties. Here we reported that 2 weeks of oral administration of berberine prevented the progression of type 1 diabetes in half of the NOD mice and decreased Th17 and Th1 cytokine secretion. Berberine suppressed Th17 and Th1 differentiation by reducing th

SUBMITTER: Cui G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2788891 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature