Effects of Berberine and Red Yeast on proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in mononuclear cells (MNCs) of human subjects.

• Main Authors: Anna eBelfiore (Author), Carmen eSpatuzza (Author), Loredana ePostiglione (Author), Bianca eCovelli (Author), Margherita eRicciardone (Author), Claudio eBenvenuti (Author), Paolo eMondola (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2014-10-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background and aims <br/>Obesity is a condition associated a chronic or an acute inflammatory response characterized by an increase of proinflammatory levels cytokines. In adipose tissue, mononuclear cells (MNCs) induce adipocytokines as IL-6 and TNF-α . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of berberine (a natural alkaloid) and red yeast (a natural antioxidant) on cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α proteins and their genes expression, in circulating lipopolisaccarides (LPS) stimulated mononuclear cells (MNCs). <br/>Methods and results <br/>MNCs isolated from whole blood of healthly donors were stimulated with LPS to induce cytokines production; simultaneously cells were treated with increasing doses of Berberine and red yeast 1.5% S.C. (Specific Concentration) monacolin K alone or in association. The expression and transcription levels of IL-6 and TNF-α  were assessed by ELISA and real time PCR. <br/>Berberine plus red yeast treatment showed a marked synergic inhibitory effect on IL-6 expression, more evident at low concentration within a short time of application. These substances induced a synergic inhibition of TNF-α expression; concomitant treatment with berberine and red yeast inhibits IL-6 transcription at 3 and 24h, respectively. In the same way, TNF-α inhibition was statistically significant at 3h but not at 6 and 24h. <br/>Conclusions <br/>The results of our study show that both berberine and red yeast were able to carry out anti-inflammatory action trough an inhibition of proinflammatory protein concentrations, IL-6 and TNF-α, and their gene expression in MNCs activated by LPS. Therefore, these substances could represent a useful pharmacological treatment to reduce the proinflammatory status that is accompanied in obesity. <br/>

Item Description

1663-9812
10.3389/fphar.2014.00230