The protective effect of berberine against neuronal damage by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase-9 and laminin degradation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the protective effect of berberine against neuronal damage in the brain parenchyma of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

METHODS

EAE was induced in female C57 BL/6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55 amino acid peptide. The berberine treatment was initiated on the day of disease onset and administered daily until the mice were sacrificed. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, gelatin gel, and gelatin in situ zymography were analysed in this study.

RESULTS

Berberine reduced the TUNEL-positive neuronal cells of EAE mice. Gelatin gel and gelatin in situ zymography showed up-regulation of gelatinase activity, which was mainly located in neurons and colocalized with remarkable laminin degradation in EAE mice. Berberine significantly inhibited gelatinase activity and reduced the laminin degradation in EAE mice.

DISCUSSION

Our data suggest that berberine could provide protection against neuronal damage in EAE by inhibiting gelatinase activity and reducing laminin degradation. These findings provide further support that berberine can be a potential therapeutic agent for multiple sclerosis.