The Crosstalk Between Nrf2 and AMPK Signal Pathways Is Important for the Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Berberine in LPS-Stimulated Macrophages and Endotoxin-Shocked Mice

What is it about?

In the present study, we found that the anti-inflammatory role of BBR is primarily involved in the activation of Nrf2 pathway and this activation of Nrf2 pathway is markedly AMPK-dependent in LPS-stimulated inflammatory responses. We also demonstrated the Nrf2-dependency of the suppressive effect of BBR on inflammation in vivo. Uncovering the functional relationship between AMPK and Nrf2 pathways is of significance because it reveals a novel link between energy homeostasis and inflammation suppression. This finding may substantially contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory diseases

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Why is it important?

our results for the first time demonstrate that BBR coupled AMPK pathway together with Nrf2 pathway in both LPS-shocked macrophages and mice, and that AMPK works upstream of Nrf2. This finding provides an innovative platform to further explore the mechanism underlying in- flammation suppression and the crosstalk between energy homeostasis and oxidative clearance. Understanding and rationally utilizing this functional relationship should be helpful to establish effective therapies for inflammatory diseases