The combination of berberine and isoliquiritigenin synergistically improved adipose inflammation and obesity‐induced insulin resistance

作者：Xiaoyu Zhang, Lingling Yu, Keke Wang, Mingsu Wang, Ping Li, Zu‐Guo Zheng, Hua Yang · 发表于：Phytotherapy Research · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1002/ptr.8233 · 被引用次数：17 · 研究领域：Ginseng Biological Effects and Applications、Pharmacological Effects of Natural Compounds、Berberine and alkaloids research

White adipose tissue accumulation and inflammation contribute to obesity by inducing insulin resistance. Herein, we aimed to screen the synergistic components of the herbal pair Coptidis Rhizoma-Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma for the treatment of insulin resistance and explore the potential synergistic mechanisms. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative PCR were used to detect expression levels of inflammatory genes in vitro and in vivo. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect protein levels of the insulin signaling pathway and macrophage markers. The effects on obesity-induced insulin resistance were verified using a diet-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Interactions between macrophage and adipocyte were assessed using a cellular supernatant transfer assay. Berberine (BBR) and isoliquiritigenin (ISL) alleviated mRNA levels and secretion of inflammatory genes in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, BBR acted synergistically with ISL to ameliorate obesity and dyslipidemia in DIO mice. Meanwhile, the combination treatment significantly improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance and decreased M1-macrophage accumulation and infiltration in the adipose tissue. Mechanistically, co-treatment with BBR and ISL upregulated the protein expression of the IRS1-PI3K-Akt insulin signaling pathway, enhanced glucose uptake in adipocyte, and suppressed the interaction between macrophage and adipocyte. BBR and ISL were identified as the synergistic com...