Effects Of Berberine On The Activity Of Glucokinase And The MRNA Expression In Cultured HepG2 Cells

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of berberine on the activity of glucokinase and mRNA expression in cultured HepG2 cells.MethodsHepG2 cells were incubated with different doses of berberine (0, 5, 15, 45, 100μmol·L-1) and 1μmol·L-1 biotin was used as control. The cells multiplication, the activity and mRNA expression of glucokinase, and the introcellular glycogen level were determined.ResultCompared with the blank control, berberine in 5μmol·L-1 presented scarcely inhibitory effects, while berberine from 15 to 100μmol·L-1 significantly inhibited the cells multiplication in a dose-dependent manner. The activity of glucokinase of HepG2 cell was increased with the elevation of berberine concentration. Furthermore, the introcellular glycogen content and glucokinase mRNA expression were positively correlated with the doses of berberine.ConclusionIt is suggested that berberine might activate glucokinase and facilitate its mRNA expression in HepG2 cells.