The neuroprotective effects of berberine on the neurological scores, blood brain barrier permeability and brain edema after marmaru method severe traumatic brain injury in male rats: the role of IL-1β

Background and Aim : berberine is a flavonoid rich in barberries and many traditional Iranian herbal remedies. Immunomodulatory and ani-apoptotic activities in central nervous system has been shown by this molecule. These properties make it a viable treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington, Parkinsons and dementia. However, the exact mechanism of this molecule has yet to be elucidated. Therefore, this study is intended to show the neuroprotective activity of berberine in animal model of traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods : thrity minutes after traumatic brain injury induction by Marmarou free fall method, berberine three different doses (10, 20 and 50mg/kg) were adiministered intraperitoneally. VCS of animals were recorded perior (pre), after (D0), 24 hours later (D1), 48 hours (D2) and 72 hours (D3) after TBI induction. Vestibulomotor tests were evaluated by Beam Walk (BW) and Beam Balance (BB) tests in similar fashion. To determine permeability of Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and brain edema 24 hours after TBI induction, Evans-Blue dye and Wet-Dry methods were employed respectively. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected 72 hours after TBI induction to evaluate the levels of a proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10).Results : results have shown that inducing TBI can cause decline in VCS, cerebral edema, BBB dysfunction, vesibulomotor impairment, and alteration of cytokines in favour of inflammation in CSF. Nevertheless, i.p administration of berberine in 10 and 20mg/kg can attenuate these finding. Also, beberine (20 mg/kg) effectively increased IL-10 and decreased IL-1 in CSF. All findings were more noticeable in 20mg/kg berberine dose.Conclusion : Single dose of berberine (10 or 20mg/kg) can effectively increase the activity of anti-oxidatve enzymes and attenuate the injury iduced by trauma. Although, all effects were more pronounced with 20mg/kg berberine.

کلیدواژه ها:

Berberine ، Traumatic brain injury ، Neuroprotection ، Neuroinflammation ، Rat