Berberine Improves Glucose Homeostasis Through Insulin, Nkx – 6.1 and Pdx – 1 Gene Expression in Pancreatic Tissue

Abstract

The Berberine (BBR), herbal agent, has been used in Chinese traditional medicine. The present experimental study analyzed effects of BBR on glucose homeostasis, Insulin, Nkx 6.1 and Pdx – 1 gene expression in pancreatic tissue in diabetic rats. A sample of 100 adult Wistar male rats was selected according to study criteria and divided into five groups by random technique after induction of Diabetes mellitus by alloxan and BBR was administered orally for six weeks. Blood sera were separated at 3000 rpm (15 minutes) for biochemical analysis. Pancreatic tissue pieces were collected in RNAse free Eppendorf tubes. Gene Primers were purchased from M/s Macrogen. PCR was performed on Thermo Scientific GeneJET RNA Purification Kit (K0731, K0732). Data was analyzed on SPSS version 21.0 (IBM, incorporation, USA) at 95% CI (P≤ 0.05). Blood glucose, A1C, Serum Insulin, C-peptide, Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and β – cell function (HOMA- β) were improved significantly (P=0.0001). We observed significant overexpression of  Insulin gene, Nkx 6.1 gene and Pdx 1 gene in pancreatic tissue after six weeks berberine therapy  (P=0.0001). Quantification shows gene expression was dose dependent. Conclusion: Berberine induces insulin, Nkx – 6.1 and Pdx – 1 gene expression in pancreatic tissue.