Atorvastatin ‐induced intracerebral hemorrhage is inhibited by berberine in zebrafish

In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective action and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) against ATV-induced brain hemorrhage. We established an ICH model in zebrafish induced by ATV (2  μM) and demonstrated the effects of BBR (10, 50, and 100 μM) on ICH via protecting the vascular network using hemocyte staining and three transgenic zebrafish. BBR was found to reduce brain inflammation and locomotion injury in ICH-zebrafish. Mechanism research showed that ATV increased the l evels of VE-cadherin and occludin proteins but disturbed their localization at the cell membrane by abnormal phosphorylation, which decreased the number of intercellular junctions between vascular endothelial cells (VECs), disrupting the integrity of vascular walls. BBR reversed the effects of ATV b y promoting autophagic degradation of phosphorylated VE-cadherin and occludin in ATV-induced VECs examined by co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP). These findings provide crucial insights into understanding the BBR mechanisms involved in the maintenance of vascular integrity and in mitigating adverse reac tions to ATV.
Source: Journal of Applied Toxicology - Category: Toxicology Authors: Tags: RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research