Effect of berberine on the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis in pancreatic β cells

Abstract

Objective To explore the effect of berberine on the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis in pancreatic β cells.Methods The endoplasmic reticulum stress in MIN6 cells was induced by Tunicamycin.The effect of berberine on cell proliferation and apoptosis,insulin secretion,expression of apoptosis-related proteins ASK1 and Caspase-12 were examined.Results Basal and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion were not affected while cell apoptosis was decreased by berberine(1,10 μmol/L),however,the expression of ASK1 and caspase-12 was inhibited significantly by berberine.Conclusion Berberine can reduce the endoplasmic reticulum stress-related apoptosis in pancreatic β cells.The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ASK1 and caspase-12 expressions.