TY - JOUR A2 - Umar, Sadiq AU - Liu, Ya-Fei AU - Wen, Cai-Yu-Zhu AU - Chen, Zhe AU - Wang, Yu AU - Huang, Ying AU - Tu, Sheng-Hao PY - 2016 DA - 2016/09/05 TI - Effects of Berberine on NLRP3 and IL-1β Expressions in Monocytic THP-1 Cells with Monosodium Urate Crystals-Induced Inflammation SP - 2503703 VL - 2016 AB - Background. Urate crystals-induced inflammation is a critical factor during the initiation of gouty arthritis. Berberine is well known for its anti-inflammatory activity. However, the underlying effects of berberine on monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation remain obscure. Objectives. This study is set to explore the protective effect and mechanism of berberine on monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation in human monocytic THP-1 cells. Methods. The mRNA levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were measured by Real-Time PCR, and the protein levels of NLRP3 and IL-1β were determined by ELISA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Results. The NLRP3 and IL-1β expressions were significantly increased in model group compared to that in normal group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, there was significant reduction in the expressions of NLRP3 and IL-1β mRNA in groups 6.25 μM berberine and 25 μM berberine when compared with model group (P<0.05). Conclusions. Therefore, berberine alleviates monosodium urate crystals-induced inflammation by downregulating NLRP3 and IL-1β expressions. The regulatory effects of berberine may be related to the inactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. SN - 2314-6133 UR - https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/2503703 DO - 10.1155/2016/2503703 JF - BioMed Research International PB - Hindawi Publishing Corporation KW - ER -