Activation of AMPK by Berberine is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Abstract

<p><i>A</i>, Time-course of Berberine (10 µM) on AMP/ATP ratios in BAEC. After exposure to Berberine (10 µM) for the time indicated, BAEC were subjected to HPLC assays to measure the AMP/ATP ratio. n = 5, *<i>p</i><0.05, control versus Berberine-treated. <i>B</i>, Time-dependent increase of superoxide anions caused by Berberine (10 µM) in BAEC. After incubation with Berberine (10 µM) for the time indicated, intracellular ROS were detected by the DHE fluorescence/HPLC assay as described in “<a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0015420#s2" target="_blank">Materials and Methods</a>.” n = 5, *<i>p</i><0.05, control versus Berberine-treated. <i>C</i>, BAEC were pre-treated with anti-oxidants tempol (10 µM), NAc (2 mM), or DTT (1 mM) for 30 min, and then treated with Berberine for 2 h. <i>D</i>, Summary data for the effects of anti-oxidants n = 5 *<i>p</i><0.05, control versus Berberine-treated, # <i>p</i><0.05, Berberine alone versus Berberine with one or the other of the two anti-oxidants.</p