Berberine Attenuates Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome by Inhibiting Endothelial-mediated Neutrophil Recruitment and Activation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is a life-threatening liver vascular disorder with limited treatment options. HSOS results from the activation and injury of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs). Berberine (BBR) has been shown to protect endothelial cells in various diseases. However, whether BBR can alleviate liver injury and LSEC disruption in HSOS remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of BBR on HSOS.

METHODS

Two mouse models of HSOS were established using monocrotaline or oxaliplatin. Mice in the treatment groups received a low dose (100 mg/kg) or a high dose (200 mg/kg) of BBR daily. Histology, scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BBR. Cell co-culture, Transwell assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting were performed to investigate the molecular pathways involved.

RESULTS

BBR treatment dose-dependently reduced liver injury and disruption of LSECs in murine HSOS models. Moreover, BBR significantly reduced hepatic neutrophil infiltration, thereby attenuating neutrophil-mediated injury to LSECs. Additionally, BBR inhibited the effect of injured LSECs on neutrophil activation. Mechanistically, injured LSECs were identified as one of the major sources of CXCL1 in HSOS, and BBR downregulated CXCL1 expression in injured LSECs by inhibiting MAPK signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrate that BBR ameliorates HSOS by inhibiting endothelial-mediated neutrophil recruitment and activation. BBR may be a promising therapeutic option for HSOS treatment.