Berberine-loaded albumin nanoparticles alleviate liver damage in rats by modulating mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum interactions
The liver performs essential functions critical to overall health. This study evaluated the efficacy of berberine-loaded albumin nanoparticles (BRB-BSA NPs) and cisplatin in mitigating hepatic damage caused by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>) in male albino rats. Molecular modeling was conducted to explore BRB interactions with Sirt1, a NAD<sup>+</sup>-dependent protein deacetylase involved in key cellular pathways. BRB-BSA NPs showed superior results to cisplatin in reducing liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory markers while enhancing antioxidant activities. Cisplatin, however, was more effective in restoring mitochondrial pathway regulators. Additionally, BRB-BSA NPs improved liver tissue histoarchitecture and ultrastructure, bringing them closer to normal. In conclusion, BRB-BSA NPs demonstrated potent efficacy in alleviating DEN/CCl<sub>4</sub>-induced liver injury in male rats.
Authors
- Mohamed I Ashmawy (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-7452-1171)
- Abeer El Wakil (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2117-0677)
- Ahmed E. Abdel Karim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7855-9240)
- Doaa Ahmad Ghareeb (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3327-4377)
- Heba Zaied
Institutions
- Pharos University in Alexandria (EG)
- City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (EG)
- Alexion Pharma (Switzerland) (CH)
- Alexandria University (EG)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
- Published
- 2025-02-26
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151555
- Citations
- 4
- Primary Topic
- Berberine and alkaloids research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 5.58
Funders
- Academy of Scientific Research and Technology