Berberine Inhibits Colon Cancer Progression Through MiR-181a/PTEN/PI3K/Akt Axis in Rats

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine (BBR) on colon cancer (CC). Methods: Rats were randomly divided into normal, CC, BBR (20, 40, 80 mg/kg), and positive control paclitaxel (Pacl, 5 mg/kg) groups. Except for the normal group, CC was induced using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). From the second week of DMH induction, the BBR and Pacl groups received BBR or Pacl daily, while the normal and CC groups received saline for 4 weeks. Observations included body mass, tumor mass and volume, spleen and thymus indices. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were measured by ELISA, and protein expressions of c-Myc, ki67, cyclin D, cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 9, PTEN, Akt, PI3K, and p-Akt were analyzed by western blot. MiR-181a expression was examined by RT-qPCR. Results: In the CC group, body mass, spleen and thymus indices, serum IL-10, and cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 9, and PTEN in colon tissue were decreased, while tumor mass, volume, serum TNF-α, IL-6, and c-Myc, ki67, cyclin D, PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and miR-181a were increased. Compared to CC, the BBR and Pacl groups showed improved body mass, spleen and thymus indices, and increased IL-10, cleaved-caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 9, and PTEN, with reduced tumor mass, volume, TNF-α, IL-6, c-Myc, ki67, cyclin D, PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and miR-181a (P<0.05). Conclusion: In CC models, BBR exhibits anti-tumor effects, likely through down-regulation of miR-181a, promoting PTEN expression and inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway activation.