Ameliorative effect of berberine on functional disorders and histological damages of pancreas in renal ischemia/reperfusion

Introduction: Renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is considered as one of the most prevalent reasons of acute renal failure. As renal failure is progressed, renal gluconeogenesis and insulin clearance are decreased. Berberine is the most important alkaloid of Berberis vulgaris. It has anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The goal of this study was to assign the effect of RIR on the pancreas and to define the effect of berberine on the pancreatic damages induced by RIR. Methods: Male rats were allocated into four groups (n=7): sham (no intervention), Ber (berberine, 15mg/kg/day), I/R (subjected to 45min bilateral renal artery occlusion), Ber+I/R (berberine, 15mg/kg/day). After 24h, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis and eventually pancreas tissue samples were kept for subsequent histological examination. Results: The ischemic challenge of kidneys resulted in pancreatic vascular congestion, which was associated with decreased plasma level of glucose as well as increased plasma insulin, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels at the termination of reperfusion period. In Ber+I/R group, pancreatic vascular congestion and decreased plasma level of insulin were improved concomitant to increase in plasma creatinine and urea nitrogen being smaller than those of the non-treated rats. Conclusion: RIR injury has some roles in the development of tissue damages and probably functional disorders of the pancreas in rats. Furthermore, berberine has an ameliorative effect against organ injury induced by RIR in rat.