Berberine-Induced Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Lines: Involvement of ROS-Mediated Mitochondrial Disruption Through Epigenetic Reprogramming of Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Dynamics

Abstract

Glioblastoma is the most severe form of malignant brain tumor with a mean survival rate of 12–15 months, attributed to its poor prognosis and scarce treatment alternatives. Also, the poor response and resistance to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy of GBM demand for the development of innovative and effective treatment modalities. Nature-derived compounds have grasped significant attention as a promising alternative for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Berberine is a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid that is extracted as a sulfate salt from the stem bark, rhizomes, and roots of Berberidaceae. Here, we have investigated Berberine role in inhibiting cell proliferation and migration in LN229 and U87MG brain cancer cells. Also we have investigated the ROS producing ability and Mitochondria membrane disrupting ability in LN229 and U87MG brain cancer cells. Berberine decreased the cell viability in LN229 and U87MG brain cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner. The present study aims to investigate the epigenetic regulation of Nrf2 gene in the presence of berberine in glioblastoma.