The lipid-modulating effect of berberine in hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice

Introduction Berberine, a natural alkaloid from plants of the genus Coptis, shows significant lipid-lowering effects clinically. However, its exact mechanism in lipid metabolism is not fully understood. Sigma-1 receptor probes offer advantages such as strong in vivo applicability, non-invasiveness, high quantitative accuracy, and real-time visualization, which can enhance pharmacological research when combined with experimental validation. Objective This study investigates the mechanism by which berberine improves lipid metabolism in ApoE−/− mice using Sigma-1 receptor probes. Methods ApoE−/− hyperlipidemic mice were used as the model. Berberine treatment effects on lipid profiles were measured. Hepatic lipid metabolism was evaluated with Oil Red O staining. Sigma-1 receptor expression in mouse tissues was analyzed using [ 18 F]FBFP probe, Western blot, and related technology. Results After 6 weeks of treatment, berberine significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, ameliorated hepatic lipid deposition, and upregulated the expression of hepatic Sigma-1 receptor in hyperlipidemic ApoE−/− mice. Conclusion Berberine effectively improved dyslipidemia and hepatic lipid deposition in hyperlipidemic mice, which may be related to the modulation of hepatic Sigma-1 receptor expression, though the precise mechanism requires further validation.