Berberine inhibits arylamine N-acetyltransferase activity and gene expression in Salmonella typhi

Curr Microbiol. 2005 Oct;51(4):255-61. doi: 10.1007/s00284-005-4569-7. Epub 2005 Aug 2.

Abstract

The effects of berberine on growth, arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT) activity, and gene expression in Salmonella Typhi (Typhi) were described. The growth inhibition of Typhi was determined by measuring absorbance by optical density (OD at 650 nm). The NAT activity was determined by measuring the levels of 2-aminofluorene (AF) and N-acetyl-2-aminofluorene (AAF) by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results demonstrated that 24-h berberine treatment decreased bacteria growth and amounts of AAF in Typhi. Western blotting and flow cytometry were used for examining the levels of NAT after bacteria were cotreated with or without various concentrations of berberine, and results indicated that berberine decreased the levels of NAT in Typhi. Polymerase chain reaction was used for examining the gene expression of NAT (mRNA NAT), and results indicated that berberine affects mRNA NAT1 expression in Typhi.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Berberine / pharmacology*
  • Berberis
  • Down-Regulation
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / drug effects*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Salmonella typhi / drug effects*
  • Salmonella typhi / genetics
  • Salmonella typhi / metabolism

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Berberine
  • Arylamine N-Acetyltransferase