Berberine induces apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme U87MG cells via oxidative stress and independent of AMPK activity

Glioblastoma multiforme (GM) is the most prevalent tumor among gliomas and presents the highest mortality rate among brain tumors. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid isoquinoline found in medicinal plants such as Coptis chinensis . Studies have been showed that BBR presents protective activity in mesenchymal cells and neurons, and antitumor properties in breast cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of BBR in GM U87MG cells, as well as to identify, whether such effects are mediated by oxidative stress and canonical apoptotic pathways. After treatment with several concentrations of BBR (10, 25, 100 and 250 µM) for 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, BBR reduce cell viability of U87MG cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Afterwards, it was observed that BBR, starting at a concentration of 25 µM of 24 h exposure, significantly suppressed proliferation and increased early apoptosis (53.5% ± 11.15 of annexin V + propidium iodide − cells) compared to untreated cells (7.5% ± 4.6). BBR-induced apoptosis was independent from AMPK activity and did not change total caspase-3 and p-p53 levels. Moreover, BBR (25 μM/24 h) increased oxidative stress in U87MG cells, evidenced by high levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and protein carbonylation. Considering the antitumor effects of BBR in U87MG cells, this compound may be a potential candidate for adjuvant GM treatment.