Berberine Exhibits Neuroprotective Effects Through Reduced Autophagy and Mediated Microglial Polarization in a Rat Model of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Introduction: Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) induces autophagy excessive activation and microglia mainly switched into proinflammatory M1 type, which can cause severe secondary injury. Current evidence has implied that berberine has a protective effect against ischaemic stroke through mediated autophagy and microglial polarization. However, the neuroprotective effect of berberine in intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. Methods: : In this study the effect of berberine on a rat model of intracerebral haemorrhage was investigated through Immunofluorescence, qPCR, ELISA, and western blot. Results: : Berberine administration significantly reduces cellular apoptosis, brain edema and neurological deficits via inhibited autophagy, promoted M1 type microglia to M2 type, and subsequently exerts anti-inflammation effects in a rat model of ICH. Conclusions: : These results suggest that berberine reduced secondary injury and improved neurological outcomes in ICH model.