# Nano-Encapsulated Berberine Is a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Adipose Tissue Browning in C57BL/6J Mice

## TL;DR

Nano-encapsulated berberine may help reduce weight gain and promote fat tissue browning in mice, with better stability than free berberine.

## Contribution

The study introduces nano-encapsulated berberine as a more stable and potentially effective form for promoting adipose tissue browning in mice.

## Key findings

- Nano-berberine reduced weight gain in the treatment group, while free berberine caused weight loss.
- Berberine increased PRDM16 and CIDEA gene expression in white and brown adipose tissues.
- Nano-encapsulated berberine showed higher stability compared to the free form.

## Abstract

Background and Objectives: Berberine is a promising phytochemical for obesity prevention due to its effects on adipogenesis and adipose tissue browning. Despite the benefits shown in cell studies, the clinical use of berberine is limited because of its low stability and bioavailability. Materials and Methods: Our study aimed to investigate the effects of intravenous liposomal and free berberine on body weight and adipose tissue browning in C57BL/6J mice. The mice were divided into two main groups for obesity prevention and treatment: the prevention group received treatment with a high-fat diet for 10 weeks; the recovery group received treatment after 10 weeks on a high-fat diet. Treatments included liposomal berberine (10 mcM), free berberine (10 mcM), and void nano-encapsule, and PBS was used as a control. Results: Berberine did not affect body weight in the prevention group. In the treatment group, nano-berberine reduced weight gain, while free berberine caused weight loss (p < 0.05). PRDM16 and CIDEA expressions in white and brown adipose tissues were higher in the berberine-treated groups (p < 0.05). No changes were observed in UCP1, PGC1α, C/EBPβ, and FABP4 expressions. The protein concentrations of UCP1, PGC1α, and PPARγ did not change. Conclusions: The effects of liposomal berberine on gene expression and protein concentrations were not different from the free form, but the nano form had higher stability.