Abstract: ［Abstract］ ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effect of berberine combined with atorvastatin on patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke(AIS) and the regulating effect on serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF), interleukin6(IL6) and monocyte proportion(MONO%). MethodsOne hundred and twenty patients with AIS were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups: combined group(n=60) and atorvastatin group(n=60). They all received the basical treatment of AIS. Combined group received berberine(300 mg, tid) and atorvastatin(40 mg, qn). Atorvastatin group received atorvastatin(40 mg, qn). The levels of serum MIF, IL6, MONO%(before treatment and after treatment) and the nerve function defect grades(before treatment、after treatment and day 90) were measured and compared. ResultsThe levels of serum MIF, IL6 and MONO% were no significant differences between the two groups before treatment(P＞005). After 14 days treatment, the levels of serum MIF, IL6 and MONO% of the two groups were significantly lower(P＜005). And the levels of serum MIF, IL6 and MONO% of combined group after treatment were significantly lower than those of atorvastatin group(P＜005). The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) scores was no significant difference between the two groups before treatment(P＞005). After 14 days treatment, the NIHSS scores of the two groups were significantly lower(P＜005). And the NIHSS scores of combined group after treatment were significantly lower than those of atorvastatin group(P＜005). On day 90, the Modified Rankin Scale(mRS) scores of combined group were significantly lower than those of atorvastatin group(P＜005). There was positive correlation of serum MIF, IL6, MONO% and NIHSS scores before treatment(P＜005). ConclusionCombined berberine with atorvastatin can significantly improve neurological impairment and downregulate the levels of serum MIF, IL6 and MONO% of patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke.

Key words: stroke, berberine, interleukin6, cell migration assay