Berberine inhibits LPS-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway in bovine endometrial epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND

Gram-negative bacteria are the primary pathogens of endometritis in dairy cows. LPS, the primary pathogenic agent of gram-negative bacteria, triggers an ROS increase, ultimately causing epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). Its significance in endometritis pathogenesis in dairy cows cannot be overlooked.

PURPOSE

Our previous studies showed that berberine could activate the Nrf2 signalling pathway, but whether it can inhibit the effect of LPS-induced EMT is uncharacterized.

METHODS

This research examined how berberine protects bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) by treating them with the compound for 2 h before exposing them to LPS to induce injury. Subsequently, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in BEECs were quantified using the DCFH-DA probe, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting techniques.

RESULTS

Our investigation revealed that the triggering of the Nrf2 signal transduction pathway can effectively prevent LPS-induced EMT by reducing ROS levels in BEECs. Additionally, we found that berberine inhibits LPS-induced EMT by activating Nrf2 to reduce ROS levels.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that berberine reduces ROS levels by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway in BEECs stimulated with LPS.