Mao Ningning, Yu Yaming, Cui Jiqin, He Jin, Yang Yang, Wang Deyun
Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China; MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
Poult Sci. 2025 Jan;104(1):104520. doi: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.104520. Epub 2024 Nov 9.
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of avian colibacillosis. Matrine, a natural component derived from Sophora flavescens, exhibits various pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its role in mitigating APEC-induced intestinal damage in chickens remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the protective effects and potential mechanisms of matrine against APEC-induced intestinal damage. Chickens were administered matrine (10 or 20 mg/kg) from 6 days old for 5 days, followed by an APEC intraperitoneal injection on day 10. After 72 h of APEC infection, tissues were collected for analysis. Results indicated that pretreatment with matrine alleviated the symptoms of APEC infection in chickens, improving survival rates and promoting weight gain. Additionally, pretreatment with matrine reduced the secretion and gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in intestinal tissues, while enhancing serum SOD, GSH, and CAT activity, as well as gene expression levels in the intestine. Pretreatment with matrine reduced the levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in intestinal tissues. Moreover, pretreatment with matrine ameliorated intestinal inflammation and pathological damage, restoring the expression of ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2 in the intestine during APEC infection. Furthermore, pretreatment with matrine alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis by lowering the abundance of harmful bacteria. In summary, matrine alleviated APEC-induced intestinal inflammation and damage, potentially by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway and reshaping the gut microbiota. These findings provide promising insights into the prevention and treatment of avian colibacillosis.
禽致病性大肠杆菌（APEC）是禽大肠杆菌病的主要病因。苦参碱是从苦参中提取的一种天然成分，具有多种药理作用，包括抗炎和抗氧化活性。然而，其在减轻APEC诱导的鸡肠道损伤中的作用仍未得到充分了解。本研究旨在探讨苦参碱对APEC诱导的肠道损伤的保护作用及潜在机制。从6日龄开始，给鸡连续5天投喂苦参碱（10或20mg/kg），然后在第10天腹腔注射APEC。APEC感染72小时后，收集组织进行分析。结果表明，苦参碱预处理可减轻鸡APEC感染的症状，提高存活率并促进体重增加。此外，苦参碱预处理可降低肠道组织中IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α的分泌及基因表达，同时增强血清SOD、GSH和CAT活性以及肠道中的基因表达水平。苦参碱预处理可降低肠道组织中TLR4、MyD88和NF-κB的水平。此外，苦参碱预处理可改善肠道炎症和病理损伤，恢复APEC感染期间肠道中ZO-1、闭合蛋白和MUC2的表达。此外，苦参碱预处理通过降低有害细菌的丰度减轻肠道微生物群失调。总之，苦参碱可能通过抑制NF-κB信号通路和重塑肠道微生物群来减轻APEC诱导的肠道炎症和损伤。这些发现为禽大肠杆菌病的预防和治疗提供了有前景的见解。
