Beta-Carotene Supplementation during Pregnancy Modulates Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Mammary Histopathology in Lactational Mastitis

Lactational mastitis is a common postpartum inflammatory disorder that may benefit from natural interventions. This study investigated the effects of prenatal beta-carotene supplementation—an antioxidant known to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation—on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and mammary histopathology in a mice model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mastitis. In all, 24 pregnant Wistar mice were randomized into six groups (control, LPS-induced, three beta-carotene doses, and ibuprofen-treated animals), with beta-carotene administered from gestation day 10 until 72 hours postpartum and mastitis induced via LPS injection. At 72 hours post-delivery, serum inflammatory markers and MDA were measured and mammary tissues were examined histologically. The results revealed a significant reduction in IL-6 and MDA levels—particularly in the moderate-dose group—while TNF-α and IL-1β levels showed a decreasing trend. Histopathological analysis demonstrated dose-dependent improvements, with high-dose beta-carotene restoring near-normal glandular architecture comparable to ibuprofen treatment. These findings suggested that beta-carotene is a promising natural approach for mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in mastitis.