Andrographolide mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced mastitis in a mouse model: role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction

Background Mastitis is a prevalent condition impacting dairy animals worldwide. Andrographolide, a diterpene lactone, is known to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. This study evaluates the protective effects of andrographolide in a mouse model of LPS-induced mastitis. The mice were divided into five groups (Control, LPS, LPS/ADG/1, LPS/ADG/10, LPS/DEX) and challenged with intramammary LPS. Results LPS administration significantly increased NF-κB activation, inflammatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase activity, and oxidative stress, along with increased iNOS expression and histopathological alterations in the mammary tissue. It also reduced anti-oxidant enzymes, altered mitochondrial citrate synthase, cytochrome c oxidase, and relative mitochondrial DNA copy number. Pretreatment with andrographolide against LPS administration caused attenuated inflammatory responses, reduced oxidative stress and iNOS expression, myeloperoxidase activity, and improved anti-oxidant enzyme levels, mitochondrial parameters, and structural changes induced by LPS. Conclusion Andrographolide ameliorates the LPS-induced mastitis in mice through attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial alterations, and structural changes.