| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2532029 | European Journal of Pharmacology | 2014 | 8 Pages |
Baicalin, the major active constituent of the isolated root of Scutellaria baicalensis, is widely used in China and Southeast Asian countries. Evidence has indicated that baicalin has multiple biological activities, including anti-apoptotic properties. Mastitis is a severe problem in humans and other animals and is characterized by mammary gland cell apoptosis. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the major pathogen that causes mastitis. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of baicalin on the mammary glands during S. aureus-induced mastitis. In the present study, a mouse model was infected with S. aureus to induce mammary gland injury. Baicalin treatment was administered between 6 and 24 h after infection. Toll-like receptor 2, p53, BAX, BCL-2 and caspase-3 expression were analyzed using qPCR and Western blotting. The results indicated that baicalin significantly attenuated pathological damage and cell death in the mammary glands. Further studies revealed that baicalin down-regulated the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and the phosphorylation of p53 in the mammary glands after S. aureus-induced mastitis. Baicalin also promoted the expression of BCL-2 at the mRNA and protein levels but inhibited BAX and caspase-3 (CASP-3) cleavage. Baicalin inhibited apoptosis and had protective effects on mammary gland tissues during S. aureus-induced mastitis. These effects were displayed by reductions in TLR2 expression and p53 phosphorylation and the regulation of apoptosis-related factors (BCL-2, BAX and CASP-3) in mammary gland tissues.
Graphical abstractBaicalin have a protective effect on mammary gland cells in a mouse model of S. aureus-induced mastitis. It had been indicated that baicalin treatment reduced TLR2 expression and p53 phosphorylation, inhibiting apoptosis during S. aureus infection. Baicalin also displayed protective effects on mammary gland cells by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related factors (BCL-2, BAX and CASP-3) during S. aureus-induced mastitis.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (241 K)Download as PowerPoint slide
