Chlorogenic acid mitigates heat stress-induced oxidative damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic bioactive molecule derived from medicinal Plants, is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Previous studies have demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Lonicera japonica extract, rich in CGA, effectively enhances the production performance of lactating dairy cows under heat stress (HS) conditions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CGA's protective effects remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which CGA alleviates HS-induced oxidative damage in bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs), focusing on its pharmacological activity and potential application as a natural therapeutic agent for bovine mammary disorders. The results demonstrated that HS activates the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways by increasing ROS generation, leading to oxidative stress and inflammatory response in bMECs. CGA mitigates these effects by scavenging intracellular ROS, activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and inhibiting key molecules in the NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathways. This study provides new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of CGA's protective effects, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant for bovine mammary health and contributing to the broader application of polyphenolic compounds in managing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Chlorogenic acid; Inflammatory response; Oxidative damage.