6-Gingerol exerts anti-inflammatory effects and protective properties on LTA-induced mastitis

Background: Mastitis has a severe impact on human health and breastfeeding. Gram-positive bacteria are one of the most common pathogens, of which lipoteichoic acid (LTA) serves as the main pathogenic factor. Bio-active extractions from herbs is regarded as an alternative method to antibiotics. 6-Gingerol is used for the treatment of tumors and inhibition of inflammation in liver and gallbladder.

Purpose: To determine whether 6-gingerol can be used as a therapeutic medicine for mastitis.

Results: In this article, we used mice as the animal model and RAW264.7/PMECs as cell models. Western blot was for detecting the expression of proteins in NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways and MMPs/TIMPs. MPO was for the detection of the amount of immune cells. H&E, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used for locating and detecting the expression of proteins. The detection of inflammatory cytokines was conducted by ELISA and RT-qPCR. We found that the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways, formation of ECM, production of inflammatory cytokines and injury to mammary gland cells were attenuated both in vivo and in vitro when 6-gingerol was administered.

Conclusion: We discovered the function and efficacy of 6-gingerol as a therapeutic compound in LTA-induced mastitis and its probable mechanism of action.

Keywords: Cytokines; LTA; Mastitis; Protection of mammary glands; Signaling pathways.