Ferulic acid inhibits bovine endometrial epithelial cells against LPS-induced inflammation via suppressing NK-κB and MAPK pathway

Endometritis is one of the most common reproductive diseases caused by bacterial infection in the cow. Ferulic acid is a major effective component extracted from Ligusticum wallichii. Ferulic acid displays pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation and antioxidation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of ferulic acid on inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs). BEECs were pretreated with ferulic acid followed by LPS treatment. QRT-PCR analysis showed the mRNA expression of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines (IL1B, IL6, TNFA, and IL8) was decreased with ferulic acid pretreatment. Western blot analysis showed that ferulic acid inhibited the degradation of IκB and phosphorylation of NF-κB p65. Ferulic acid suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including p38 and JNK. All of these results indicated that ferulic acid may be considered as a potential anti-inflammatory drug for curing endometritis.