AUTHOR=Zhi Yan , Li Tingyu , Li Yaxuan , Zhang Tao , Du Mengze , Zhang Qian , Wang Xiangdong , Hu Ge 

TITLE=Protective role of Cecropin AD against LPS-induced intestinal mucosal injury in chickens

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1290182

DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2023.1290182

ISSN=1664-3224

ABSTRACT=Cecropin AD (CAD), a renowned antimicrobial peptide, has displayed promising therapeutic potential against various bacterial infections. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of CAD against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal adversities in chickens. Sixty SPF-grade chicks were divided into groups and exposed to different CAD dosages followed by LPS administration. Subsequent assays revealed that LPS significantly elevated the activity of Diamine oxidase (DAO), a marker for intestinal mucosal injury. However, treatment with CAD remarkably attenuated this increase, with high dosages demonstrating pronounced effects. Furthermore, CAD significantly mitigated LPS-induced oxidative stress in intestinal tissues, as evidenced by restored levels of antioxidants and reduced reactive oxygen species.Histological observations corroborated these findings, with CAD-treated groups exhibiting better-preserved villi structures. Additionally, CAD notably reduced the expression of inflammatory markers, including IL-6 and IL-8, post-LPS stimulation. Most pivotally, CAD effectively modulated the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, curbing the expression of associated factors such as NLRP3, Caspase-1,  This study revealed the therapeutic potential of Cecropin AD in ameliorating LPS-induced intestinal injuries, primarily via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms, and through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.