Polygonum hydropiper Compound Extract Inhibits Clostridium perfringens-Induced Intestinal Inflammatory Response and...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Necrotic enteritis (NE), caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perf), is a significant threat to broiler health.
• Polygonum hydropiper compound extract (PHCE), rich in flavonoids, possesses potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The specific mechanisms of PHCE against C. perf-induced NE are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the therapeutic mechanisms of PHCE against C. perf-induced NE using network pharmacology and molecular docking.
• To determine the direct antimicrobial activity of PHCE against C. perf.
• To evaluate the efficacy of PHCE in mitigating intestinal damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation in infected broilers.

Main Methods:

• Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to predict PHCE's mechanism of action.
• Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) assays were performed against C. perf.
• Broilers infected with C. perf were treated with varying doses of PHCE, and intestinal tissues were analyzed for damage, oxidative stress markers (SOD, MDA, H2O2), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway components (caspase-1, IL-1β, GSDMD, NLRP3).

Main Results:

• Network analysis identified the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway as a key target, with quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin as active components.
• PHCE demonstrated an MIC of 3.13 mg/mL and an MBC of 12.5 mg/mL against C. perf.
• High doses of PHCE significantly reduced intestinal damage, increased SOD, and decreased MDA, H2O2, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels. Expression of caspase-1, IL-1β, GSDMD, and NLRP3 was modulated by PHCE treatment.

Conclusions:

• PHCE effectively protects broilers against C. perf-induced NE by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• The therapeutic effect of PHCE is mediated through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway.
• PHCE presents a promising natural therapeutic agent for improving avian health and managing necrotic enteritis.