The Antioxidant Effect of Selenium Is Enhanced by Cortisol Through Nrf2 Pathway in Bovine Endometrial Epithelial...

In dairy cows, the stress-related cortisol level increases the susceptibility to postpartum uterine diseases. Oxidative stress is an important component of the disease process and causes morphological and functional alterations in the bovine endometrium. Selenium (Se) has an antioxidant property, and an appropriate Se supplementation is recommended to enhance bovine disease resistance.

Here, we aimed to answer two questions: (1) how does cortisol affect the oxidative status of bovine endometrial cells; and (2) does Se supplementation protect cells from oxidative injury with a high cortisol condition? The oxidative stress of primary bovine endometrial epithelial cells (BEECs) was established by Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, as marked by the increased oxidative markers and the suppressions of antioxidant indicators and Nrf2 signaling. In the absence of LPS, cortisol levels of 15 ng/mL showed a more significant antioxidative effect than cortisol levels of 5 and 30 ng/mL. In the presence of LPS, cortisol levels of 15 and 30 ng/mL elicited antioxidation, whereas 5 ng/mL of cortisol did not. Regardless of LPS stimulation, Se pretreatment of 1, 2, and 4 μM protected BEEC from oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decreased oxidative markers, increased antioxidant indices, and the activated Nrf2 signaling. With the presence of 30 ng/mL of cortisol, there was an enhanced Se antioxidant effect, which can be abolished by the block of cortisol receptor.

Both cortisol and Se elicited antioxidant properties in BEEC through the Nrf2 pathway. In addition, the Se antioxidation was enhanced by cortisol.