MNQ derivative D19 alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in sheep follicular granulosa cells through the-mediated ferroptosis.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (MNQ), a compound derived from., is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the effects of D19, a derivative of MNQ, remain unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effect of D19 against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced follicular granulosa cells (GCs) dysfunction in sheep and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Anmodel of GCs injury was established using LPS to induce inflammation and oxidative stress. The effects of D19 were evaluated by examining inflammatory response, oxidative stress, ferroptosis and steroidogenesis following treatment. Gene interference was applied to knock downexpression to validate its role in the protective mechanism of D19. RESULTS: D19 attenuated LPS-induced ferroptosis in GCs by restoring the expression of the key ferroptosis regulator. Subsequently, interfering withactivated NF-κB and upregulated the expression of inflammatory factors (,,) while disrupting NRF2 and inhibiting the expression of antioxidant-related factors (,,). D19 effectively protected GCs fromdeficiency-induced inflammation and oxidative damage. Furthermore, D19 mitigated ferroptosis caused bydeficiency and maintained iron metabolic homeostasis by restoring the morphology of GCs, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, decreasing the accumulation of Feand lipid peroxides, and promoting the expression ofand FTH1. D19 also improved steroid hormone secretion abnormalities caused bydeficiency. DISCUSSION: These results demonstrate that D19 protects sheep follicular GCs from LPS-induced damage by modulating the-mediated ferroptosis signaling pathway, providing new potential drugs and therapeutic targets for addressing GCs dysfunction and follicular developmental abnormalities.