Naringenin's rescue of broiler spleen from LPS-triggered pyroptosis and inflammation: Decoding the AMPK/PINK1/Parkin-driven mitophagy pathway

Naringenin (Nar) is known to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis, antioxidation and anti-inflammation. Damaged mitochondria can promote excessive Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, triggering pyroptosis and inflammation process in immune tissues. PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/E3 ubiquitin ligase PARK2 (Parkin)-mediated mitophagy contributes to removing damaged mitochondria. This study aims to investigate detailed mechanism of Nar against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury in broiler spleens and the role of mitophagy in this process. We used LPS as a stimulus and treated with Nar to establish relevant models in vivo and in vitro. Our findings demonstrated Nar increased the expression levels of Phospho-Adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK)/AMPK, PINK1, Parkin and Microtubule-Associated Protein 1A/1B Light Chain 3 (LC3), and reduced the level of Sequestosome 1 (P62), leading to a reduction in levels of factors associated with mitochondrial fission, mtDNA release, pyroptosis, and inflammation. Conversely, Nar treatment enhanced the levels of factors related to mitochondrial fusion, energy metabolism, and anti-inflammatory response. Moreover, an increase was observed in ΔΨm, ATP content, and ATPase activity. Molecular docking analysis and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) supported the interaction between Nar and AMPK. In summary, Nar enhanced LPS-induced mitophagy and alleviated mitochondrial homeostasis imbalance and oxidative stress in broiler spleens through its interaction with AMPK, resulting in alleviating pyroptosis and inflammation.