# Bulbophyllum drymoglossum aqueous extract modulates immunometabolism and oxidative stress in porcine alveolar macrophages

## TL;DR

This study shows that an extract from Bulbophyllum drymoglossum helps reduce oxidative stress and improve metabolism in pig lung macrophages, suggesting potential benefits for animal health.

## Contribution

The study identifies BDAE as a natural compound that modulates immunometabolism and oxidative stress in porcine macrophages.

## Key findings

- BDAE reduced reactive oxygen species and maintained mitochondrial function in macrophages.
- The extract reversed PMA-induced metabolic changes and reduced lipid accumulation.
- BDAE's effects were linked to its high content of carbohydrate derivatives and polyols.

## Abstract

This study evaluated the regulatory effects of Bulbophyllum drymoglossum aqueous extract (BDAE) on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and metabolic reprogramming in porcine alveolar macrophages.

BDAE was prepared through aqueous extraction, and its chemical composition was characterized through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and 3D4/31 porcine alveolar macrophages using cell viability assays, flow cytometry, and fluorescence imaging techniques. Mitochondrial function was assessed via the measurement of mitochondrial mass and membrane potential by MitoTracker Red and JC-1 staining methods, respectively. The metabolic effects were examined through flow cytometric analysis of glucose uptake and lipid accumulation. Additionally, gene expression levels related to fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis.

BDAE exhibited low cytotoxicity and effectively reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species under both basal and inflammatory conditions. It maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and prevented phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. BDAE reversed PMA-induced metabolic alterations by restoring glucose uptake, enhancing the expression of genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation, lipogenesis, and mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and attenuated lipid accumulation in macrophages. The bioactivities were associated with the extract’s abundance of carbohydrate derivatives and polyols.

BDAE shows significant antioxidative and metabolic regulatory effects in macrophages, suggesting its potential as a natural bioactive compound for modulating immunometabolism and oxidative stress in animal health. Additional in vivo validation and mechanistic studies are necessary to advance its application in livestock production.