Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Year:2020 | Volume:23 | Issue:9|Papers Count:17

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L. ) is an evergreen bushy shrub which grows along the Mediterranean Sea, and sub-Himalayan areas. In folk medicine, it has been used as an antispasmodic, mild analgesic, to cure intercostal neuralgia, headaches, migraine, insomnia emotional upset, and depression. Different investigations have highlighted rosemary neuropharmacological properties as their main topics. Rosemary has significant antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, antitumorigenic, antinociceptive, and neuroprotective properties. Furthermore, it shows important clinical effects on mood, learning, memory, pain, anxiety, and sleep. The aim of the current work is to review the potential neuropharmacological effects of different rosemary extracts and its active constituents on nervous system disorders, their relevant mechanisms and its preclinical application to recall the therapeutic potential of this herb and more directions of future research projects. The data were gathered by searching the English articles in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. The keywords used as search terms were ‘ Rosmarinus officinalis’ , ‘ rosemary’ , ‘ nervous system’ , ‘ depression’ , ‘ memory’ , ‘ Alzheimer’ s disease’ ‘ epilepsy’ , ‘ addiction’ , ‘ neuropathic pain’ , and ‘ disorders’ . All kinds of related articles, abstracts and books were included. No time limitation was considered. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were subjected to this investigation. This review authenticates that rosemary has appeared as a worthy source for curing inflammation, analgesic, anti-anxiety, and memory boosting. It also arranges new perception for further investigations on isolated constituents, especially carnosic acid, rosmarinic acid, and essential oil to find exquisite therapeutics and support drug discovery with fewer side effects to help people suffering from nervous system disorders.

Glutamate, as an essential neurotransmitter, has been thought to have different roles in the central nervous system (CNS), including nerve regeneration, synaptogenesis, and neurogenesis. Excessive glutamate causes an up-regulation of the multiple signaling pathways, including phosphoinositide-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein, mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and autophagy that are involved in neurodegenerative diseases pathophysiology. There are numerous findings on curcumin, astaxanthin, thymoquinone, and berberine, as natural products, which have outstanding effects in cell signaling far beyond their anti-oxidant activity, considering as a potential therapeutic target for glutamate excitotoxicity. Herein, we address the role of glutamate as a potential target in neurodegenerative diseases and discuss the protective effects of certain phytochemicals on glutamateinduced neurotoxicity.

Objective(s): Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a kind of complex immune disease, and a major cause of destruction of intestinal barrier and oxidative stress in this field. In this paper, glutamine (Gln) was believed to offer protection against oxidative stress injury in colitis mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty mice were randomly assigned into control, model, LY294002 (PI3K/Akt inhibitor), Gln, Gln+LY294002 and 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) groups. The mice in the experimental group drank 4% dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS) for 7 consecutive days. The protective effect of Gln on oxidative stress was quantified by keeping colitis mice, involving Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, with different medications or distilled water through intragastric administration for 10 consecutive days. Results: In vivo administration of Gln, LY294002 or 5-ASA was found to ameliorate the symptoms of colitis in mice, such as reduced growth, loose stools and stool bleeding; protected DSS-induced colitis mice from goblet cell loss, lymphocytosis, mucosal erosion, loss of crypts, and neutrophil infiltration; improved the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-XP); decreased the content of malondialdehyde (MDA); and inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion: Administration of Gln to the DSS-induced colitis mice led to a clearly reduction in oxidative stress-induced injury. The Gln is confirmed as inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway activity.

Objective(s): Cardiovascular disease has an important role in mortality caused by lung injury. Emphysema is associated with impaired pulmonary gas exchange efficiency and airflow limitation associated with small airway inflammation. The aim was to evaluate the interactions between lung injury, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease. Since gallic acid has antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects, we hypothesized that gallic acid protects the lung and the related heart dysfunction in elastase-induced lung injury. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into six groups: Control, Porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE), PPE+GA, and 3 groups for different doses of gallic acid (GA 7. 5, GA 15, GA 30 mg/kg). PPE was injected intra-tracheally on days 1 and 10 of the test. In each group, electrocardiography, hemodynamic parameters, oxidative stress, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were examined. Results: PPE administration showed a decrease in HR and QRS voltage of electrocardiogram parameters, as well as in hemodynamic parameters (P<0. 05, P<0. 01, and P<0. 001) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P<0. 05). Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α ) (P<0. 001), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (P<0. 001), interleukin 6 (MDA) (P<0. 001), and the total number of white blood cells (P<0. 001) showed an increase in PPE groups. Gallic acid preserved the values of hemodynamic properties, oxidative stress, inflammation, and electrocardiogram parameters in comparison to the PPE group. Conclusion: Briefly, this study showed the valuable effect of gallic acid in cardiac dysfunction related to elastase-induced lung injury. These findings suggested that gallic acid, as a natural antioxidant, has a potential therapeutic effect on preventing oxidative stress, inflammation, and subsequent cardiovascular disease.

Objective(s): Lapachone is a natural naphthoquinone-derived compound found in Tabebuia avellanedae. It is well-known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, diuretic, and anticancerous effects. However, the wound-healing effects of this compound are not known yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the wound healing activity of naphthoquinones (α-lapachone and β-lapachone) from Handroanthus impetiginosus. Materials and Methods: Expression of Sirt3, migration-related proteins (Rac1, Cdc42, α-Pak) and angiogenesis-related protein of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was monitored using western blot analysis. Blood vessel formation and tissue development were monitored by angiogenesis assay and hematoxylin & eosin (H & E) staining, respectively on mouse skin tissue samples. Both α-lapachone and β-lapachone increased Sirt3 expression in vivo, but only β-lapachone increased Sirt3 expression in vitro. Results: Both the compounds accelerated wound healing in cultured skin cells as well as mouse skin; however, β-lapachone was more effective at lower concentrations. Both of the compounds increased the expression of migration-related proteins both in vitro and in vivo. Similarly, α-lapachone and β-lapachone increased VEGF expression, tissue development and blood vessel formation in mouse skin. Conclusion: These findings indicated that α-lapachone and β-lapachone are novel Sirt3 activators, and Sirt3 has a role in wound healing. Thus, Sirt3 and its regulators come out as a novel target and potential drug candidates, respectively in the important field of cutaneous wound healing.

Objective(s): Bisphenol A (BPA), a xenoestrogenic endocrine disrupting agent, is widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and has potential adverse effects on the developing nervous system, memory and learning abilities. The protective effect of the crocin, an important active constituent in Crocus sativus L, on memory impairment induced by BPA in rat was determined through evaluation of oxidative stress and the level of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors) and AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionicd acid) receptors. Materials and Methods: Rats were orally treated with BPA (100 mg/kg) or sesame seed oil in control group for 28 days. Crocin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, IP) was administrated in BPA-orally treated groups for 28 days. Memory and learning functions were evaluated by Morris water maze. The level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) contents were determined in rat hippocampus. Additionally, the expression of NMDA and AMPA receptors were analyzed using Western blot method. Results: Administration of BPA significantly reduced memory and learning functions. Crocin significantly protected against learning and memory impairments induced by BPA. BPA administration markedly reduced GSH content and induced lipid peroxidation, while crocin was able to increase GSH content in rat hippocampus. The expression of NMDA receptor did not change in BPA-treated rats, while the significant reduction in AMPA receptor expression was observed. Moreover, crocin (20 mg/ kg) significantly elevated the expression of AMPA receptor. Conclusion: Crocin recovered spatial learning and memory defects induced by BPA in part through anti-oxidant activity and modulation the expression of AMPA receptor in rat hippocampus.

Objective(s): Since bisphenol A (BPA) induces bone loss and phytoestrogens enhance the osteoblastogenesis by binding to the non-classical and classical oestrogen receptors, respectively, the present study was aimed to observe the osteoprotective effect of phytoestrogens on BPA-induced osteoblasts in hFOB 1. 19 cells. Materials and Methods: All groups of hFOB 1. 19 cells were induced with 12. 5 μ g/ml of BPA except the control (Ctrl) group. Meanwhile, treated groups received phytoestrogens; Daidzein (Dz), Genistein (Gt), Equol (Eq) and 17β-oestradiol (Est) in different concentrations for 24 hr duration. Results: We found that the protein expression of non-classical oestrogen-related receptor (ERRG) was highly expressed in BPA group, whereas classical oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα ) and oestrogen receptor beta (ERβ ) were relatively increased with phytoestrogens treatment under BPA exposure. The dense actin cytoskeletal filaments were also observed. qRT-PCR showed up-regulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) expressions; significant downregulation of ERRG and up-regulation of ERα and ERβ were observed in phytoestrogens-treated cells, which was supported by the increased expressions of oestrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and oestrogen receptor 2 (ESR2). Conclusion: Phytoestrogens improved the deteriorative effect of BPA via down-regulation of ERRG in hFOB 1. 19 cells. This study showed that the efficacy of consumption of phytoestrogens in rendering them as potential therapeutic strategy in combating the adverse bone effects of BPA.

Objective(s): The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as an intracellular protozoan is widely prevalent in humans and animals. Infection generally occurs through consuming food contaminated with oocysts and tissue cysts from undercooked meat. The parasite is carried in sexual fluids like semen but there is little information about the effect of T. gondii on the male reproductive system. In this study, we examined the effect of T. gondii tachyzoites on apoptosis induction in type B spermatogonia (GC-1) cells. Materials and Methods: Fresh tachyzoites taken of infected BALB/c mice, GC-1 spg cells were infected with increasing concentrations of tachyzoites of T. gondii, then apoptotic cells were identified and quantified by flow cytometry. The genes associated with apoptosis were evaluated by RT2 Profiler PCR Array. Results: PCR array analysis of 84 apoptosis-related genes demonstrated that 12 genes were upregulated at least 4-fold and that one gene was down-regulated at least 2-fold in the T. gondii infection group compared with levels in the control group. The number of genes whose expression had increased during the period of infection with T. gondii was significantly higher than those whose expressions had decreased (18 versus 1) and Tnfrsf11b had the highest rate of gene expression. Conclusion: T. gondii induce in vitro apoptosis of GC-1 spg cells. This effect shows a trend of concentration-dependent increase so that with an increase in the ratio of parasite burden to spermatogonial cells, in addition to an increase in the number of genes whose expression has changed, the fold of these changes has increased as well.

Objective(s): This work aimed to assess the effect of 10 new chromon-3-aldehyde derivatives on changes of mitochondrial function under the conditions of brain ischemia in rats. Materials and Methods: The work was executed on BALB/c male-mice (acute toxicity was evaluated) and male Wistar rats, which were used to model cerebral ischemia by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The test-substances, 10 derivatives of chromon-3-aldehyde and the reference drug, N-acetylcysteine, were injected after modeling of ischemia for 3 days. After that, neurological symptoms, the area of cerebral infarction, and change in mitochondrial function were evaluated. Results: It was established that use of all chromon-3-aldehyde derivatives contributed to the recovery of mitochondrial function, which was reflected in enhanced ATP-generating activity, maximum respiration level, respiratory capacity, as well as reduction in the intensity of anaerobic reactions, apoptosis, and normalization of the mitochondrial membrane potential. The most pronounced changes were noted with the use of 6-acetyl substituted chromon-3-aldehyde derivative, the administration of which decreased neurological symptoms and size of brain necrosis area. Conclusion: The obtained data may indicate the most pronounced neurotropic effect in a number of test-objects has the 6-acetyl substituted derivative of chromon-3 aldehyde, realized by restoration of mitochondrial function, which may be the basis for further study of chromon-3-aldehyde derivatives.

Objective(s): Prompt detection of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemaseproducing enterobacteriaceae is crucial for infection prevention and control strategies. The present study aimed to characterize the ESBL and carbapenemase genes among Enterobacter isolates from an Iranian inpatient population. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 Enterobacter isolates obtained from inpatients between June 2016 and March 2017, were identified by the conventional microbiological methods and diagnostic kits. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern was performed using the disk diffusion method. The ESBL and carbapenemase genes were screened using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: All clinical isolates of Enterobacter were classified as E. gergoviae (52, 54. 2%), E. aerogenes (34, 35. 4%), E. cloacae (7, 7. 3%), Cronobacter (E). sakazakii (3, 3. 1%). The highest and lowest antimicrobial resistance rates were observed against ampicillin (93. 8%) and imipenem (21. 9%). High prevalence of multi-drug resistance (MDR=96. 9%) was substantial. Of the 96 Enterobacter isolates, 35 (36. 5%) and 28 (29. 2%) were phenotypically ESBL-positive and non-susceptible carbapenem, respectively. Overall, the frequency of evaluated genes was as follows: blaCTX-M =25 (26%), blaTEM =30 (31. 3%), blaSHV =12 (12. 5%), blaIMP =3 (3. 1%), blaVIM =0 (0%), blaNDM =8 (8. 3%), and blaKPC =0 (0%). Conclusion: In this study, we report for the first time the presence of E. gergoviae harboring blaNDM from an Iranian population. Regarding the increase of MDR Enterobacter spp. in our region, strict hygiene rules will be needed to control the quick spread of ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter isolates in healthcare facilities of developing countries.

Objective(s): Ghrelin is a brain-gut peptide involved in substance and energy metabolism. To confirm the hypothesis that ghrelin might be involved in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a rat NAFLD model was established and the changes of ghrelin were explored. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into control and NAFLD groups. The rats in the NAFLD group were fed a high-fat– high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet for 8 weeks. Total ghrelin (TG), acylated ghrelin (AG), unacylated ghrelin (UAG), and hypothalamic AG and its receptor GHSR-1a expression were detected using ELISA, RIA, RT-PCR, and Western blot, respectively. Results: Plasma UAG, TG, and the ratio of UAG to AG (UAG/AG) decreased, while protein and mRNA expression of hypothalamic AG and growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHSR-1a) increased in NAFLD (P<0. 01). Plasma UAG and UAG/AG were negatively associated with homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), while AG positively correlated with HOMA-IR (R2=0. 6510, P=0. 005; R2=0. 8520, P=0. 000; R2=0. 5617, P=0. 013, respectively). Plasma UAG, TG and UAG/ AG negatively correlated with serum LDL-C or hepatic triglycerides (TGs) (R2=0. 7733, P=0. 001; R2=0. 6930, P=0. 003; R2=0. 6042, P=0. 008; R2=0. 7046, P=0. 002; R2=0. 6722, P=0. 004; R2=0. 5124, P=0. 020, respectively). Hypothalamic AG and GHSR-1a positively correlated with HOMA-IR or hepatic TGs (R2=0. 5116, P=0. 020; R2=0. 5220, P=0. 018; R2=0. 6074, P=0. 008; R2=0. 5127, P=0. 020, respectively). Conclusion: It might be that decreased circulating UAG/AG, rather than UAG or AG alone, were involved in IR and liver lipid accumulation in NAFLD. Acylated ghrelin might induce IR and promote liver lipid accumulation via a central mechanism involved in the hypothalamus.

Objective(s): Despite effective anticancer effects, the use of doxorubicin (DOX) is hindered due to its cardio and neurotoxicity. The neuroprotective effect of adrenomedullin (AM) was shown in several studies. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible protective effects of AM against DOX-induced toxicity in dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) neurons. Materials and Methods: Rat embryonic DRG neurons were isolated and cultured. The effect of various concentrations of DOX (0. 0 to 100 μ M) in the absence or presence of AM (3. 125-100 nM) on cell death, apoptosis, oxidative stress, expression of tumor necrosis-α (TNF-α ), interleukin1-β (IL-1β ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and 13, and SRY-related protein 9 (SOX9) were examined. Results: Based on MTT assay data, DOX decreased the viability of DRG neurons in a dose and timedependent manner (IC50=6. 88 μ m) while dose-dependently, AM protected DRG neurons against DOXinduced cell death. Furthermore, results of annexin V apoptosis assay revealed the protective effects of AM (25 nm) against DOX (6. 88 μ M)-induced apoptosis and necrosis of DRG neurons. Also, AM significantly ameliorated DOX-induced oxidative stress in DRG neurons. Real-time PCR results showed a significant increase in the expression of TNF-α , IL-1β , iNOS, MMP 3, and MMP 13, and a decrease in the expression of SOX9 following treatment with DOX. Treatment with AM (25 nM) significantly reversed the effects of DOX on the above-mentioned genes expression. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that AM can be considered a novel ameliorating drug against DOXinduced neurotoxicity.

Objective(s): The effects of low dose amphetamine on oxidative stress and rotenone-induced neurotoxicity and liver injury were examined in vivo in a mice model of Parkinson’ s disease. Materials and Methods: Male mice were treated with rotenone (1. 5 mg/kg, every other day for two weeks, subcutaneously). Mice received either the vehicle or amphetamine intraperitoneally at doses of 0. 5, 1. 0, or 2. 0 mg/kg. Oxidative stress was assessed by measurement of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC), and paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity in the brain and liver. In addition, brain concentrations of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κ B) and tyrosine hydroxylase were determined and histopathology and Bax/Bcl-2 immunohistochemistry were performed. Results: The levels of lipid peroxidation and NO were increased and TAC and PON-1 were decreased significantly compared with vehicle-injected control mice. There were also significantly increased NF-κ B and decreased tyrosine hydroxylase in the brain following rotenone administration. These changes were significantly attenuated by amphetamine. Rotenone caused neurodegenerative changes in the substantia nigra, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus. The liver showed degenerative changes in hepatocytes and infiltration of Kupffer cells. Bax/Bcl2 ratio was significantly increased in brain and liver tissues. Amphetamine prevented these histopathological changes and the increase in apoptosis evoked by rotenone. Conclusion: These results suggest that low dose amphetamine exerts anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, protects against rotenone-induced neurodegeneration, and could prevent neuronal cell degeneration in Parkinson’ s disease.

Objective(s): Effects of ethyl acetate extract of Salsola collina (EES) on brain-gut peptides and interstitial cells of gastric Cajal in rats with diabetic gastroparesis were explored. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into six groups: normal control group (NC), diabetic gastroparesis model group (DGP), low, medium, and high dose of EES groups (LES, MES, and HES, respectively), and metoclopramide positive group (MPG). DGP rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high-sugar-high-fat diet. The gastric emptying was measured by the phenol red labeling method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the concentrations of serum ghrelin, gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SS), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The expressions of c-Kit and its natural ligand stem cell factor (SCF) in gastric tissues were determined by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: Gastric emptying rate increased in a different degree after intervention by EES, among which MES and HES groups showed a significant effect (compared with DGP, P<0. 01) and the HES group was equivalent to the MPG group; serum ghrelin and content of serum GAS increased while SS and VIP decreased (compared with the DGP group, P<0. 05 or P<0. 01); c-Kit and SCF protein expressions in gastric tissue increased (compared with DGP group, P<0. 05 or P<0. 01). Conclusion: EES significantly improved gastric emptying by regulating gastrointestinal hormone excretion and c-Kit/SCF signaling pathway. Our study provides a pharmacological basis for the use of the EES in the treatment of DGP. However, the detailed molecular mechanism remains to be clarified.

Objective(s): Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion causes complex pathological mechanisms that lead to brain tissue damage. Usnic acid is a lichen secondary metabolite that has many different biological properties including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of usnic acid on apoptotic cell death, neuroinflammation, anti-oxidant enzyme activities, and oxidative stress levels after transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups (sham, ischemia/reperfusion, and ischemia/reperfusion+usnic acid). Ischemia was induced by 20 min occlusion of common carotid arteries. Injection of usnic acid (25 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and saline was done at the beginning of reperfusion time. Morris water maze was applied to assess spatial memory. The protein expression amount was measured using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Spectrophotometric assay was performed to determine the levels of anti-oxidant enzymes. Results: Usnic acid significantly reduced caspase-3, glial fibrillary acidic proteinpositive and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1-positive cells (P<0. 001) and enhanced spatial memory disorders (P<0. 05) due to brain ischemia. In addition, treatment with usnic acid improves effects in the antioxidant system following cerebral ischemia (P<0. 05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that usnic acid has neuroprotective properties, which possibly is applicable as a promising candidate for cerebral injuries caused by ischemia.

Objective(s): To investigate the protective effect of glycyrrhizin (GL) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI). Materials and Methods: Forty SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, HIRI group, GL 100 mg/kg group, and GL 200 mg/kg group. The pathological alterations of liver tissue in each group were observed. The levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), endothelin-1 (ET-l), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β ), interleukin-6 (IL-6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were detected. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of cytoplasmic protein caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear protein Nrf2. Results: Compared with the HIRI group, the levels of AST, ALT, ET-1, TNF-α , IL-1β , and IL-6 in GL groups were lower, serum NO content was higher, MDA content was lower, SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly increased, apoptosis index was lower (P<0. 05), which was more obvious in highdose GL (200 mg/kg) group. The LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and Beclin-1 protein expression levels in the GL group were significantly lower than the HIRI group, but the expression levels of cytoplasmic protein HO-1 and nuclear protein Nrf2 were significantly higher than those of the HIRI group, which was more obvious in the high-dose GL group (P<0. 05). Conclusion: GL has a protective effect on the liver of HIRI rats, and its mechanism may be related to activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Objective(s): Endometritis is the inflammation of the uterine lining that is associated with infertility. It affects milk production and reproductive performance and leads to huge economic losses in dairy cows. Dimethyl itaconate (DI), a promising chemical agent, has recently been proved to have multiple health-promoting effects. However, the effects of DI on endometritis remain to be unknown. Materials and Methods: In this study, we assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of DI on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice. The endometritis was induced by LPS treatment for 24 hr, and DI was given 24 hr before induction of LPS. Results: As a result, DI administered mice significantly suffered less impairment of uterine tissue and less recruitment of inflammatory cells than LPS administered mice. In addition, DI markedly inhibited uterine myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α ) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) induced by LPS. Moreover, LPS-induced toll-like receptor 4/ nuclear factor-kappa B (TLR4/NF-κ B) activation was suppressed by DI. In addition, the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) were upregulated by DI. Conclusion: These findings suggest that DI has anti-inflammatory functions in the LPS-induced mice and may be a therapeutic agent against endometritis.