Protective effect of snail secretion filtrate in an in vitro model of mastitis

Background: Bovine mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland mainly caused bybacterial infections, with relevant economic costs and implications related to antibioticresistance. In light of the increasing demand for sustainable therapies, this study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of snail secretion filtrate (SSF) fromthe species Helix Aspersa Muller in an in vitro model of bovine mastitis. Methods: Bovine mammary cells (MAC-T) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)were used to induce the inflammatory process. The cells were then treated with SSF toanalyse its effects on oxidative stress, production of inflammatory cytokines (tumournecrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β), expression of enzymes associatedwith inflammation such as inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) and cytoprotection as heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Results: Snail secretion filtrate significantly reduced the levels of reactive oxygen speciesand the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS. Furthermore, itpositively modulated the expression of iNOS and COX-2, reducing their levels andincreasing the expression of HO-1, suggesting a cytoprotective action. Conclusions: Snail secretion filtrate was effective in reducing inflammation and oxida-tive stress in an in vitro model of bovine mastitis. The results suggest the potential useof SSF as a natural and sustainable remedy, in line with the One Health approach.