Polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz alleviates LPS‐induced proliferation, differentiation inhibition and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells

Abstract Background Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce systemic inflammation and affect the growth and development of poultry. As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, polysaccharide of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (PAMK) can effectively improve the growth performance of animals and improve the immunity of animal bodies. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of PAMK on LPS‐induced inflammatory response, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of chicken embryonic myogenic cells. Methods We used chicken embryonic myogenic cells as a model by detecting EdU/MYHC immunofluorescence, the expression of inflammation, proliferation, differentiation‐related genes and proteins and the number of apoptotic cells in the condition of adding LPS, PAMK, belnacasan (an inhibitor of Caspase1) or their combinations. Results The results showed that LPS stimulation increased the expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation and differentiation, and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells, and PAMK alleviated these adverse effects induced by LPS. After the addition of belnacasan (inhibitor of Caspase1), apoptosis in myogenic cells was inhibited, and therefore, the number of apoptotic cells and the expression of pro‐apoptotic genes Caspase1 and Caspase3 were increased. In addition, belnacasan inhibited the increased expression of inflammatory factors, inhibited proliferation, differentiation and excessive apoptosis in chicken embryonic myogenic cells induced by LPS. Conclusions This study provides a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of action of PAMK and exogenous LPS on chicken embryonic myogenic cells and lays the foundation for the development and application of green feed additives in animal husbandry industry.