Immunoenhancing property of dietary un-denatured whey protein derived from three camel breeds in mice

Antiapoptotic and chemotaxis-stimulating effects of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan and whey proteins against aflatoxicosis-induced splenic and thymic atrophy

BACKGROUND

Aflatoxin B (AFB) induces toxicological effects on the liver and immune organs. The whey proteins can modulate the immune response during aflatoxicosis. Our work evaluates the novel polylactic acid-glycolic acid-chitosan-encapsulated bovine and camel whey proteins against AFB-induced thymic and splenic atrophy in rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Seventy adult male Wister albino rats were divided into a control healthy group (G1) and six AFB1-intoxicated groups (G2-G7). One of the following supplements: distilled water, camel whey proteins (CWP), bovine whey proteins, poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)- chitosan-loaded with camel whey protein microparticles (CMP), PLGA-chitosan loaded with bovine whey protein microparticles (BMP), and PLGA-chitosan nanoparticles were administered as prophylactic supplements to AFB1-intoxicated groups. The AFB-treated group showed significantly higher hepatic levels of oxidative stress and lower levels of antioxidants. In the aflatoxicated group, atrophy of the splenic lymphatic nodules and disfigurement in the organisation with an apparent decrease in the thickness of the cortex in the thymus were observed, as well as a decrease in splenic and thymic CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes. Moreover, CXCL12 levels were downregulated, whereas tumour necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa B, and cleaved caspase-3 levels were upregulated. CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements markedly decreased oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, as well as significantly raised CXCL12, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells.

CONCLUSIONS

The CWP, BMP, and CMP supplements rescue the liver and immune tissues from the toxic effects of AFB through their antioxidant, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and chemotaxis-enhancing roles.

Applications of Ma'aljobon, a natural remedy from traditional Persian medicine, in dermatology: A journey from past to modernity

Ma'aljobon, a handmade substance, is the liquid portion of coagulated milk after adding vinegar to the heated milk. In traditional Persian medicine (TPM) it has been known as a useful remedy for the treatment of some skin disorders. The aim of this study was to review the applications of Ma'aljobon for skin diseases according to the sages of TPM and modern medicine. Main TPM sources were reviewed with the keyword of "Ma'aljobon." Furthermore, electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, SID, and Google Scholar were searched with the keyword "Whey protein" during 2000 to 2018. According to TPM sources, Ma'aljobon was used by Iranian sages as a safe and effective remedy to treat a wide range of skin diseases, such as pimples, and ulcers. Meantime, recent evidence has also shown the effectiveness of whey protein in treating some skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis. Gastrointestinal discomfort was the most adverse effect of Ma'aljobon mentioned in TPM sources. In conclusion, there were several applications for Ma'aljobon in treatment of dermatologic disease according to TPM, as well as modern medicine. These finding could be the basis of future clinical trials on the effects of Ma'aljobon in the treatment of skin problems.

Camel milk exosomes modulate cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress and immuno-toxicity in rats

Camel milk proteins exhibit many beneficial properties including immuno-modulatory and anti-oxidant effects. Recent studies demonstrated that most of these properties are ascribed to the presence of extracellular nanovesicles known as exosomes. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effect of the immuno-modulatory and anti-oxidant properties of camel milk exosomes on the immuno-toxicity and oxidative stress induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) in albino rats. Exosomes were isolated from camel milk and exosomal kappa casein and lactoferrin mRNAs were detected and then sequenced. CTX was used to induce immunosuppression in rats, which were further treated with camel milk and its exosomes. The alterations in biochemical parameters, antioxidant status, cytokine profile, spleen histopathology and flow cytometric analysis were detected. Treatment with CTX resulted in a significant decrease in total protein, albumin, globulin, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels associated with a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) when compared with the control group. Moreover, CTX depleted lymphocytes in the spleen tissue, significantly reduced the expression of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the spleen cells and decreased the CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ cell percentages in the blood and spleen, while it induced a significant increase in the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Co-administration of camel milk exosomes was able to normalize the antioxidant status and most of the biochemical and immunological parameters. This study clarifies that camel milk and its exosomes successfully ameliorate immunosuppression and oxidative stress induced by CTX in rats.

Ameliorative role of camel whey protein and rosuvastatin on induced dyslipidemia in mice

The incidence of obesity is rapidly increasing throughout the world. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This work presents a novel approach to study the activity of camel whey protein (WP) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a cheap dietary protein substance extracted from camel milk to produce satiety and help in building muscles. Mice model suffering from dyslipidemia as a result of feeding on high fat-cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were administrated with either camel WP and/or rosuvastatin for 4 weeks. Dyslipidemia revealed significant increase in anthropometrical measurements, levels of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, total leucocyte count, inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, accompanied by a significant elevation in activating transcription factor-3 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expressions. These alterations were correlated with a profound reduction in high-density lipoprotein, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha and adiponectin along with a decrease in liver and muscle mitochondrial proteins. Rosuvastatin treatment to mice suffering from dyslipidemia in combination with camel WP for 4 weeks ameliorated these parameters. Notably, animals treated with both camel WP and rosuvastatin exhibited a remarkable decrease in the incidence of dyslipidemia. In addition, camel WP succeeded to overcome the therapeutic drawback posed from rosuvastatin therapy alone with minimal side effects.

Phenotypic Characterization of Human Monocytes following Macronutrient Intake in Healthy Humans

Background

Three subsets of human monocytes in circulation have been identified and their characterization is still ill-defined. Although glucose and lipid intakes have been demonstrated to exert pro-inflammatory effects on mononuclear cells (MNCs) of healthy subjects, characterization of monocytes phenotypes following macronutrient (glucose, protein, and lipid) intake in humans remains to be determined.

Methods

Thirty-six healthy, normal weight volunteers were recruited in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups, each group consisting of 12 participants. Each group drank equal calories (300 kcal) of either glucose or lipids or whey proteins. Each subject served as his own control by drinking 300 mL of water 1 week before or after the caloric intake. Baseline blood samples were drawn at 0, 1, 2, and 3-h intervals post caloric or water intakes. MNCs were isolated, and the expression levels of different cluster of differentiation (CD) markers (CD86, CD11c, CD169, CD206, CD163, CD36, CD68, CD11b, CD16, and CD14) and IL-6 were measured by RT-qPCR.

Results

Equicaloric intake of either glucose or lipids or whey proteins resulted in different monocyte phenotypes as demonstrated by changes in the expression levels of CD and polarization markers. Whey proteins intake resulted in significant mRNA upregulation in MNCs of CD68 and CD11b at 1, 2, and 3 h post intake while mRNA of IL-6 was significantly inhibited at 1 h. Lipids intake, on the other hand, resulted in mRNA upregulation of CD11b at 2 and 3 h and CD206 at 1, 2, and 3 h. There were no significant changes in the other CD markers measured (CD86, CD163, CD169, CD36, CD16, and CD14) following either whey proteins or lipids intakes. Glucose intake did not alter mRNA expression of any marker tested except CD206 at 3 h.

Conclusion

Macronutrient intake alters the expression levels of polarization markers in MNCs of human subjects. A distinct population of different monocytes phenotypes may result in human circulation following the intake of different macronutrients. Further studies are required to characterize the immunomodulatory effects of macronutrients intake on monocytes phenotypes and their characteristics in humans.

Camel whey protein improves oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in lymphoid organs through Bcl-XL/Bax expression in a streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mouse model

Type I diabetes (T1D) is a characterized by the inflammation of pancreatic islets and destruction of β cells. Long and persistent uncontrolled diabetes tends to degenerate the immune system and increase the incidence of infections in diabetic individuals. Most serious diabetic complications are mediated by the free radicals, which damage multiple cellular components through direct effects of the cell cycle regulatory proteins. Camel whey protein (CWP) has antioxidant activity and decreases the effects of free radicals. However, the effects of CWP on lymphoid organs have not been studied in the context of diabetes. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the dietary influence of CWP supplementation on the lymphoid organs in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mouse model. Three experimental groups were used: non diabetic control mice, diabetic mice, and diabetic mice treated with CWP. Induction of diabetes was associated with a marked reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels; decreased activities of GSH peroxidase (GSH Px), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase; increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and iNOS activity in plasma and lymphoid organs. Furthermore, diabetic mice exhibited alterations in the expression of Bax and Bcl-XL, and subsequently pathological alterations in the architecture of the bone marrow, pancreas, thymus, and spleen. Interestingly, treatment of diabetic mice with CWP robustly restored glucose, insulin, GSH, and ROS levels and the activities of GSH Px, MnSOD, catalase and iNOS. Additionally, supplementation of diabetic mice with CWP improvement in the architecture of lymphoid tissues and rescued from apoptosis through direct effects on the Bax and Bcl-XL proteins. These data revealed the therapeutic potential of CWP against diabetic complications mediated damages of lymphoid organs.

Supplementation of fermented Maillard-reactive whey protein enhances immunity by increasing NK cell activity

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of supplementation with fermented Maillard-reactive whey protein (F-MRP) on natural killer (NK) cell activity, circulating cytokines, and serum protein levels.

Potential effects of samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis, venom on TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-toxicity in vivo

Background

Ant venom shows antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have confirmed the role of samsum ant venom (SAV) as a powerful antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate whether SAV as a potential treatment for CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in an animal (rat) model.

Methods

Thirty-two rats were assigned into four groups; the first one served as the control. The second group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl₄ in a 1:1 ratio with olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection. The third group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl₄ and then treated with SAV at a dose of 100 μg SAV twice a week for three weeks. The fourth group received a dose of 100 μg SAV only twice a week for three weeks. ELISA, RT-PCR and histopathological examinations were applied.

Results

Results showed that antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in the diseased animals. SAV was found to significantly restore the oxidative stability in diseased animals. ELISA estimation and RT-PCR analysis also showed significant upregulation of both nuclear factor (κB) NF-κB and inhibitor (κB) IκB, respectively, in the diseased animals compared to the normal ones. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pro-apoptotic receptor (Fas) were also significantly up-regulated in the diseased rats. Interestingly, SAV was found to significantly restore NF-κB, IκB and TNF-α in the diseased rats to the normal values. As a result, liver enzymes, serum proteins and lipid concentrations were significantly improved by SAV in CCl4-animals in comparison with the control ones. Moreover, SAV obviously improved the hepatic tissues of the same group was.

Conclusion

SAV treatment restores the normal biochemical and oxidative stability by improving the TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-treated rats.

Neurochemical, structural and neurobehavioral evidence of neuronal protection by whey proteins in diabetic albino mice

Background

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is associated with pathological changes in the central nervous system (CNS) and alterations in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to determine whether dietary supplement with whey protein (WP) could improve neurobehavior, oxidative stress and neuronal structure in the CNS.

Methods

Animals were distributed in three groups, a control group (N), a diabetic mellitus group (DM) and a DM group orally supplemented with WP (WP).

Results

The DM group of animals receiving WP had reduced blood glucose, significantly decreased free radical Diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and lower lipid peroxidation in brain tissue. The WP group of animals showed improvement in balancing, coordination and fore-limb strength, oxidative stress and neuronal structure.

Conclusion

The results of this study show that dietary supplementation with WP reduced oxidative stress, protected CNS neurons and improved the neurobehavior of diabetic mice.

Limiting prolonged inflammation during proliferation and remodeling phases of wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats supplemented with camel undenatured whey protein

Background

Impaired diabetic wound healing occurs as a consequence of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokine production. We previously found that whey protein (WP) was able to normally regulate the ROS and inflammatory cytokines during the inflammatory phase (first day) in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic wound healing. This study was designed to assess the effect of WP on metabolic status, the inflammation and anti-inflammation response, oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system during different phases of the wound healing process in diabetic rats. WP at a dosage of 100 mg/kg of body weight, dissolved in 1% CMC, was orally administered daily to wounded normal (non-diabetic) and STZ-induced diabetic rats for 8 days starting from the 1^st day after wounding.

Results

The data revealed that WP enhanced wound closure and was associated with an increase in serum insulin levels in diabetic rats and an alleviation of hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic states in diabetic animals. The increase in insulin levels as a result of WP administration is associated with a marked multiplication of β-cells in the core of islets of Langerhans. WP induced a reduction in serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels and an increase in IL-10 levels, especially on the 4^th day after wounding and treatment. WP also suppressed hepatic lipid peroxidation and stimulated the antioxidant defense system by increasing the level of glutathione and the activity of glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in wounded diabetic rats.

Conclusions

WP was observed to enhance wound closure by improving the diabetic condition, limiting prolonged inflammation, suppressing oxidative stress and elevating the antioxidant defense system in diabetic rats.