Blood pressure profile and insulin resistance in salt-induced hypertensive rats treated with camel milk

The multifaceted therapeutic properties of camel milk: from neuroprotection to anti-cancer effects

Camel milk (CM) from dromedary and bactrian camels is notable for its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic properties. Rich in essential nutrients, CM has been used for centuries in regions like the Middle East and Africa to address illnesses. CM composition makes it easily digestible. However, processing challenges such as poor milk stability and weak curd formation hinder its broader commercial adoption. Recent advancements, including optimized heat treatments, enzymatic innovations, and tailored dairy processing techniques, offer promising solutions. Additionally, CM composition, which closely resembles human milk and contains bioactive compounds, positions it as a suitable alternative for individuals with specific dietary needs. While its allergenic potential remains low compared to bovine milk, rare cases of CM allergy have been reported. Its rich composition of bioactive compounds and antioxidants has been studied across various conditions. CM anti-cancer potential, CM supplementation has shown to improve cardiovascular health, thus improving overall metabolic health. Collectively, these findings underscore the multifaceted therapeutic potential of camel milk in various health conditions, warranting further research and clinical application. This review explores CM growing market, regulatory landscape, nutritional and therapeutic potential, and strategies to enhance its commercial viability, emphasizing its expanding role in global health and nutrition.

Exploring the Role of Salt Supplementation on Milk Composition, Fatty Acids, and Insulin Response in Lactating Camels

Camel milk is a valuable food source with unique nutritional properties and potential health benefits. This study investigated the influence of high dietary salt on milk composition and fatty acid (FA) profile as well as insulin regulation in dairy camels. Twelve multiparous female camels were used in a crossover design with two treatments: control concentrate (CON; 1.3% salt) and high-salt concentrate (SAL; 3.9% salt). Each period lasted 3 weeks, with camels switched between treatments in the second period. The measured variables included milk yield, milk composition, blood metabolites, and insulin levels in blood and milk. The SAL group exhibited higher (p < 0.01) water consumption. Nevertheless, milk yield and composition (fat, protein, lactose) remained unaffected. Notably, SAL camels had elevated blood insulin levels (p < 0.05) compared to the CON group, suggesting enhanced pancreatic activity possibly driven by osmotic balance changes. Milk FA profiles revealed a reduction in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA, p < 0.04), particularly monounsaturated (MUFA, p < 0.05) and odd-chain fatty acids (OCFA, p < 0.05). Furthermore, lipid quality indices such as the atherogenic index (p < 0.01) and the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic FA ratio (h/H, p < 0.01) indicated a less favorable milk fat profile in the SAL group. These findings suggest that while moderate salt supplementation may not negatively impact milk yield in dairy camels, it alters both metabolic and milk fat composition variables, with potential implications for the nutritional quality of milk.

Camel milk protein hydrosylate alleviates hepatic steatosis and hypertension in high fructose-fed rats

CONTEXT

Camel milk is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes mellitus hypertension and other metabolic disorders.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the antisteatotic and antihypertensive effects of camel milk protein hydrolysate (CMH) in high fructose (HF)-fed rats and compared it with the effects afforded by the intact camel milk protein extract (ICM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (n = 8 each) as 1) control, 2) ICM (1000 mg/kg), 3) CMH (1000 mg/kg), 4) HF (15% in drinking water), 5) HF (15%) + ICM (1000 mg/kg), and 6) HF (15%) + CMH (1000 mg/kg). All treatments were given orally for 21 weeks, daily.

RESULTS

Both ICM and CMH reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, and serum levels of ALT and AST, angiotensin II, ACE, endothelin-1, and uric acid in HF-fed rats. In addition, both ICM and CMH reduced hepatic fat deposition in the hepatocytes and reduced hepatocyte damage. This was associated with an increase in the hepatic activity of AMPK, higher PPARα mRNA, reduced expression of fructokinase C, SREBP1, SREBP2, fatty acid synthase, and HMG-CoA-reductase. Both treatments lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure. However, the effects of CMH on all these parameters were greater as compared to ICM.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study encourage the use of CMH in a large-scale population and clinical studies to treat metabolic steatosis and hypertension.

Diet-induced insulin resistance altered cardiac GLUT4 and FATP/CD36 expression in rats

Background

Altered substrate transport protein expression is central to the effect of insulin resistance on cardiac metabolism. The present study was thus designed to investigate the comparative effects of high fat, high sucrose and salt-induced IR on cardiac expression of fatty acid transporter (FATP) and glucose transporter (GLUT4) in rats.

Results

Rats fed with high fat, high sucrose and salt diets developed impaired glucose tolerance (p > 0.05) and hyperinsulinemia (p < 0.05) compared with control group. Myocardial glucose transporter expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001 for salt-induced IR; p < 0.01 for sucrose-induced IR; p < 0.01 for fat-induced IR) across all IR groups compared with control. Fatty acid transporter expression was also increased (p < 0.001) in high salt diet-induced IR rats, and high fat diet-induced IR rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that salt and not caloric excess has a potential role in IR alteration of myocardial substrate transport protein expression in the rat.