Camel whey protein enhances lymphocyte survival by modulating the expression of survivin, bim/bax, and cytochrome C and restores heat stress-mediated pathological alteration in lymphoid organs

Objective(s): Heat stress (HS) is a catastrophic stressor that dampens immunity. The current study investigates the effect of dietary administration with camel whey protein (CWP) on apoptotic pathway caused by HS. Materials and Methods: Forty-five male mice were divided into three groups: a control group; HS group; and HS mice that were orally supplemented with CWP (CWP-HS group). Results: We found that reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-۶), and C reactive protein (CRP) were elevated in the HS group along with a significant increase of caspase-۹ and -۳ and decrease of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). HS mice revealed impaired phosphorylation of Bcl-۲ and Survivin, as well as increased expression of Bax, Bim and cytochrome C. Additionally, we observed an aberrant distribution of HSP-۷۰ expressing lymphocytes in the spleen and thymus of HS mice. Moreover, histopathological examination showed alterations on the architectures of immune organs. In comparison with CWP-HS group, we found that CWP restored the levels of ROS, IL-۶, TAC and CRP induced by HS. Furthermore, CWP restored the expression of Bcl-۲/Bax, improved the histopathological changes in immune organs and HSP-۷۰ distribution in the spleen and thymus. Conclusion: Our findings revealed the possible ameliorative role of CWP supplementation against damages induced by exposure to HS.

Keywords:

Antioxidants , Apoptosis , Camel whey protein , Free radicals , Heat stress