Camel urine inhibits the cytochrome P450 1a1 gene expression through an AhR-dependent mechanism in Hepa 1c1c7 cell line

Factors influencing the bioactivity of natural matrices: The case of osmolarity-dependent modulation of cell viability by different dilutions of camel urines

The widespread practice of dromedary urinotherapy as a remedy for various illnesses, including cancer, is well-established in traditional dromedary countries. Researchers attempted to demonstrate anticancer properties of camel urine through in vitro experiments with debated outcomes. Notably, two critical aspects remained unexplored in those assays: (i) the osmolarity of tested urines, which can significantly influence in vitro results; (ii) the potential morphological changes of cells, following exposure to camel urines. In this study, we addressed these gaps by evaluating the osmolarity-dependent modulation of cell viability in human renal cell lines. In this regard, we assessed the impact of hyperosmolar mannitol-based solutions and dromedary urine on the viability and morphology of human non-tumor (HK2) and tumor renal cells (Caki-1). The results indicate that cell viability or morphology in both HK2 and Caki-1 cells are not significantly affected only if mannitol-induced hyperosmolarity is lower than 500 mOsm/L. Notably, when exposed to urine solution, diluted to <500 mOsm/L, statistically significant antiproliferative effects were observed primarily in Caki-1 cells (in presence of two out of ten tested urine samples). Conversely, alterations in cell morphology were observed exclusively in HK2 cells when exposed to the same diluted camel urines. In order to investigate, at molecular level, the observed antiproliferative effects, a preliminary metabolomics analysis of the tested urine samples was performed to identify potential bioactive compounds. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolic profiling revealed the presence of three antioxidant compounds, namely trigonelline, pyruvic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of considering the critical role of osmolarity when evaluating the bioactive properties of camel urine in vitro, which should not be used to treat any illness as it is. Conversely, it can be considered the possibility to use camel urines as a source of bioactive compounds.

Camel (Camelus spp.) Urine Bioactivity and Metabolome: A Systematic Review of Knowledge Gaps, Advances, and Directions for Future Research

Up to the present day, studies on the therapeutic properties of camel (Camelus spp.) urine and the detailed characterization of its metabolomic profile are scarce and often unrelated. Information on inter individual variability is noticeably limited, and there is a wide divergence across studies regarding the methods for sample storage, pre-processing, and extract derivatization for metabolomic analysis. Additionally, medium osmolarity is not experimentally adjusted prior to bioactivity assays. In this scenario, the methodological standardization and interdisciplinary approach of such processes will strengthen the interpretation, repeatability, and replicability of the empirical results on the compounds with bioactive properties present in camel urine. Furthermore, sample enlargement would also permit the evaluation of camel urine's intra- and interindividual variability in terms of chemical composition, bioactive effects, and efficacy, while it may also permit researchers to discriminate potential animal-intrinsic and extrinsic conditioning factors. Altogether, the results would help to evaluate the role of camel urine as a natural source for the identification and extraction of specific novel bioactive substances that may deserve isolated chemical and pharmacognostic investigations through preclinical tests to determine their biological activity and the suitability of their safety profile for their potential inclusion in therapeutic formulas for improving human and animal health.

Camels' biological fluids contained nanobodies: promising avenue in cancer therapy

Cancer is a major health concern and accounts for one of the main causes of death worldwide. Innovative strategies are needed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers. Recently, there has been an evolving interest in utilizing nanobodies of camel origin as therapeutic tools against cancer. Nanotechnology uses nanobodies an emerging attractive field that provides promises to researchers in advancing different scientific sectors including medicine and oncology. Nanobodies are characteristically small-sized biologics featured with the ability for deep tissue penetration and dissemination and harbour high stability at high pH and temperatures. The current review highlights the potential use of nanobodies that are naturally secreted in camels’ biological fluids, both milk and urine, in the development of nanotechnology-based therapy for treating different typesQuery of cancers and other diseases. Moreover, the role of nano proteomics in the invention of novel therapeutic agents specifically used for cancer intervention is also illustrated.

Zootherapeutic uses of animals excreta: the case of elephant dung and urine use in Sayaboury province, Laos

BACKGROUND

Despite a widespread aversion towards faeces and urine, animal excreta are used in traditional medicine in many countries since centuries, but records are scattered and few therapeutic uses have been accurately documented while in the current context of emerging zoonoses such records may be of major interest.

METHODOLOGY

In this study, we investigated the therapeutic uses that mahouts in Xayaboury province, Lao PDR make of elephant urine and faeces as well as of the brood chamber that beetles (Heliocopris dominus) fashion from elephant dung. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mahouts on elephant diet, health problems and responses to disease, andwhether they use elephant products. Data were supplemented by interviews with traditional healers.

RESULTS

Seven respondents reported the use of elephant urine in ethnoveterinary care for elephants and in human medicine in case of diabetes and otitis. 25 respondents reported therapeutic use of elephant faeces (EF) and elephant dung beetle brood chambers. The major indications are gastrointestinal and skin problems. Macerations or decoctions are drunk or used externally as a lotion. The mahouts attribute the therapeutic effectiveness of EFs to their content which includes the remains of many species from the elephant diet which they consider to be medicinal.

DISCUSSION

The indications of these uses are consistent with pharmacological and clinical studies highlighting the properties of different animals' urine and faeces and their curative potential tested in vivo. The acknowledgement by the mahouts of medicinal properties of elephant faecal bolus contrasts with the rare justifications of animal material use recorded in zootherapeutic studies, which falls within the symbolic domain. However, numerous studies highlight the preponderant role of the microbiota in physiological processes, raising the hypothesis of a curative action of EF, by rebalancing the user's microbiota.

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic uses of EF preparations despite their possible curative properties are a potential source of zoonotic transmission from elephants to humans. In the current context of globalisation of trade which favours the emergence of zoonoses and in relation with the issue of One Health, it becomes crucial to further document the zootherapeutic practices to prevent emerging diseases. As elephants and local related ethnoethological knowledge are threatened, documenting them is urgent to contribute to their preservation.

Anticancer, antiplatelet, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of camel urine: A scoping review

Camel urine has traditionally been used to treat multiple human diseases and possesses the most beneficial effects amongst the urine of other animals. However, scientific review evaluating the anticancer, antiplatelet, gastroprotective and hepatoprotective effects of camel urine is still scarce. Thus, this scoping review aimed to provide scientific evidence on the therapeutic potentials of camel urine. Three databases were searched to identify relevant articles (Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus) up to September 2020. Original articles published in English that investigated the effects of camel urine in various diseases were included. The literature search identified six potential articles that met all the inclusion criteria. Three articles showed that camel urine possesses cytotoxic activities against different types of cancer cells. Two studies revealed camel urine's protective effects against liver toxicity and gastric ulcers, whilst another study showed the role of camel urine as an antiplatelet agent. All studies demonstrated significant positive effects with different effective dosages. Thus, camel urine shows promising therapeutic potential in treating human diseases, especially cancer. However, the standardised dosage and potential side effects should be determined before camel urine could be offered as an alternative treatment.

Von Kamelen und Krebsforschung

Die moderne Medizin hat innerhalb der letzten Jahrzehnte große Fortschritte gemacht und viele Wirkstoffe an unerwarteten Orten entdeckt. Eine Forschungsrichtung beschäftigt sich nun mit der Nutzung von Kamelen, die in ihrem natürlichen Habitat schon lange als Lieferant von verschiedensten Heilmitteln gelten.

From Desert to Medicine: A Review of Camel Genomics and Therapeutic Products

Camels have an important role in the lives of human beings, especially in arid regions, due to their multipurpose role and unique ability to adapt to harsh conditions. In spite of its enormous economic, cultural, and biological importance, the camel genome has not been widely studied. The size of camel genome is roughly 2.38 GB, containing over 20,000 genes. The unusual genetic makeup of the camel is the main reason behind its ability to survive under extreme environmental conditions. The camel genome harbors several unique variations which are being investigated for the treatment of several disorders. Various natural products from camels have also been tested and prescribed as adjunct therapy to control the progression of ailments. Interestingly, the camel employs unique immunological and molecular mechanisms against pathogenic agents and pathological conditions. Here, we broadly review camel classification, distribution and breed as well as recent progress in the determination of the camel genome, its size, genetic distribution, response to various physiological conditions, immunogenetics and the medicinal potential of camel gene products.

Metabolomic and elemental analysis of camel and bovine urine by GC-MS and ICP-MS

Recent studies from the author's laboratory indicated that camel urine possesses antiplatelet activity and anti-cancer activity which is not present in bovine urine. The objective of this study is to compare the volatile and elemental components of bovine and camel urine using GC-MS and ICP-MS analysis. We are interested to know the component that performs these biological activities. The freeze dried urine was dissolved in dichloromethane and then derivatization process followed by using BSTFA for GC-MS analysis. Thirty different compounds were analyzed by the derivatization process in full scan mode. For ICP-MS analysis twenty eight important elements were analyzed in both bovine and camel urine. The results of GC-MS and ICP-MS analysis showed marked difference in the urinary metabolites. GC-MS evaluation of camel urine finds a lot of products of metabolism like benzene propanoic acid derivatives, fatty acid derivatives, amino acid derivatives, sugars, prostaglandins and canavanine. Several research reports reveal the metabolomics studies on camel urine but none of them completely reported the pharmacology related metabolomics. The present data of GC-MS suggest and support the previous studies and activities related to camel urine.

Survey of the camel urinary proteome by shotgun proteomics using a multiple database search strategy

We report the first survey of the dromedary camel urinary proteome. Proteins retained from ultrafiltration of urine were analysed by GeLC-MS/MS (SDS-PAGE followed by LC-MS/MS). In the absence of a complete camel genome sequence, the number of protein identifications was maximised by searching three primary sequence databases: Swiss-Prot, alpaca and camel EST. This search strategy enabled the identification of 1274 peptide sequences, of which 735 were found in at least two independent samples. Functional annotations for proteins identified from alpaca and camel EST sequences were mapped from basic local alignment search tool (protein) searches. These 735 peptides, which included many novel sequences found only in the camel EST database, were grouped to 147 protein descriptors. Gene ontology term analysis of human proteins with sequence similarity showed that camel urine may be particularly enriched in proteins from extracellular compartments and vesicles, and with functions that include carbohydrate-binding and peptidase inhibitor activities. If their biological functions are conserved between species, many of the camel urinary proteins could be involved in various stress and immune responses, and some may have antimicrobial activities.

Camel urine components display anti-cancer properties in vitro

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

While camel urine (CU) is widely used in the Arabian Peninsula to treat various diseases, including cancer, its exact mechanism of action is still not defined. The objective of the present study is to investigate whether camel urine has anti-cancer effect on human cells in vitro.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The annexinV/PI assay was used to assess apoptosis, and immunoblotting analysis determined the effect of CU on different apoptotic and oncogenic proteins. Furthermore, flow cytometry and Elispot were utilized to investigate cytotoxicity and the effect on the cell cycle as well as the production of cytokines, respectively.

RESULTS

Camel urine showed cytotoxicity against various, but not all, human cancer cell lines, with only marginal effect on non-tumorigenic epithelial and normal fibroblast cells epithelial and fibroblast cells. Interestingly, 216 mg/ml of lyophilized CU inhibited cell proliferation and triggered more than 80% of apoptosis in different cancer cells, including breast carcinomas and medulloblastomas. Apoptosis was induced in these cells through the intrinsic pathway via Bcl-2 decrease. Furthermore, CU down-regulated the cancer-promoting proteins survivin, β-catenin and cyclin D1 and increased the level of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. In addition, we have shown that CU has no cytotoxic effect against peripheral blood mononuclear cells and has strong immuno-inducer activity through inducing IFN-γ and inhibiting the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10.

CONCLUSIONS

CU has specific and efficient anti-cancer and potent immune-modulator properties in vitro.