Camel milk modulates the expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-regulated genes, Cyp1a1, Nqo1, and Gsta1, in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells

An overview of probiotic camel milk as a nutritional beverage: Challenges and perspectives

There are challenges such as standardization for commercialization and guaranteeing sensory characteristics in camel milk processing. This review gathers a general view of the probiotic camel milk, its contents, its health aspects, and its industrial production. One of the potential candidates of a healthy food product is "probiotic camel milk" which contains several nutritional elements including Lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacteria and postbiotics such as endopolysaccharides, exopolysaccharides, numerous beneficial enzymes, short-chain fatty acids, teichoic acids, peptides, peptidoglycan-derived neuropeptides, cell surface proteins, different vitamins, plasmalogens, and different kinds of organic acids. It should also be considered that camel milk generally has some advantages over cow milk like its health-beneficial antidiabetic, hypoallergenic, and anticancer properties. As a result, it is gaining much attention from both consumers and manufacturers, and the global probiotic market trend is growing. Although there are obstacles in standardizing processing techniques and maintaining sensory excellence, the health benefits, economic prospects, and adaptability of camel milk and its probiotic variations create a promising avenue for continued research and advancement. Therefore, developing standardized processing techniques and sensory evaluation methods for probiotic camel milk can unlock its full potential as a nutritious beverage, offering a promising solution for consumers seeking healthy and functional food products.

A Critical Review on the Role of Camel Milk in Multiple Health Outcomes

Camel milk has been demonstrated to be effective in treating a broad range of illnesses. Camel’s milk is regarded to have therapeutic properties because of its unique composition. Some people consider camel milk to be a precious commodity. White camel milk is made by combining fat and water. Several clinical studies have shown that camel’s milk is effective in treating a broad variety of diseases, including chronic ones. Most of the medicinal advantages of camel milk are included in this study. Camel Milk ingredients and qualities are similar to those found in mother’s milk, making it superior than cow’s milk. Insulin-like and protective proteins are found in abundance, along with lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate. It has anti-tumor qualities, and the robust immune system components assist combat disorders, including diabetes, autism, and diarrhea. It has been used by Nomads and Bedouins (Arabian tribals) for millennia because of these properties. The main objective of this review article is to demonstrate its various pharmacological roles. Camel’s milk is regarded as a vast medicinal property, as it contains a unique composition of bioactive moieties like lactose, proteins (Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase, Insulin, Casein), vitamins (A, B1, B2, C, D, E), minerals (Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper) carbohydrates etc. Most of the medicinal advantages of camel milk are covered in this paper, like its role in the management of autism, Crohn’s disease, allergic conditions, Hepatitis B and C, as antiviral and antibacterial agent. Hence, this study was planned to collect the updated latest information regarding use of camel’s milk, which will be very beneficial in the field of medicines and managing various ailments for the benefit of mankind.

Ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin upon aflatoxin B1 induced hepatic injury in rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a major risk to both human and animal health because it contaminates food, feed, and grains. These dangerous effects can be mitigated using natural components. The purpose of this study was to examine the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin supplementation upon aflatoxin B1 induced hepatic injury in rats. This improvement was assessed by measuring leukocytic and deferential counts, serum biochemical parameters, and gene expression of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), antioxidant gene (NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)), and base excision repair genes (APE1 and OGG1) in the liver tissue, in addition to liver histopathology. Sixty mature males Wister white rats were used to perform the present study; the rats were distributed in six groups (ten rats/group). The control group (without any treatment) received saline by gavage. The camel milk group received 1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight. The silymarin group received 1 ml of silymarin suspension solution at a dose of 20 mg of silymarin/kg of b.wt. The aflatoxin group received an aflatoxin-contaminated diet at a dose of 1.4 mg of aflatoxin /kg of diet and received saline. The camel milk + aflatoxin group received the same previous oral doses of camel milk and an aflatoxin-contaminated diet at the same time. The silymarin + aflatoxin group received the same previous doses of silymarin orally and an aflatoxin-contaminated diet at the same time. The obtained data indicated the deleterious effect of aflatoxin B1 on the leukocytic count, activity of AST and ALT, serum proteins, ferritin, alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, liver pathology, and the expression of the studied genes. However, these deleterious effects were mitigated by camel milk and silymarin supplementation. Thus, we could conclude that the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin mitigated the negative effects of AFB1 on the hematology, activity of AST and ALT, serum proteins, ferritin, alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, liver pathology, and gene expression in the rat model.

Compositional and Functional Characteristics of Camel Milk: Evidence Based Review

Camel milk (CM) has been demonstrated to be effective in treating a broad range of illnesses. Camel's milk is regarded to have therapeutic properties because of its unique composition. Some people consider CM to be a precious commodity. White CM is made by combining fat and water. Several clinical studies have shown that CM effectively treats various diseases, including chronic ones. Most of the medicinal advantages of CM are included in this study. CM ingredients and qualities are similar to those found in mother's milk, making it superior to cow's milk. Insulin-like and protective proteins are found in abundance, along with lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate. It has anti-tumour qualities, and the robust immune system components assist in combatting disorders, including diabetes, autism, and diarrhoea. It has been used by Nomads and Bedouins (Arabian tribal) for millennia because of these properties.

Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Anticancer Effects of Camel Milk Exosomes: An In Vitro Study

Camel milk (CM) has potent antibacterial and antifungal effects and camel milk exosomes (CM-EXO) have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of a large variety of cancer cells including HepaRG, MCF7, Hl60, and PANC1. However, little is known regarding the effects of CM-EXO on bacteria, fungi, HepG2, CaCo2, and Vero cells. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer effects of CM-EXO. EXOs were isolated from CM by ultracentrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscope and flow cytometry. Unlike CM, CM-EXO (6 mg/mL) had no bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, and Enterococcus feacalis) but they had bacteriostatic effects, especially against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus mirabilis), and fungistatic effects on Candida albicans. HepG2, CaCo2, and Vero cells were respectively treated with CM-EXOs at low (6.17, 3.60, 75.35 μg/mL), moderate (12.34, 7.20, 150.70 μg/mL), and high (24.68, 14.40, 301.40 μg/mL) doses and the results revealed that CM-EXOs triggered apoptosis in HepG2 and CaCo2 cells, but not in normal Vero cells, as revealed by high Bax expression and caspase 3 activities and lower expression of Bcl2. Interestingly, CM-EXOs also induced the elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and downregulated the expression of antioxidant-related genes (NrF2 and HO-1) in cancer cells but not in normal cells. CM-EXOs have antibacterial and antifungal effects as well as a selective anticancer effect against HepG2 and CaCo2 cells with a higher safety margin on normal cells.

Prospective Role of Bioactive Molecules and Exosomes in the Therapeutic Potential of Camel Milk against Human Diseases: An Updated Perspective

Camel milk (CM) constitutes an important dietary source in the hot and arid regions of the world. CM is a colloidal mixture of nutritional components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals) and non-nutritional components (hormones, growth factors, cytokines, immunoglobulins, and exosomes). Although the majority of previous research has been focused on the nutritional components of CM; there has been immense interest in the non-nutritional components in the recent past. Reckoning with these, in this review, we have provided a glimpse of the recent trends in CM research endeavors and attempted to provide our perspective on the therapeutic efficacy of the nutritional and non-nutritional components of CM. Interestingly, with concerted efforts from the research fraternities, convincing evidence for the better understanding of the claimed traditional health benefits of CM can be foreseen with great enthusiasm and is indeed eagerly anticipated.

The Therapeutic Potential of Milk Extracellular Vesicles on Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer remains one of the leading prevalent cancers in the world and is the fourth most common cause of death from cancer. Unfortunately, the currently utilized chemotherapies fail in selectively targeting cancer cells and cause harm to healthy cells, which results in profound side effects. Researchers are focused on developing anti-cancer targeted medications, which is essential to making them safer, more effective, and more selective and to maximizing their therapeutic benefits. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from camels and cows have attracted much attention as a natural substitute product that effectively suppresses a wide range of tumor cells. This review sheds light on the biogenesis, methods of isolation, characterization, and molecular composition of milk EVs as well as the therapeutic potentials of milk EVs on colorectal cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for gastrointestinal cancer

Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, a series of malignant conditions originating from the digestive system, include gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. GI cancers have been regarded as the leading cancer-related cause of death in recent years. Therefore, it is essential to develop effective treatment strategies for GI malignancies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of distinct non-hematopoietic stem cells and an important component of the tumor microenvironment, play important roles in regulating GI cancer development and progression through multiple mechanisms, such as secreting cytokines and direct interactions. Currently, studies are focusing on the anti-cancer effect of MSCs on GI malignancies. However, the effects and functional mechanisms of MSC-derived exosomes on GI cancer are less studied. MSC-derived exosomes can regulate GI tumor growth, drug response, metastasis, and invasion through transplanting proteins and miRNA to tumor cells to activate the specific signal pathway. Besides, the MSC-derived exosomes are also seen as an important drug delivery system and have shown potential in anti-cancer treatment. This study aims to summarize the effect and biological functions of MSC-derived exosomes on the development of GI cancers and discuss their possible clinical applications for the treatment of GI malignancies.

Therapeutic potential of camel milk exosomes against HepaRG cells with potent apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenesis effects for colostrum exosomes

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the therapeutic effect of camel milk exosomes derived from colostrum, early, mid, and late lactation periods on liver cancer HepaRG cells. These exosomes showed cytotoxicity on HepaRG while being safer on normal human liver THLE-2 cells. Among the four different isolated exosome groups, exosomes isolated from colostrum exhibited the highest apoptotic potential on HepaRG as indicated by highest DNA damage and upregulated expression of Bax and caspase3 expression, but with lowest Bcl2 expression. HepaRG-treated with colostrum-derived exosomes also exhibited the lowest expression of inflammation-related genes (TNFα, NFkB, TGFβ1, and Cox2) and the angiogenesis-related gene VEGF. Colostrum-derived exosomes had significantly higher expression of lactoferrin and kappa casein than other milk-derived exosomes. These results indicate that colostrum-derived exosomes have a more potent anti-cancer effect on HepaRG cells than exosomes derived from the early, mid, and lat lactation periods. This effect could be mediated through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of inflammation and angiogenesis. Therefore, these exosomes could be used as safe adjuvants/carriers to deliver chemotherapeutics and to potentiate their anticancer effect on liver cancer cells.

Research Development on Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Properties of Camel Milk and Its Role as an Anti-Cancer and Anti-Hepatitis Agent

Camel milk is a rich source of vitamin C, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), beta-caseins and milk whey proteins, including lactoferrin, lysozyme, lactoperoxidase, alpha-lactalbumin and immunoglobulin. The lactoferrin plays a key role in several physiological functions, such as conferring antioxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory functions in cells. Similarly, the camel milk alpha-lactalbumin has shown greater antioxidative activity because of its higher antioxidant amino acid residues. The antioxidant properties of camel milk have also been ascribed to the structural conformation of its beta-caseins. Upon hydrolysis, the beta-caseins lead to some bioactive peptides having antioxidant activities. Consequently, the vitamin C in camel milk has a significant antioxidant effect and can be used as a source of vitamin C when the climate is harsh. Furthermore, the lysozyme and immunoglobulins in camel milk have anti-microbial and immune regulatory properties. The LAB isolated from camel milk have a protective role against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. Moreover, the LAB can be used as a probiotic and may restore the oxidative status caused by various pathogenic bacterial infections. Various diseases such as cancer and hepatitis have been associated with oxidative stress. Camel milk could increase antiproliferative effects and regulate antioxidant genes during cancer and hepatitis, hence ameliorating oxidative stress. In the current review, we have illustrated the anti-microbial and antioxidant properties of camel milk in detail. In addition, the anti-cancer and anti-hepatitis properties of camel milk have also been discussed.

More than Nutrition: Therapeutic Potential of Breast Milk-Derived Exosomes in Cancer

Human breast milk (HBM) is an irreplaceable source of nutrition for early infant growth and development. Breast-fed children are known to have a low prevalence and reduced risk of various diseases, such as necrotizing enterocolitis, gastroenteritis, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. In recent years, HBM has been found to contain a microbiome, extracellular vesicles or exosomes, and microRNAs, as well as nutritional components and non-nutritional proteins, including immunoregulatory proteins, hormones, and growth factors. Especially, the milk-derived exosomes exert various physiological and therapeutic function in cell proliferation, inflammation, immunomodulation, and cancer, which are mainly attributed to their cargo molecules such as proteins and microRNAs. The exosomal miRNAs are protected from enzymatic digestion and acidic conditions, and play a critical role in immune regulation and cancer. In addition, the milk-derived exosomes are developed as drug carriers for delivering small molecules and siRNA to tumor sites. In this review, we examined the various components of HBM and their therapeutic potential, in particular of exosomes and microRNAs, towards cancer.

Quinazolinone derivative BNUA-3 ameliorated [NDEA+2-AAF]-induced liver carcinogenesis in SD rats by modulating AhR-CYP1B1-Nrf2-Keap1 pathway

Cytochrome P450 1B1, considered as one of the novel chemotherapeutic targets involved in cancer prevention and therapy is also associated with the conversion of procarcinogens into their active metabolites. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is responsible for mediating different biological responses to a wide variety of environmental pollutants and also causes transcriptional activation of cytochrome P450 enzymes including CYP1B1 and thus plays a pivotal role for initiating cancer and its progression. On the other hand, active carcinogenic metabolites and reactive oxygen species-mediated stress alter different molecular signalling pathways and gene expressions. Quinazoline derivatives are recognized for their diversified biological activities including anticancer properties. The current study was designed for evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy of a synthetic quinazolinone derivative BNUA-3 against hepatocellular cancer in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. A detailed in vivo analysis was performed by administrating BNUA-3 (15, 30 mg/kg b.w. for 28 days, i.p.) in N-Nitrosodiethylamine + 2-Acetylaminofluorene induced partially hepatectomized liver cancer in SD rats. This was followed by morphological evaluations, biochemical estimations and analysis of different mRNA and protein expressions. The results demonstrated the potency of BNUA-3 in efficient restoration of the altered morphology of liver, its protective effect against lipid peroxidation, enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants levels in liver tissue which was disrupted after cancer induction. The study also demonstrated downregulation of AhR, CYP1B1 and Keap1 expressions with subsequent augmentation of protective Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and GSTA1 expressions thus, revealing the chemotherapeutic potency of BNUA-3 in inhibiting liver carcinogenesis through AhR/CYP1B1/Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.

Effect of Dioxins in Milk on the 3D Cultured Primary Buffalo Hepatocyte Model System

Cow and human milk have been reported to contain dioxins ranging from 0.023 to 26.46 and 0.88 to 19 pg/g of fat, respectively. However, the toxic effects of the dioxins in the milk in this range of concentrations were not explored. Therefore, considering the outbred livestock tissues as better models than inbred laboratory animals, the present study targeted to study the effect of dioxins present in the milk on three-dimensionally (3D) cultured buffalo primary hepatocyte spheroids. The spheroids were treated with a model dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), directly and also through milk fat at different concentrations (i.e, 0.02-20 pg/mL) for 24 h. Among the liver-cell-specific (ALB, HNF4α, and AFP) genes, a similar ALB and upregulated HNF4α expression at all treatments indicated the functional and transcriptionally active hepatocyte spheroids. Supportingly, no significant difference in the antiapoptotic gene expression between the treatments of milk fat and milk fat containing dioxins indicated the survivability of the spheroids during dioxin treatments. Among the selected TCDD responsive (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, AHR, CYP1B1, and TIPARP) genes, a nonsignificant increasing trend of the CYP1A1 expression was observed from 0.2 to 10 pg/mL of TCDD concentration through milk fat. This pattern was similar to the reported insensitive response of human primary hepatocytes toward dioxins than that of rat primary hepatocytes. This may indicate that the buffalo hepatocyte spheroids could be better models than rats for TCDD hepatotoxic studies. Further, TCDD in the milk in the range of 0.02-20 pg/mL concentration may not be very hepatotoxic.

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.

Anticancer Activity of Camel Milk via Induction of Autophagic Death in Human Colorectal and Breast Cancer Cells

Background/ Objective: Camel milk is traditionally known for its human health benefits and believed to be a remedy for various human ailments including cancer. The study was aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of commercially available camel milk on cancer cells and its underlying mechanism(s). Materials and Methods: Two cell lines: colorectal cancer HCT 116 and breast cancer MCF-7 were cultured with different doses of camel milk. The effects of camel milk on cell death were determined by MTT assay, viability by trypan blue exclusion assay and migration by in vitro scratch assay. The mechanism was elucidated by western blotting and confocal microscopy was used to confirm autophagy. Results: Camel milk significantly reduced proliferation, viability as well as migration of both the cells. The accumulation of LC3-II protein along with reduction in expression of p62 and Atg 5-12, the autophagy proteins implied induction of autophagy. The (GFP)-LC3 puncta detected by confocal microscopy confirmed the autophagosome formation in response to camel milk treatment. Conclusion: Camel milk exerted antiproliferative effects on human colorectal HCT 116 and breast MCF-7 cancer cells by inducing autophagy.

Potential Effect of Exosomes Derived from Cancer Stem Cells and MSCs on Progression of DEN-Induced HCC in Rats

Cross talk, mediated by exosomes, between normal stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs) in the tumor microenvironment has been given less attention so far. In addition, no publications are available in the literature that address the in vivo impact of exosomes derived from CSCs and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on progression of long-term hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, we hypothesized that transfer of exosomes among the cells in the HCC microenvironment could either induce or inhibit tumor growth and metastasis depending on their source. To check this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of exosomes coming from two different stem cell populations, hepatic CSCs and bone marrow (BM) MSCs, on progression of long-term DEN-induced HCC in rats and the involved underlying mechanisms. CSCs-exosomes induced a significant increase in liver relative weight and serum levels of cancer markers (AFP and GGT) and liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), intensive immunostaining for the HCC marker GST-P, and an increased number and area of tumor nodules as compared to HCC rats injected by PBS. CSCs-exosomes also decreased apoptosis (marked by downregulation of Bax and p53 and upregulation of Bcl2, and increased immunostaining of PCNA), increased angiogenetic activity (revealed by upregulation of VEGF), enhanced metastasis and invasiveness (indicated by upregulation of P13K and ERK proteins and their downstream target MMP9 and downregulation of TIMP1), and induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (marked by increased serum and hepatic level of TGFβ1 mRNA and protein). Notably, CSCs-exosomes also elevated HCC exosomal microRNA (miR) 21, exosomal long noncoding (lnc) RNA Tuc339, lncHEIH, and the HCC lncHOTAIR and decreased liver miR122 and HCC miRs (miR148a, miR16, and miR125b). All these cellular, functional, and molecular changes were reversed following injection of BM-MSCs-exosomes. However, both CSCs- and MSCs-exosomes failed to change the elevated oxidative stress or the inhibited antioxidant activities induced by HCC. Collectively, our results revealed a tumor stimulatory effect (induction of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis) for exosomes derived from CSCs and an inhibitory effect for exosomes derived from MSCs. These results provide valuable insight on the effect of CSCs- and MSCs-exosomes on HCC growth and progression in vivo, which may be helpful to understand the mechanism of HCC development.

Therapeutic Effect of Camel Milk and Its Exosomes on MCF7 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo

Background/Objectives: In the Middle East, people consume camel milk regularly as it is believed to improve immunity against diseases and decrease the risk for cancer. Recently, it was noted that most of the beneficial effects of milk come from their nanoparticles, especially exosomes. Herein, we evaluated the anticancer potential of camel milk and its exosomes on MCF7 breast cancer cells (in vitro and in vivo) and investigated the possible underlying molecular mechanism of action. Methods/Results: Administration of camel milk (orally) and its exosomes (orally and by local injection) decreased breast tumor progression as evident by (a) higher apoptosis (indicated by higher DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activity, Bax gene expression, and lower Bcl2 gene expression), (b) remarkable inhibition of oxidative stress (decrease in MDA levels and iNOS gene expression); (c) induction of antioxidant status (increased activities of SOD, CAT, and GPX), (d) notable reduction in expression of inflammation-(IL1b, NFκB), angiogenesis-(VEGF) and metastasis-(MMP9, ICAM1) related genes; and (e) higher immune response (high number of CD⁺4, CD⁺8, NK1.1 T cells in spleen). Conclusions: Overall, administration of camel milk–derived exosomes showed better anticancer effect, but less immune response, than treatment by camel milk. Moreover, local injection of exosomes led to better improvement than oral administration. These findings suggest that camel milk and its exosomes have anticancer effect possibly through induction of apoptosis and inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis and metastasis in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, camel milk and its exosomes could be used as an anticancer agent for cancer treatment.

In vivo antitumour potential of camel's milk against hepatocellular carcinoma in rats and its improvement of cisplatin renal side effects

CONTEXT

Camel milk (CM) is recommended for liver disease patients in Egypt for a strong belief that it has a curative effect.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of consumption of CM with or without chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin was evaluated on induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Wistar male rats (56) were divided into eight groups (7 rats each). Group I was control. Hepatocarcinogenesis was initiated by a single dose of intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DENA) (200 mg/kg BW) and promoted by phenobarbitone (500 ppm) in drinking water in groups V, VI, VII and VIII. Treatment started from 28th till 38th week using CM (5 mL/day) and/or cisplatin (5 mg/kg/3 weeks) in groups II, III IV, VI, VII and VIII. Biochemical analysis, lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in liver tissue were performed. Histopathology of liver and kidney and immunohistochemistry of placental glutathione-S-transferase (P-GST) in liver were performed and analyzed using image analysis.

RESULTS

Albumin concentration and SOD activity were 3.13 ± 0.23 and 311.45 ± 41.71 in group VII (DENA & cisplatin), whereas they were 4.3 ± 0.15 and 540.5 ± 29.94 in group VII (DENA, CM and cisplatin). The mean area of altered hepatocellular foci and P-GST altered foci decreased in group VI (DENA and CM) (1049.6 ± 174.78 and 829.1 ± 261) and group VIII (cisplatin and CM) (1615.12 ± 436 and 543.9 ± 127) compared to group V (DENA only) (4173.74 ± 510.7 and 3169.49 ± 538.61). Cisplatin caused chronic interstitial nephritis, which was slightly alleviated in group VIII (CM and cisplatin).

CONCLUSIONS

CM had an antioxidant effect and together with cisplatin managed to decrease hepatocarcinogenesis.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CAMEL MILK AS ANTI-DIABETIC SUPPLEMENT: BIOCHEMICAL, MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY

Background:

Diabetes is a serious disease affects human health. Diabetes in advanced stages is accompanied by general weakness and alteration in fats and carbohydrates metabolism. Recently there are some scientific trends about the usage of camel milk (CM) in the treatment of diabetes and its associated alterations. CM contains vital active particles with insulin like action that cure diabetes and its complications but how these effects occur, still unclear.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five adult male rats of the albino type divided into five equal groups. Group 1 served as a negative control (C). Group 2 was supplemented with camel milk (CM). Diabetes was induced in the remaining groups (3, 4 and 5). Group 3 served as positive diabetic control (D). Group 4 served as diabetic and administered metformin (D+MET). Group 5 served as diabetes and supplemented with camel milk (D+CM). Camel milk was supplemented for two consecutive months. Serum glucose, leptin, insulin, liver, kidney, antioxidants, MDA and lipid profiles were assayed. Tissues from liver and adipose tissues were examined using RT-PCR analysis for the changes in mRNA expression of genes of carbohydrates and lipid metabolism. Pancreas and liver were used for immunohistochemical examination using specific antibodies.

Results:

Camel milk supplementation ameliorated serum biochemical measurements that altered after diabetes induction. CM supplementation up-regulated mRNA expression of IRS-2, PK, and FASN genes, while down-regulated the expression of CPT-1 to control mRNA expression level. CM did not affect the expression of PEPCK gene. On the other hand, metformin failed to reduce the expression of CPT-1 compared to camel milk administered rats. Immunohistochemical findings revealed that CM administration restored the immunostaining reactivity of insulin and GLUT-4 in the pancreas of diabetic rats.

Conclusion:

CM administration is of medical importance and helps physicians in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Through the eye of an electrospray needle: mass spectrometric identification of the major peptides and proteins in the milk of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

The milk of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) reportedly offers medicinal benefits, perhaps because of its unique bioactive components. Milk proteins were determined by (1) two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and peptide mass mapping and (2) liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) following one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Over 200 proteins were identified: some known camel proteins including heavy-chain immunoglobulins and others exhibiting regions of exact homology with proteins from other species. Indigenous peptides were also identified following isolation and concentration by two strategies: (1) gel-eluted liquid fraction entrapment electrophoresis and (2) small-scale electrophoretic separation. Extracts were analyzed by LC-MS/MS and peptides identified by matching strategies, by de novo sequencing and by applying a sequence tag tool requiring similarity to the proposed sequence, but not an exact match. A plethora of protein cleavage products including some novel peptides were characterized. These studies demonstrate that camel milk is a rich source of peptides, some of which may serve as nutraceuticals.

AhR expression is increased in hepatocellular carcinoma

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor implicated in multiple cellular processes and its expression has been shown to play a critical role in tumorigenesis. However, the role of AhR in tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma remains unclear. In the current study, we investigated the role of AhR in hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and progression by (a) measuring the expression levels of AhR in liver lesions and (b) assessing the correlation between AhR expression and clinicopathologic parameters. The tissue microarray used in this study contained hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (n = 94), cancer adjacent normal hepatic tissues (n = 5) and normal hepatic tissues (n = 5), which were immunohistochemically assessed for AhR expression. Significantly stronger AhR staining was observed for hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than for cancer adjacent normal hepatic tissues (P = 0.003) and normal hepatic tissues (P = 0.004). In addition, AhR expression was associated with T stage (P = 0.03). The results from this study suggest that an increase in AhR expression is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma progression and may have a potential role in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Camel milk triggers apoptotic signaling pathways in human hepatoma HepG2 and breast cancer MCF7 cell lines through transcriptional mechanism

Few published studies have reported the use of crude camel milk in the treatment of stomach infections, tuberculosis and cancer. Yet, little research was conducted on the effect of camel milk on the apoptosis and oxidative stress associated with human cancer. The present study investigated the effect and the underlying mechanisms of camel milk on the proliferation of human cancer cells using an in vitro model of human hepatoma (HepG2) and human breast (MCF7) cancer cells. Our results showed that camel milk, but not bovine milk, significantly inhibited HepG2 and MCF7 cells proliferation through the activation of caspase-3 mRNA and activity levels, and the induction of death receptors in both cell lines. In addition, Camel milk enhanced the expression of oxidative stress markers, heme oxygenase-1 and reactive oxygen species production in both cells. Mechanistically, the increase in caspase-3 mRNA levels by camel milk was completely blocked by the transcriptional inhibitor, actinomycin D; implying that camel milk increased de novo RNA synthesis. Furthermore, Inhibition of the mitogen activated protein kinases differentially modulated the camel milk-induced caspase-3 mRNA levels. Taken together, camel milk inhibited HepG2 and MCF7 cells survival and proliferation through the activation of both the extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways.