Demonstration of hepatoprotective action of camel milk through improving antioxidant activity and regulating gene expression in mice

Abstract

The composition of camel milk includes antioxidants that are beneficial for liver function and regulate gene expression. Here we evaluated the protective effects of camel milk in mice. Our results revealed that camel milk protected the liver by decreasing levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in mice. Histopathological examination demonstrated that the livers of mice receiving camel milk were not different to those of control mice. The mRNA expression of SAA1, TGF-α, TNF-α, and LCN2 was down-regulated in the livers of mice receiving camel milk. These results indicate that camel milk significantly increases the antioxidant capability of the liver and regulates gene expression in mice. Thus it is opined that regular consumption of camel milk has hepato-protective effect.