Eggceptional variances: Exploring immunomodulation across commercial caged, free-range, and Tibetan environments

Abstract

The nutritional quality of poultry eggs is altered at different geographic altitudes, seasonal latitudes, and feeding conditions, which in turn affect the immune function of the consumer. The main objective of this study was to investigate how different environments (caged, free-range, and Tibetan farming) affect the nutritional composition of eggs, subsequently influencing the immune status of the organism and establishing a correlation between environment, food, and health. The results demonstrated that the three types of eggs significantly enhanced the health status of immunocompromised mice. Eggs efficiently protect immune organs, prevent decline in immune cell activity, and improve the body's resilience to external stimuli by regulating the secretion of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and the differentiation of lymphocyte subpopulations. Moreover, all three types of eggs enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption by repairing the damaged intestinal barrier. Notably, the caged egg showed effective regulation of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Besides regulating cytokine levels, free-range eggs significantly increased lymphocytes and erythrocyte concentrations. Meanwhile, Tibetan eggs primarily exerted their immunological effects by stimulating cytokine secretion and repairing the intestinal barrier. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how eggs from diverse environments affect the immune system, providing an essential theoretical basis for egg production and guiding consumers in dietary choices.