PSVIII-9 Effect of Garlic Extracts on Galectin Protein Secretion in St. Croix Sheep Blood

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of garlic extract on the modulation of Galectin protein secretion in sheep blood. Dietary supplements can influence innate immunity. Garlic (Allium sativum) and its derivatives are eco-friendly non-antibiotic, growth-promoting dietary supplements known to modulate inflammation. Galectins (Gals) are a family of animal lectins that bind β-galactosides. Secreted Gal modulates pathological processes and inflammation. It is important to define potential targets of Garlic for its applications in sheep health. Clinically, healthy adult, age-matched non-pregnant St Croix sheep (n=12) from the NC A&T University farm were divided into treatment group (n=6) and control group (n=6). Treatment group 1 was drenched with 5 ml garlic juice (Garlic Barrier (Glendale, CA) concentrate at a rate of 10 ml diluted in sterile distilled water 1:1. The control group was drenched with 10ml sterile distilled water for four weeks. The body weight, body condition, and FAMACHA scores were measured weekly. Faecal egg count was evaluated using the modified McMaster technique. Total plasma protein was analyzed using the BCA assay. Secretion of Gals 1, 3, 9 was evaluated using ELISA kits (My BIOSOURCE). Data were analyzed using T-test where p≤0.05 (SAS9.4 SAS Institute Cary NC). Garlic had no significant effect on FAMACHA ©, body condition score, packed cell volume, differential white blood cell count. Fecal egg count decreased significantly in treated animals in weeks 1(p< 0.034) and 3 (p< 0.003). Total protein, GAL-1 and GAL-3 concentration increased (p< 0.004) in the treatment group. The concentration of Gal-9 decreased when compared to the control group. Garlic had no adverse effect and differentially modulated Gal secretion. Further studies are required to determine the health and production benefits of the observed Gal modulation using garlic in St Croix sheep.