Camel milk whey inhibits inflammatory colorectal cancer development via down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines in induced AOM/DSS mouse model

Abstract

Camel milk (CM) has got an increasing interest by traditional healers and medical practitioners in areas where camels are raised for their therapeutic potential. To investigate the potential activity of CM against cancer on scientific bases, azoxymethane (AOM)/Dextran Sodium Sulfate (DSS) colitis Balb/c mouse model of CRC was used and CM whey was given orally during disease development. Colitis associated symptoms and tumor development were followed during the experiment and at the day of termination. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression were quantified using qPCR. The results showed a significant effect for CM whey on the reduction of early stage development of CRC and colon inflammation symptoms, as revealed by enhanced weight gain, reduced bloody stool and diarrhea. A concurrent reduction in gene expression of the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 was evident in colon tissue of CM whey treated mice. Moreover, both IFN-γ and IL-8 gene expression was also significantly reduced in treated mice. On the contrary, the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 was elevated in colon tissues of CM treated mice. In addition, iNOS, a marker for inflamed mucosa was down-regulated in treated mice. A control bovine milk whey treated group showed similar effect on IL-8, IL-6 and iNOS gene expression, whereas an elevation in IFN-γ was noticed in this group. Our results indicate the potential activity of CM whey in reducing the development of CRC in mice mainly by reducing colitis induction by chemical stimuli. Whether the active substance responsible for this activity is single or combined deserves further investigation.