Evaluating the effects of goat’s milk on inflammatory responses in rat model with gastritis

Abstract

Introduction: Gastritis is a health issue that can lead to various complications, including chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric metaplasia/dysplasia, iron deficiency anaemia, gastric bleeding, gastric perforation, and gastric cancer. Goat’s milk contains bioactive ingredients, particularly proteins, that offer significant health benefits. This study aimed to examine the potential of goat’s milk as an antiinflammatory agent in gastritis rat models. Methods: This research used a preclinical experimental design. A total of 25 rats were divided into five groups (n=5 per group): three groups received goat’s milk at doses of 0.5 ml, 1 ml, and 1.5 ml daily for 30 days, followed by ethanol administration (80%, 1 ml) for three consecutive days; one group received no treatment and was not exposed to ethanol; and one group received ethanol without prior goat’s milk administration. Interleukin-6 (IL- 6), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokines were analysed using the Luminex Multiplex Bead Assay. Results: Administering 1.0 ml and 1.5 ml of goat’s milk for 30 days increased IL-10 and inhibited the increase in IL-6 and TNF-α in gastritis rat models compared with administering 0.5 ml of goat’s milk. Histological examination revealed a marked improvement in integrity of gastric mucosal layer, with reduced signs of cellular damage, less infiltration of inflammatory cells, and an increase in thickness of mucosal layer. These histological findings correlated with observed cytokine changes, suggesting that goat’s milk exerts a protective effect on gastric mucosa, potentially through immunomodulatory mechanisms. Conclusion: Goat’s milk showed protective and anti-inflammatory effects in a rat model of gastritis, indicating its potential as a supportive dietary component for gastric health, pending further research.