Ability of Goat Milk to Modulate Healthy Human Peripheral Blood Lymphomonocyte and Polymorphonuclear Cell Function: In vitro Effects and Clinical Implications

F.       Jirillo; G.      Martemucci; A.G.       D'Alessandro; M.A.      Panaro; A.      Cianciulli; M.      Superbo; E.      Jirillo; T.      Magrone

Abstract

The in vitro effects of goats milk from different sources (Jonica, Saanen, and Priska breeds plus a commercial preparation) on healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated in terms of nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine release. According to the incubation time (24 h or 48 h) used all milks could induce release of NO from monocytes. In this context, however, in the presence of a commercial milk preparation inhibition of lypopolysaccharide (LPS)-induce NO generation was evident. Also polymorphonuclear cells stimulated with the various milks released detectable amounts of NO. In the case of Priska milk inhibition of LPS-mediated NO generation was observed. Despite a broad array of cytokines tested [Interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Transforming Growth Factor-β and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor] only IL-10, TNF-α, and IL-6 were released by PBMCs upon stimulation with various milks. Taken together, these data indicate that goats milk for its capacity to produce NO may exert a cardioprotective and anti-atherogenic effect in consumers. Moreover, induction of proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines suggests the ability of this milk to maintain immune homeostasis in the immunocompromised host (e.g., aged people).

Keywords: Interleukins, milk, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, nitric oxide

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