Author/Authors :
Hegazi, Ahmed G. Zoonotic Diseases Department - National Research Centre, Dokki-Giza, Egypt , El-Houssiny, Asmaa S. Microwave Physics and Dielectric Department - National Research Centre, Dokki-Giza, Egypt , Sadek, Walid M.A. Sheep and Goat Research Department - Agriculture Research Center, Dokki-Giza, Egypt , Al-Guthami, Faiz M. Al Guthami Foundation, Saudi Arabia , Al-Gethami, Ahmed F.M. Al Guthami Foundation, Saudi Arabia , Sadik, Ahmed M.A. Sheep and Goat Research Department - Agriculture Research Center, Dokki-Giza, Egypt , Korany Fara, Tarek Department of Parasitology and Animal Diseases - National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
Abstract :
This investigation aimed to improve and enhance the immune system status of newborn Egyptian-Nubian
goats using Alginate nanoparticles (ALg NPs) as a new drug carrier for the oral delivery of propolis. Propolis was selected
as a natural additive of colostrum due to its amazing functional properties. In addition, through its implementation into
ALg NPs, its handling properties have been improved and potentiated. Alginate-propolis NPs were prepared by the
controlled gellification method. Morphological analysis of the ALg-propolis NPs was examined using a Transmission
Electron Microscope (TEM). The flavonoids content of the propolis was analyzed by HPLC. Thirty twins Egyptian
Nubian goats (Zaraibi) kids were randomly allotted into three groups; 10 in each group. The rearing systems during
the suckling period were extended to 13 weeks as follows: C: Free suckling (FS), where the born kids were kept with
their dams until being 13 weeks old (control). T1: (FS) + 0.6 ml propolis (twice/week). T2: (FS) + 0.06 ml Alg-propolis
NPs (twice/week). The kids were weighed biweekly and the daily body weight gains were recorded. The serum levels
of immunoglobulins; IgA and IgG, serum total protein as well as the serum cytokine levels; IFN-γ, TNFα, IL1β, and
IL6 after treatment with propolis and ALg-Propolis NPs were determined at different treatment time. The HPLC
analysis revealed 15 flavonoid compounds that are characteristic of propolis. The TEM result showed that the ALgPropolis NPs are discrete and have spherical shapes with small particle sizes in the nanometer scale (10 nm). Also,
the results revealed that both propolis and ALg-Propolis NPs caused a significant increase (P<0.05) of the serum
IgG and IgA immunoglobulin levels and a decrease of the serum cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNFα, IL1β, and IL6) of
newborn Egyptian-Nubian goats. However, the ALg-Propolis NPs have a more potent effect on the IgG and IgA
immunoglobulin levels and cytokine levels than pure propolis. The results indicated that the nano-encapsulation of
propolis within ALg NPs reflected on the health status of the kids, increased the titer of the immunoglobulins; IgG
and IgA and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines. It could conclude that the feasibility of developing a successful
propolis oral delivery nano-system on an industrial scale using the ALg NPs to improve the immune status of the
Egyptian-Nubian newborn kids.
Keywords :
Propolis , Alginate NPs , Egyptian-Nubian goat , Immunoglobulins , Cytokines
