Abstract: This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of mare milk by analyzing immune markers in mice following gavage of mare milk. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to examine variations in the composition and functional profiles of the intestinal microbiota across different experimental groups. Bacterial diversity, abundance, and functional annotations of gut microbiota were evaluated for each group. The results show that, compared to the control group, the mare milk group exhibited a significant decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels and a significant increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels ( < 0.05). The fermented mare milk group and the pasteurized fermented mare milk group demonstrated a significant downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, along with a significant increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels ( < 0.05). Additionally, metagenomic analysis revealed that both the mare milk and fermented mare milk groups were able to regulate the imbalance of the intestinal microenvironment by improving the diversity of the gut microbiota and reshaping its structure. Specifically, the mare milk group enhanced gut barrier function by increasing the abundance of Bacteroides acidifaciens, while the fermented mare milk group increased the proportion of Bacillota and the relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium. KEGG pathway annotation highlighted prominent functions related to carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, followed by coenzyme and vitamin metabolism activities. In conclusion, mare milk and its fermented products demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in modulating immune responses and inhibiting inflammatory cascades. Additionally, the administration of mare milk enhances the composition and metabolic activity of intestinal microbiota in mice, supporting intestinal microecological balance and overall gut health, and offering valuable insights for the development of mare milk-based functional foods.
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Overview
This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of mare milk and its fermented products by analyzing immune responses and gut microbiota changes in mice.
Using metagenomic sequencing, the research explores how mare milk influences intestinal microbial diversity and function, revealing potential health benefits.
Research Objectives and Methods
Objective: To assess the anti-inflammatory properties of mare milk through immune marker analysis and gut microbiota profiling in mice.
Methods:
Mice were administered mare milk, fermented mare milk, or pasteurized fermented mare milk via gavage.
Immune markers including pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10), plus secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), were measured.
Metagenomic sequencing analyzed changes in microbial diversity, abundance, and functional pathways in the gut microbiota among different treatment groups.
Key Findings: Immune Modulation
Mare Milk Group:
Significantly reduced levels of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
Significant increase in SIgA, which plays a role in mucosal immunity.
Fermented Mare Milk and Pasteurized Fermented Mare Milk Groups:
Downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β.
Increased levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine.
Overall, mare milk and its fermented products modulate immune responses by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and enhancing anti-inflammatory markers.
Gut Microbiota Composition and Diversity
Mare Milk Treatment Effects:
Improved overall gut microbial diversity, which is generally associated with better gut health.
Increased abundance of Bacteroides acidifaciens, a bacterium linked to enhanced gut barrier function and health.
Fermented Mare Milk Treatment Effects:
Increased proportion of Bacillota (a major bacterial phylum in the gut).
Raised relative abundance of beneficial bacterial genera such as Faecalibaculum and Bifidobacterium, both known to support immune function and gut health.
The results suggest these treatments help restore and regulate the intestinal microenvironment by shifting microbiota composition toward a more balanced state.
Functional Insights via KEGG Pathway Annotation
Metagenomic analysis identified key metabolic pathways altered by mare milk treatment:
Carbohydrate metabolism: Enhanced breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates.
Amino acid metabolism: Increased capacity for processing amino acids.
Coenzyme and vitamin metabolism: Elevated activities related to synthesis and use of essential cofactors and vitamins.
These functional changes indicate that mare milk not only shifts microbial populations but also enriches microbial metabolic activity supporting host nutrition and gut health.
Conclusions and Implications
Mare milk and its fermented variants demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory effects by:
Suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines and mucosal immunity.
They also positively influence gut microbiota:
Improving microbial diversity and composition.
Enhancing microbial functional metabolism crucial for intestinal health.
The study provides evidence supporting mare milk as a candidate for developing functional foods aimed at improving gut health and managing inflammation.
Overall, mare milk shows promise for modulating immune responses and restoring intestinal microecological balance, which might benefit human health if further validated.
Cite This Article
APA
Wang R, Ren W, Liu S, Li Z, Li L, Ma S, Yao X, Meng J, Zeng Y, Wang J.
(2025).
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mare Milk.
Int J Mol Sci, 26(17), 8239.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26178239
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ren, Wanlu
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Liu, Shibo
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Zexu
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Li, Luling
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Ma, Shikun
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Yao, Xinkui
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Meng, Jun
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Zeng, Yaqi
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
Wang, Jianwen
College of Animal Science, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China.
Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Equine Breeding and Exercise Physiology, Urumqi 830052, China.
MeSH Terms
Animals
Horses
Gastrointestinal Microbiome / drug effects
Gastrointestinal Microbiome / genetics
Milk / metabolism
Metagenomics / methods
Mice
Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
Female
Cytokines / metabolism
Grant Funding
2022A02007-1 and ZYYD2025JD02. / Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Major Science and Technology Special Project and the Central Guidance for Local Science and Technology Development Fund
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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