The Relative Indirect Anthelmintic Effect of Caprine Milk on Mucins Gene Expression in Vitro Using IL-22 Treated LS174T Cells Model of Helminth Infection

Mucus secretion by intestinal goblet cells constitutes an important mechanism in TH2 response following helminth infection mediated by the key cytokine IL-22. This indirect mechanism rather than directly attacking the parasite is important in preventing helminth attachment hence promoting helminth expulsion from the intestinal tract. We hypothesized that natural products having an anthelmintic activity like caprine milk may exert similar response. Using human intestinal LS174T cells treated with IL-22 to simulate helminth infection, we tested whether or not the co-treatment with caprine milk induces MUC1, MUC3, MUC4 and MUC5B genes expression. Optimal concentrations for caprine milk was determined to be 25% and 50% from cell viability assay. IL-22 induced helminth infection model was confirmed. However, the indirect anthelmintic effect of caprine milk was only relative as treatment of caprine milk in LS174T cells and IL-22 in vitro did not significantly induce MUC1, MUC3, MUC4 and MUC5B genes expression when compared to treatment with IL-22 alone. In conclusion, caprine milk was not significantly associated with the mechanism of increased mucus production through up regulation of mucin genes by intestinal cells. Caprine milk may possess direct anthelmintic effect rather than indirect.