Preventive effects of donkey milk powder on the ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice

Allergic asthma, a globally growing respiratory disease, is associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), airway remodeling, mucus hypersecretion and T-helper type (Th) 2 inflammatory responses. Donkey milk, similar to human milk in composition, has potential in asthma remission considering its anti-inflammatory properties and components. We explored the effects of oral administration with donkey milk powder (DML; 0.4, 2, and 10 g/kg) on mice under ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. We found DMP ameliorated AHR and postponed manifestation of asthma. Additionally, DMP relieved the injury and fibrosis of airway epithelium. Besides, it alleviated mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) accumulation along with goblet cell hyperplasia in lung tissues and also downregulated the stimulated MUC5AC expression in human airway epithelial cell line NCI-H292. Moreover, DMP reduced airway eosinophilia and the increased Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as serum immunoglobulin E, and inhibited NF-kappa B P65 activity. These results indicated preventive effects of DMP on OVA-induced asthma.