@article{Wu2024, 
author = {Hang Wu and Shican Zhou and Wenjuan Ning and Xiao Wu and Xiaoxiao Xu and Zejin Liu and Wenhua Liu and Kun Liu and Lirong Shen and Junpeng Wang},
title = {Major royal-jelly proteins intake modulates immune functions and gut microbiota in mice},
year = {2024},
journal = {Food Science and Human Wellness},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {444-453},
keywords = {Major royal-jelly proteins, Immunity, Estrogen, Gut microbiota, Cytokines},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/FSHW.2022.9250038},
doi = {10.26599/FSHW.2022.9250038},
abstract = {In this study, we investigated the effects of major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) on the estrogen, gut microbiota, and immunological responses in mice. Mice given 250 or 500 mg/kg, not 125 mg/kg of MRJPs, enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in response to mitogens. The splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by T-cell mitogens (ConA and anti-CD3/CD28 antibodies) released high levels of IL-2 but low levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A. The release of IL-4 was unaffected by MRJPs. Additionally, splenocytes and mesenteric lymphocytes activated by LPS were prevented by MRJPs at the same dose as that required for producing IL-1β and IL-6, two pro-inflammatory cytokines. The production of IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ was negatively associated with estrogen levels, which were higher in the MRJP-treated animals than in the control group. Analysis of the gut microbiota revealed that feeding mice 250 mg/kg of MRJPs maintained the stability of the natural intestinal microflora of mice. Additionally, the LEfSe analysis identified biomarkers in the MRJP-treated mice, including Prevotella, Bacillales, Enterobacteriales, Gammaproteobacteria, Candidatus_Arthromitus, and Shigella. Our results showed that MRJPs are important components of royal jelly that modulate host immunity and hormone levels and help maintain gut microbiota stability.}
}