Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Action of Low-molecular-weight Whey Protein Capable of Activating Macrophages in Bovine Mastitis

Abstract

Background/aim: Bovine mastitis is caused by the invasion and propagation of pathogenic microorganisms into the udder and mammary gland tissues of cattle. In this study, the therapeutic effect of a low-molecular-weight whey protein (LMW-WP) on bovine mastitis was evaluated.

Materials and methods: LMW-WP was orally, intraperitoneally, and vaginally administered to bovine with mastitis. The number of somatic cells in milk was measured 24 h before the administration of LMW-WP. The effect of LMW-WP on cytokine production was measured with a microarray that evaluates the expression of cytokines.

Results: In the group that received 1,000 mg intraperitoneally, the somatic cell count was reduced to less than 400,000 at the shipment standard value in three of the four udders, indicating 75% efficacy. The group that received 1,000 mg by vaginal administration showed 67% efficacy. It was confirmed that LMW-WP increased the production of cytokines such as IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12, MCP-1, and VEGF in mouse macrophage cells, but it did not show any antibacterial activity.

Conclusion: LMW-WP may be an effective therapeutic agent for bovine mastitis.

Keywords: Low-molecular-weight whey protein; bovine mastitis; cytokines; macrophages.