PSII-6 - Changes in Galectin gene expression and secretion in response to Gum Arabica drench in goats

Abstract: Acacia senegal is part of the goat’s natural diet. Gum Arabica (GA) is a water-soluble complex polysaccharide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory prebiotic, derived from Acacia Senegal. It’s mechanism of action has not been defined. Galectins are secreted sugar-binding animal proteins involved in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. They function in microbe recognition and as regulators of inflammation. This study evaluated the effect of GA on Galectin transcription. Clinically healthy Boer X Spanish goats (n = 20) were randomly assigned to two groups of ten. Goats in the treatment group received 10 mL of GA in water daily for six weeks, controls received sterile water. Blood was collected weekly from the jugular vein using acid citrate dextrose as an anticoagulant. Subsequently, the blood was centrifuged to isolate the cells and plasma. Total RNA isolation was isolated from the cell pellet using Trizol (Sigma-Aldrich). The RNA concentration (ng/μl) and purity was assessed using a Nanodrop Spectrophotometer (Thermo Scientific Inc). Galectin-1, -3 and -9 transcription was conducted using goat specific primers and housekeeping genes for real-time PCR. Fold changes were calculated using the Livak method. The Log2FC values for Galectin 1, 3, and 9 expressions were 12.47, 0.29, and 2.22 respectively. Thus, GA had varying effects on structurally distinct galectins. Galectin 1 gene (Lgals1) is an important modulator of the immune response and was highly induced. Changes in Galectin transcription can impact microbial recognition and immune activation for goat health. Further analyses are needed to evaluate the functional effects of GA for application as a prebiotic and immune modulator lain goat health.