Influence of the drone brood homogenate on the gut integrity and cellular immunity: A pilot study on pigs

Drone brood homogenate (DBH), anutrient-rich bee product, has received limited scientific attention despite its potential immunomodulatory and gut-protective properties. This study evaluated the effects ofadietary DBH supplementation onthe intestinal barrier–related gene expression, phagocytic activity, and lymphocyte subpopulations inpigs. Eighteen weaned pigs were assigned tothree groups (control, DBH100, DBH200) and fed DBH at0, 100, or200mg/kg feed for 18days. The gene expression oftight junction markers (occludin, claudin-1)and mucosal integrity–associated proteins (lumican, OLFM4) was assessed inthe ileum byqRT-PCR. Phagocyte function and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were analysed byflow cytometry. DBH200 significantly upregulated the occludin, claudin-1, lumican, and OLFM4 expression, indicating enhanced intestinal barrier support. The phagocytes from both DBH-treated groups exhibited anincreased engulfing capacity and anelevated oxidative burst index, though the percentage ofactive phagocytes was only weakly affected. The DBH supplementation did not alter the total T (CD3+) orB (CD21+) cells; however, both DBH groups showed asignificantly increased CD4+ : CD8+ lymphocyte ratio, which is consistent with immune stimulation. These findings suggest that DBH may beneficially modulate the gut barrier integrity and selected components of innate and adaptive cellular immunity in pigs.