Protective Effect of IgY Embedded in W/O/W Emulsion on LPS Enteritis-Induced Colonic Injury in Mice

Chicken yolk immunoglobulin (IgY), an immunologically active component, is used as an alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of enteritis. In this study, IgY was embedded in a W/O/W emulsion to overcome the digestive barrier and to investigate the protective effect of IgY against LPS-induced enteritis in mice. Four different hydrophilic emulsifiers (T80, PC, SC, and WPI) were selected to prepare separate W/O/W emulsions for encapsulating IgY. The results showed that the IgY-embedded double emulsion in the WPI group was the most effective. IgY embedded in the W/O/W emulsion could reduce the damage of LPS to the mouse intestine and prevent LPS-induced intestinal mucosal damage in mice. It increased the number of cup cells, promoted the expression of Muc2, and increased the mRNA expression levels of KLF3, TFF3, Itln1, and Ang4 (p < 0.05). It also enhanced the antioxidant capacity of the colon tissue, reduced the level of inflammatory factors in the colon tissue, and protected the integrity of the colon tissue. Stable embedding of IgY could be achieved using the W/O/W emulsion. In addition, the IgY-embedded W/O/W emulsion can be used as a dietary supplement to protect against LPS-induced enteritis in mice.