Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Goat Whey Protein in Concanavalin-A Induced Hepatitis

Background/Objectives: Immune-mediated hepatitis, including autoimmune hepatitis, remains a formidable clinical challenge characterized by the rapid destruction of the liver parenchyma. While whey proteins are well-regarded for their anti-inflammatory properties, goat whey possesses a distinct bioactive profile, offering superior digestibility and reduced allergenicity compared to their bovine counterparts. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential and underlying immunological mechanisms of lyophilized goat whey (LGW) in a Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced model of acute hepatitis. Methods: BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were administered LGW orally (1 g/kg/day) for five consecutive days prior to a ConA challenge. Liver injury was quantified via serum transaminase levels and histopathological evaluation. The cytokine profiles and the phenotype of liver mononuclear cells (MNCs) were analyzed using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: LGW pretreatment significantly attenuated ConA-induced hepatitis in both mouse strains, markedly reducing serum transaminase levels and preserving hepatic architecture. Mechanistically, LGW triggered a fundamental shift in the hepatic immune microenvironment by suppressing the pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 axis (evidenced by decreased IFN-γ and IL-17) while concurrently upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, LGW induced a tolerogenic phenotype in hepatic dendritic cells (CD11c⁺CD206⁺), which directly correlated with a significant expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). This strain-independent protection suggests that LGW modulates fundamental, early-stage immune signaling pathways within the liver. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that LGW exerts potent hepatoprotection by effectively reprogramming the hepatic immune microenvironment toward a tolerogenic state. These results position LGW as a promising, safe, and effective functional food candidate for the prevention and adjunct management of immune-mediated inflammatory liver diseases.