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

Drone brood homogenate (DBH), a nutrient-rich bee product, has received limited scientific attention despite its potential immunomodulatory and gut-protective properties. This study evaluated the effects of a dietary DBH supplementation on the intestinal barrier-related gene expression, phagocytic activity, and lymphocyte subpopulations in pigs. Eighteen weaned pigs were assigned to three groups (control, DBH100, DBH200) and fed DBH at 0, 100, or 200 mg/kg feed for 18 days. The gene expression of tight junction markers (occludin, claudin-1) and mucosal integrity-associated proteins (lumican, OLFM4) was assessed in the ileum by qRT-PCR. Phagocyte function and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were analysed by flow 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 an increased engulfing capacity and an elevated oxidative burst index, though the percentage of active phagocytes was only weakly affected. The DBH supplementation did not alter the total T (CD3⁺) or B (CD21⁺) cells; however, both DBH groups showed a significantly 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.