Synergistic Ameliorative Effects of an Ejiao-Edible Bird’s Nest Compound on Growth, Development, and Immune Function of Zinc-deficient Pregnant Mice and Their Offspring

Abstract:

[Objective]This study aimed to investigate the synergistic ameliorative effects of an Ejiao-edible bird’s nest compound on the growth, development, and immune function of zinc-deficient pregnant mice and their offspring under stress.[Method]A pregnant mouse model of zinc deficiency was established and subjected to nutritional interventions with Ejiao, edible bird’s nest, and their compound. Body mass, serum zinc concentrations, and immunoglobulin levels in both pregnant mice and offspring were measured. Immunohistochemical analysis of the spleen was conducted.[Result]The compound effectively restored serum zinc homeostasis in both pregnant mice and offspring (with the serum zinc concentration reaching a maximum of 18.02 μmol/L in pregnant mice). It significantly increased the body mass gain rate of zinc-deficient pregnant mice to 46.77% and mitigated early growth retardation in the offspring. Regarding immunomodulation, the compound specifically reversed the severe deficit of serum immunoglobulin A in zinc-deficient offspring, increasing the mass concentration to over 1.20 mg/mL. Moreover, it significantly downregulated the abnormally elevated expression levels of NK cell and macrophage markers in the offspring’s spleen, thereby suppressing excessive inflammatory responses.[Conclusion]The Ejiao-edible bird’s nest compound synergistically ameliorates impairments in growth, development, and immune barrier function in zinc-deficient pregnant mice and offspring by reconstructing the zinc nutritional profile, enhancing mucosal immune reserves, and bidirectionally regulating the splenic immune microenvironment.