Physiochemical characteristics of date pollen extract-hybrid yoghurt as a functional dairy food modulates hypothyroidic symptoms in modeled rats

Yoghurt is a widely consumed dairy product across the globe. It possesses healing properties and qualities that are significant for human health. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of date pollen ethanolic extract-hybrid yoghurt (DPEE-HY) on hypothyroidism as a functional dairy food. Standardized cow's milk was hybridized with 1 or 2% of DPEE, while the control yoghurt (CY) was not hybridized. Adult male Wistar albino rats were used to evaluate the pharmaceutical impacts of DPEE-HY on propylthiouracil (PTU)-induced hypothyroidic rats. The rats were randomly assigned to four groups as follows: (1) healthy animals ingested 1 ml of liquefied non-hybrid yoghurt, acting as control; (2) healthy animals ingested with DPEE-HY (250 mg/kg/day) for 30 days; (3) induced hypothyroidic rats; (4) hypothyroidic rats administered with DPEE-HY for 30 days. The results revealed that DPEE-HY (1 and 2%) showed pH values, acetaldehyde and diacetyl concentrations, and WSN/TN ratios similar to those of control yoghurt; however, it exhibited strong antioxidant activity that was proportional to the DPEE concentration, as well as the highest hardness, and slightly lower viscosity. Administration of hypothyroidic rats with DPEE-HY markedly improved the pathophysiological status of the thyroid gland, as it significantly upregulated levels of T3 and T4, alongside a downregulation in TSH level. The oxidative status was improved by DPEE-HY which markedly decreased the levels of oxidative indicators (MDA and NO) and increased the values of antioxidant markers (GSH, SOD, GPx, and CAT). DPEE-HY also exhibited immunomodulatory effects by reducing the levels of anti-inflammatory markers (TNFα and IL-1β) while simultaneously increasing the INFγ level. Additionally, it significantly improved hepato-renal function and lipid profile, as well as the histological architecture of the thyroid in comparison to the corresponding findings of hypothyroid rats. In conclusion, DPEE-HY showed acceptable physicochemical characteristics, and performed thyroid-modulatory efficiency that could be mediated via the antioxidant properties that antagonized oxidative stress and apoptosis of thyroid tissue; the enhancement effect of DPEE-HY on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis preserved thyroid-genesis that in turn maintained normal thyroid functions; consequently, hybridization of yoghurt with DPEE could be a potent modulatory dairy product for management of hypothyroid disorder.