Camel milk and microRNAs: a narrative review integrating molecular evidence, bioinformatics, and nutraceutical perspectives on metabolic diseases in the Sahel

Camel milk is increasingly recognized as a promising nutraceutical resource for addressing the double burden of malnutrition and metabolic disease in the Sahel, within a broader context of epidemiological and nutritional transition. This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence published between 2020 and 2024 on the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects of camel milk, with particular attention to the Sahelian context and Chad. Current evidence indicates that camel milk has a distinctive nutritional profile, characterized by relatively low lactose content, a favorable proportion of unsaturated fatty acids, and the presence of stable extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, enriched in bioactive microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are short non-coding RNA molecules involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Extracellular miRNAs have been identified in bodily fluids, suggesting that they may facilitate epigenetic communication between tissues. Furthermore, miRNAs are highly conserved molecules across animal species, especially among mammals; therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the targets of miRNAs are orthologous genes in different species. In addition to well-described miRNAs such as miR-148a, miR-30d, and miR-21, recent sequencing studies have identified additional conserved miRNAs across camel species, including let-7i-5p, let-7b-5p, miR-200a-3p, and miR-26a-5p. Integrative analysis of experimentally validated and high-confidence predicted target genes suggests convergence on pathways involved in insulin signaling, adipogenesis, inflammatory regulation, growth control, and cellular homeostasis. Preclinical studies and a limited number of clinical trials suggest that camel milk may exert antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects. However, important challenges remain, including seasonal variability in milk composition, limited preservation infrastructure, the lack of regulatory frameworks supporting health claims, and the absence of clinical evidence generated in Sahelian populations. Overall, camel milk emerges as a biologically relevant food matrix with potential metabolic benefits in environments undergoing rapid dietary transition. Nevertheless, its proposed nutraceutical role remains to be confirmed through locally grounded translational and clinical research addressing exosome miRNA bioavailability, mechanism of action, and context-adapted valorization strategies.