Abstract
Simple SummaryColostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary glands, and it is very rich in bioactive components. Recently, the importance of bovine colostrum (BC) as a nutraceutical product has been emerging with regards to gastrointestinal diseases. One of the most widespread gastrointestinal disorders is the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a multifactorial chronic condition that has a powerful impact on the social life of millions of people. Because current therapy protocols neither ensure complete recovery from IBD nor are free of secondary side effects, the present study assessed the impact of a short-term prophylactic oral administration of BC in a murine model of TNBS-induced colitis. BC administration was both well tolerated and did not induce any pathological symptoms. It considerably modulated the response to inflammation through modifications of the TLR4 and cytokines gene expression profiles as well as that of the intestinal microbiota. Although further studies are needed to develop a precise therapeutic protocol of BC administration, it seems to have the potential to be used as a natural supplement in the treatment of IBD.This study investigated the effects of a short-term administration of bovine colostrum (BC) in a TNBS model of induced colitis. Colitis was induced by TNBS treatment after seven days of BC (BC group, n = 12) or saline (control group, n = 12) administration in mice. Clinical signs, histopathological characteristics, expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and microbial composition were assessed. BC was well tolerated and did not induce any histological damage or clinical symptoms. After TNBS treatment, the BC group showed a reduction in body weight (BW) loss compared to Control (p < 0.05). Moreover, expression levels of TLR4 (p < 0.01), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β; p < 0.001), Interleukin-8 (IL-8; p < 0.001), and Interleukin-10 (IL-10; p < 0.001) were lower in mice administered with BC. Finally, Escherichia coli were higher (p < 0.05), while Enterococci (p < 0.001), Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.001), and Bifidobacterium spp. (p < 0.05) were lower in Control than BC group. This study confirms that pre-treatment with BC modulates the expression of genes and the count of microbes involved in the etiopathogenesis of colitis.
Highlights
Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary glands of mammals in the first 3–4 days after giving birth, before it gradually transforms into mature milk
After TNBS treatment, 1 of 6 mice died within the control group, and mean body weight (BW) was higher in bovine colostrum (BC)
The Disease Activity Index (DAI) evaluated after TNBS treatment did not differ between the groups (Mdn = 2.3, interquartile range (IQR) = 1.3–2.7 and Mdn = 1.2, IQR = 0.3–1.3 in Control and BC group, respectively; p > 0.1; Figure S2)
Summary
Colostrum is the first milk secreted by the mammary glands of mammals in the first 3–4 days after giving birth, before it gradually transforms into mature milk. Especially bovine colostrum (BC), has high homology with humans and, compared to other animal species, it is richer in biologically active molecules which are essential for specific functions [1,2,3]. BC plays an essential role in maintaining a good health status and promoting the growth of the newborn given that it is rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. BC contains growth factors that play important roles in the development, maturation, and repair of various tissues including the intestine [3,4,5,6]. Several studies and clinical trials, both in vitro and in vivo on humans and animals, suggest that these beneficial properties of colostrum can be exploited in the prevention and treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases [3,5,7,8]
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