Colostrum Research Articles

The bovine colostrum and milk metabolome at the onset of lactation as determined by 1H-NMR

The purpose of this study was to characterise the metabolome of bovine colostrum and milk in the initial days of lactation. Colostrum and milk samples were collected from 18 cows representing an even spread of 1st, 2nd and 3rd lactation (n = 6) over the first 6 days of lactation. Samples were subsequently analysed using 1H-NMR. The metabolome of defatted colostrum and milk in the days immediately post parturition was demonstrated to be complex and changed significantly over time. The colostrum was rich in nutrients beneficial for growth and development of the new-born mammal with significantly higher levels of essential branched chain amino acids and choline and orotic acid that decreased in the subsequent days as milk composition evolved to that of regular milk. Multivariate analysis of metabolome profiles using PLS-DA was demonstrated to clearly distinguish between colostrum and subsequent milk samples.

Post-Delivery Milking Delay Influence on the Effect of Oral Supplementation with Bovine Colostrum as Measured with Intestinal Permeability Test.

Background and objective: The health supplement bovine colostrum reportedly improves immunity and regulates intestinal homeostasis. Reliable assessment methods are needed to ensure the satisfactory biological activity of all marketed colostrum products. Of the well-established effects of colostrum use, the restoration of appropriate intestinal permeability assessed with the lactulose/mannitol (L/M) differential sugar absorption test upon supplementation with colostrum has been consistently observed. Milking time after delivery is one of the factors that influences the composition of bovine colostrum, which causes a rapid decrease in bioactive components. Materials and methods: We use the L/M test to evaluate the intestinal permeability reduction upon supplementation with colostrum (2 × 500 mg) harvested at various times after delivery (2, 24, and 72 h) or a placebo (whey). In our randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled (DBPC) trial, 31 healthy athletes were divided into four groups and assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: The trial revealed that only colostrum collected after 2 h and 24 h caused a significant reduction of intestinal permeability. The comparison of post-intervention vs. baseline Δ values produced statistically significant results for 2 h colostrum versus the placebo and 72 h colostrum groups. Conclusions: We conclude that the change of bovine colostrum composition over the first three days of lactation is accompanied by a decrease in its biological activity as measured with the L/M test. This test may offer a biological quality measure for colostrum.

Efficacy of a stabilized liquid potassium sorbate preservative to reduce bacterial proliferation in colostrum or tank milk stored by refrigeration or at room temperature

Though critical to calf health and growth, colostrum exposure of dairy calves to infectious agents, potentially resulting in calfhood illness and/or reduced absorption of colostral antibodies. While FDA-approved preservatives such as potassium sorbate may represent 1 approach to reduce bacterial proliferation in stored colostrum or milk, efficacy studies are relatively limited. Objectives of this study were to describe the effect of a stabilized liquid potassium sorbate preservative product (Dam Fresh™, Solution BioSciences, Inc (SBS), Inc. Morristown, NJ) on 1) bacterial proliferation in bovine colostrum and milk when stored by refrigeration and at room temperature, and 2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in colostrum. We hypothesized that the preservative would reduce bacterial proliferation in stored milk and colostrum while having no negative effect on colostrum IgG levels.

Fermentation Ability of Bovine Colostrum by Different Probiotic Strains

Over the past decade, the use of bovine colostrum and its bioactive components as the basis of functional food and dietary supplements for humans has substantially increased. However, for developing new products enriched with probiotics and bovine colostrum, the influence of colostrum composition on the growth promotion of bacteria still needs to be tested. Therefore, we decided to study the influence of bovine colostrum chemical and mineral composition as well as the content of bioactive compounds (immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase) on the growth of ten selected strains from genera Lactobacillus, Lacticaseibacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus. After 24 h of fermentation, the growth was assessed based on lactic and acetic acids production evaluated using isotachophoresis, bacterial counts determined by the agar plate method, and change of pH. The production of acids and bacterial counts were significantly (P<0.05) different between selected genera. The change of bacterial counts was correlated with pH, but the correlation between growth and bovine colostrum composition was not proven. The highest growth and production of lactic acid was observed after the fermentation of bovine colostrum by the strains Enterococcus faecium CCDM 922A and CCDM 945.

Profile of serum lipid metabolites of one-week-old goat kids depending on the type of rearing

BackgroundWeaning of goat kids immediately after birth and feeding them on bovine or heat-treated caprine colostrum, referred to as snatching, is considered an effective control measure in some infectious diseases. The study was carried out in one-week-old goat kids to gain insight into the profile of lipid metabolites and to investigate the influence of snatching on kids’ metabolism. Fifty-two goat kids born to 23 female goats were included in the study – 22 kids were weaned immediately after birth and kept isolated from their mothers; 30 remaining kids were left with their mothers for next 3 weeks so that they could nurse on dams’ milk at will. Blood was collected at the age of 1 week and serum was obtained by centrifugation. The concentration of lipid metabolites was determined with mass spectrometry using a commercial MxP® Quant 500 kit (Biocrates Life Sciences AG, Innsbruck, Austria).ResultsConcentration of 240 lipid metabolites belonging to 10 lipid classes was above the limit of detection of the assay. These lipid metabolites were quantified and included in the analysis. Concentration of 2 lipid classes (acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines and ceramides) and 31 lipid metabolites (14 triacylglycerols, 5 acyl-alkyl-phosphatidylcholines, 2 diacylphosphatidylcholines, 1 lyso-phosphatidylcholine, 5 ceramides, 2 sphingomyelins, and 2 cholesterol esters) differed significantly between the two groups of kids.ConclusionSnatching of kids results in reduction of serum concentration of lipid metabolites, however, the magnitude of this phenomenon does not seem to be sufficient to negatively affect kids’ health condition. This study is the first in which the broad set of lipid metabolites of young ruminants was quantified using the novel metabolomic assay MxP® Quant 500 kit.

Therapeutic Applications of Human and Bovine Colostrum in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases and Distinctive Cancer Types: The Current Evidence.

The incidence of gastrointestinal disorders (GID) and cancers is escalating all over the world. Limited consumption of colostrum by newborns not only weakens the immune system but also predisposes infants to microbial infections. Colostrum is nature’s perfect food, sometimes referred to as the ‘elixir of life’. Breast-fed infants have a lower incidence of GI tract infections than infants fed formula or cow’s milk. As per WHO statistics, cancer is the most prevalent disease globally and causes 9.6 million deaths worldwide. The current strategies for treating cancer include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. However, chemotherapy and radiation exposure are usually associated with serious long-term side effects and deterioration in the quality of life (QOL) of patients. Furthermore, the hospitalization and medication costs for treating cancers are exorbitant and impose high economic burden on healthcare systems. People are desperately looking for cost-effective and affordable alternative therapies for treating GID and cancers. Therefore, there is an urgent need for clinically evaluating the anticancer compounds isolated from plants and animals. Such therapies would not only be economical and have fewer side effects, but also help to improve the QOL of cancer patients. Recently, bovine colostrum (BC) has caught the attention of many investigators to explore its anticancer potential in humans. BC impregnated dressings are highly effective in treating chronic wounds and diabetic foot ulcer. BC is rich in lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial properties. Intravaginal application of BC tablets is effective in causing the regression of low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The underlying mechanisms of BC at cellular, genetic, and molecular levels remain to be ascertained. Oral BC supplement is well-tolerated, but some people may experience problems such as flatulence and nausea. Well-designed, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials are needed to access the therapeutic potential, long-term safety, and optimal doses of BC products. This review is aimed to highlight the anticancer potential of BC and its components, and the therapeutic applications of BC supplements in treating gastrointestinal diseases in children and adults. We also discuss the health promotion benefits and therapeutic potential of BC nutraceuticals in reducing the incidence of non-communicable diseases.

Effects of exercise in hot and humid conditions and bovine colostrum on salivary immune markers.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise in a hot and humid environment on salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme. A secondary aim was to quantify the effects of 14-day bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation on salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme at rest and following exercise in hot and humid conditions. Using a randomized, double-blind, and counterbalanced design, ten males (20±2 years, VO2max 55.8±3.7mLkg-1min-1, 11.8±2.7% body fat) ran for 46±7.7minat 95% of ventilatory threshold in a 40°C and 50% RH environment after 14-days of supplementation with either BC or placebo. Saliva was collected pre, post, 1-h, and 4-h post exercise, and was analyzed for lactoferrin and lysozyme using ELISA. There was an immediate increase in the concentration and secretion rate of lactoferrin and lysozyme (p<0.05) with exercise, but BC had no effect (p>0.05). Saliva flow rate was not different between conditions [(PLA: pre: 0.54±0.3, post: 0.44±0.3, 1-h: 0.67±0.3, 4-h: 1.0±0.4mLmin-1); (BC: pre: 0.58±0.2, post: 0.37±0.1, 1-h: 0.63±0.2, 4-h: 0.83±0.4mLmin-1)]. There were no differences in thermoregulatory markers (core temperature or physiological strain index) between BC and placebo trials. Interestingly, exercise-induced heat stress did not impair mucosal immune parameters, instead participants showed a transient increase in salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme. Further, 14-day BC supplementation had no effect on mucosal immunity at any time point.

In vitro cytomodulatory and immunomodulatory effects of bovine colostrum whey protein hydrolysates

SummaryBovine colostrum possesses biological compounds involved in the development of the newborn. Among them, the proteins have drawn attention as a source of bioactive peptides. This study shows the in vitro cytotoxic and immunostimulatory potential of two colostrum whey protein (CWP) hydrolysates obtained by in vitro digestion with pepsin and pancreatin. MTT cell viability, apoptosis induction, polymorphonuclear proliferation and phagocytic activity assays were performed. Treatment with the hydrolysates induced a significant decrease in the viability of MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines due to apoptosis and also a significant increase in the proliferation of blood mononuclear cells. It could also be observed that for the RM‐1 and PC‐3 prostate cancer cell lines and for the two times of exposure (24 and 48 h), the hydrolysate H1 is significantly more cytotoxic than CWP. These results showed the potential of bovine CWP and its hydrolysates for the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer.

Prevalence and Predictors of Stunting amongChildren of Age Between 6 to 23 Monthsin Four Districts of Wolaita Zone, SouthernEthiopia

Background: Stunting is one of public health problem which causes morbidity and mortality in the first two years of life. It is used to assess nutritional status of children by measuring their length/height and age. The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence and factors associated with stunting among children of ages between 6 to 23 months in four districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was employed among children of ages between 6 to 23 months in January 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A total of 767 participants were included in our study. Data were entered into Epi data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 20.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to assess factors associated with stunting. Odds ratio with 95% CI was used to identify independent predictors of stunting. Result: Among 767 children, 759 were participated in the study with response rate of 98.9%. The prevalence of stunting in our study was 71.5%. Children born from mothers whose age were between 25-34 years and 35-45 years were 2.3 times; [AOR=2.3, (95% CI=1.37, 3.86)] and 3.09 times; [AOR=3.09, (95% CI=1.55, 6.18)] more likely developed stunting than mothers whose age were between 15-24 years respectively. Children born from mothers who did not attend formal education were 2.45 times; [AOR=2.45, (95% CI=1.25, 4.83)] more likely developed stunting than mothers who attended formal education. Children whose age were between 6-12 months and 12-18 months were 10.12 times; [AOR=10.12, (95% CI=6.34, 16.4)] and 6.16 times; [AOR=6.16, (95% CI=3.92, 9.68)] more likely developed stunting than children whose age were between 19-24 months respectively. Children who ever sick within 2 weeks prior to data collection were 1.68 times; [AOR=1.68,(95% CI 1.15,2.45)] more likely developed stunting than those who ever not sick within 2 weeks; however, those who fed colostrum were 49% less likely developed stunting than their counter part; [AOR=0.61 (95% CI=0.37,0.98)]. Children who were delivered at home were 2.38 times; [AOR=2.38, (95% CI 1.51,3.75)] more likely developed stunting than those delivered at health facility; however, those whose mother ever got postnatal care were 49% less likely developed stunting than those whose mother ever not got postnatal care after delivery; [AOR= 0.61 (95% CI=0.41,0.91)]. Conclusion: The prevalence of stunting in study area is high. Maternal age, maternal education, child’s current age, child sickness, colostrum feeding practice, place of delivery and postnatal care utilization were independent predictors for child stunting. Thus concerned body working on child health should consider these factors to reduce the burden of stunting.

Influence of farm conditions on sows’ morphological blood indicators

The article summarizes the influence of farm conditions on sows blood morphological parameters. Our research was carried out in the farms of Zolochiv and Starosambir districts of the Lviv region (Ukraine) and revealed strong violations of animals feeding, both in terms of nutrition, and on the macro- and microelement composition. In all the farms, there was practically no appropriate way to feeding sows from different physiological groups, which may further adversely affect the growth and development of the resulting offspring. The parameters of the microclimate in the premises were invested in the limits of permissible norms. The differences between farms were production process and pigs keeping. Animals of the Zolochiv region were not registered and had the opportunity to move freely, to nest before the farrowing, to satisfy their physiological needs for food search (to dig, to throw the bedding), without barriers to consume food and water. In the farm of the Starosambir district the sows were kept in individual fixing machines, they were restricted in movement, free choice of place for rest, manifestation of natural behavior, the ability to satisfy the instinct of nesting and show the instinct of caring for the offspring. Free holding of sows have a positive effect on the processes of hematopoiesis. The blood of these animals had more red blood cells and the hemoglobin concentration was higher. It was also proved that the most susceptible to the conditions of containment were farrowing sows from both farms, as evidenced by the morphological indices of blood. Thus, the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit magnitude and red blood indices in animals of this physiological group are recorded at the lower limit of the physiological norm.

Heat treatment of bovine colostrum: I. Effects on bacterial and somatic cell counts, immunoglobulin, insulin, and IGF-I concentrations, as well as the colostrum proteome

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heat treatment on colostral low-abundant proteins, IgG and IgA, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), as well as bacteria and somatic cells. First-milking colostrum samples >8 L and Brix % > 22.0 were harvested from 11 Holstein cows on a commercial dairy in New York State and split into 2 aliquots using single-use colostrum bags. One aliquot of each pair was cooled on ice immediately after harvest (raw, R; n = 11), and the other was heat-treated for 60 min at 60°C (heat, H; n = 11). All samples were analyzed for IgG and IgA via radial immunodiffusion assay and insulin and IGF-I concentrations by radioimmunoassay. Total bacterial counts and somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined using standard plate culture techniques and flow cytometry, respectively. Samples from a subset of 5 pairs (n = 10) were further analyzed by nano liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy, after ultracentrifugation at 100,000 × g for 60 min at 4°C to enrich the low-abundant protein whey fraction. Data were analyzed using either paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test or using an online software package to analyze proteomics data. Outcomes of proteomics analysis were fold change ≥1.5 between pairs, and paired t-tests with false discovery rate-adjusted P-value < 0.05. The median reduction of IgA concentrations was 8.5% (range: 0-38.0%) due to heat treatment, whereas IgG concentrations did not change due to treatment. Insulin concentrations decreased by a median of 22% (7-45%), and IGF-I decreased by 10% (0-18%) in H samples. Heat treatment was associated with a median reduction of SCC of 36% (0-90%) in paired samples, as well as a median reduction in total bacterial count of 93% (45-100%) in H versus R samples. Proteomics analysis identified a total of 328 unique proteins that were present in all 10 samples. Nine of the 25 proteins that decreased by at least 1.5-fold in H compared with R were identified as complement proteins. We conclude that heat treatment of colostrum is associated with a reduction in the concentration of bacterial counts and SCC, IgA, insulin, and IGF-I. In addition, proteomics analysis of colostral whey identified several complement components and other proteins that decreased in abundance due to heat treatment. Although IgG concentrations were unaffected and a reduction in bacterial counts was achieved, the change in several immunologically active proteins and growth factors may have biologically important effects on the developing immune system of the neonate fed heat-treated colostrum.

Heat treatment of bovine colostrum: II. Effects on calf serum immunoglobulin, insulin, and IGF-I concentrations, and the serum proteome

In-depth analysis of colostrum components has identified hundreds of proteins, but data are sparse regarding their systemic uptake in the newborn calf. Moreover, heat treatment may influence these colostral components and their absorption. Our objectives were to describe the serum proteome of newborn calves before and after colostrum feeding and the possible effects of colostral heat treatment. Newborn Holstein heifer calves (n = 22) were randomized within pair and fed heat-treated (n = 11; 60°C, 60 min) or raw (n = 11) colostrum at 8.5% of birth body weight by esophageal feeder within 1 h of birth. After the single colostrum feeding, calves were not fed until after the 8-h time point, when milk was offered free-choice. Blood samples were taken immediately before feeding (0 h), as well as 4, 8, and 24 h after feeding. Whole blood packed cell volume (%), serum Brix percentage, and plasma glucose concentrations were determined for all time points. Plasma insulin and insulin-like growth factor-I concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay for selected time points. Serum IgA and IgG were measured by radial immunodiffusion at 24 h. The serum proteome was analyzed using nano-scale reverse-phase chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (nano LC-MS/MS) in 0- and 8-h samples. For proteomics analysis, ratios of results for 8-h to 0-h samples were analyzed with false discovery rate adjustment. For all other outcomes, repeated-measures ANOVA was performed with the fixed effects of group, time, and their interaction, and random effect of pair. Serum Brix percentage and glucose concentrations increased over time and were independent of colostrum treatment. Serum IgG and IgA concentrations at 24 h did not differ between groups. Nano LC-MS/MS identified a total of 663 unique proteins in serum, of which 261 increased in abundance, whereas 67 decreased in abundance after feeding in both groups. Among serum proteins that increased in abundance and that were previously identified in colostrum, many belonged to those involved in immune response, coagulation, the classical complement pathway, or the antimicrobial peptide class of cathelicidins. Serum proteins that decreased in abundance and that were identified in colostrum belonged to the alternative complement pathway and the membrane attack complex. Thirty-eight proteins differed in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum compared with those fed raw colostrum. Decreased abundances in calves fed heat-treated colostrum included several enzymes involved in glycolysis or glycogenolysis, whereas the incretin gastric inhibitory polypeptide and serum insulin were increased in this group. Our findings point to important innate immune defense pathways associated with colostrum ingestion in newborn calves. Furthermore, calves fed heat-treated colostrum showed differences in serum proteins and enzymes associated with carbohydrate metabolism.

Colostrum: back to basics with immunoglobulins.

Colostrum: back to basics with immunoglobulins.

Effect of colostral bacterial contamination on the calves

The first hours and days of a calf’s life are the most crucial. During this period they adapt to the new living conditions. The newborned calf demand specific protective antibodies and it can receive them only with colostrum. Colostrum is the ultimate nutrition for a calf in the first period of life. It has all necessary nutrients and contains much more protein (5 times higher), minerals (2 times) and vitamins A and D (5 times) than milk. Colostrum contains a large number of immune bodies that protect the newborn’s organism from pathogens of contagious diseases. We assessed the bacterial contamination of cow colostrum and its effect on the calves. We established that the level of bacterial contamination of colostrum, selected under proper conditions with the observance of the rules and its subsequent storage at a temperature of 18 ± 2°C in the frozen state was reduced by 300-1200 times. At the same time, the number of psychrophilic microorganisms increased by 8.5 times on the 30th day of incubation. We also proved that the level of psychrophilic microorganisms in freshly milked colostrum up to 5,000 CFU/cm3 can be considered an important veterinary and hygienic standard of quality and safety, which characterized the suitability of colostrum for cooling and storage. The application of the electrogram of the calf’s intestine revealed the effect of untimely intake of colostrum - when not receiving a portion for 1.5-2 hours and 2.5 hours. Keywords: Colostrum; Quality; Contamination; Microorganisms; Calf’s intestines References Bakayeva, L., Karamaev, S., & Karamayeva, A. (2019). Dynamics of the quality of cow colostrum depending on the time of the first milking after calving. Bulletin Samara State Agricultural Academy, 102-107. doi:10.12737/article_5c8760265e9be5.80291675 Bozukluhan, K., Merhan, O., Gokce, H., Deveci, H., Gokce, G., O

Antimutagenic and Antibacterial Activity of β‑Cyclodextrin Clathrates with Extensive Hydrolysates of Colostrum and Whey

In this study, experimental samples of extensive enzymatic hydrolysates of bovine colostrum and whey, inclusion complexes of β cyclodextrin with dairy peptides were derived. 1.6 fold increase in the degree of proteolysis was established for whey hydrolysate compared to cleaved first milk. A significant decline in the bitterness of peptide constituents of clathrates was recorded versus samples of initial extensive hydrolysates. The thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of inclusion complexes of cyclic oligosaccharide with dairy peptides. The Ames test demonstrated comparable induced mutation rates for samples of hydrolysates and clathrates. Antimutagenic activity of the samples reached 23.9–28.3 % when tested on strain Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and 19.4–21.8 % on strain TA 100. According to the impedimetric method, the antibacterial potential of extensive colostrum hydrolysate exceeded the action of cleaved whey against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Enhanced antibacterial activity was found for whey and colostrum peptide fractions included in clathrates with a cyclic oligosaccharide. β cyclodextrin complexing preserved antimutagenic capacity, promoted antibacterial effect, and improved organoleptic properties of milk peptides. These advantages acquire maximum relevance during the clathrate upgrading of specialized nutrition formulas.

The combination of nutraceuticals and functional feeds as additives modulates gut microbiota and blood markers associated with immune response and health in weanling piglets.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a combination of feed additives with complementary functional properties on the intestinal microbiota, homocysteine, and vitamins E and B status as well as systemic immune response of weanling piglets. At weaning, 32 litters were assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (DT): 1) conventional diet (CTRL); 2) CTRL diet supplemented with antibiotics (ATB); 3) a cocktail of feed additives containing cranberry extract, encapsulated carvacrol, yeast-derived products, and extra vitamins A, D, E, and B complex (CKTL); or 4) CKTL diet with bovine colostrum in replacement of plasma proteins (CKTL + COL). Within each litter, the piglets with lowest and highest birth weights (LBW and HBW, respectively) and two piglets of medium birth weight (MBW) were identified. The MBW piglets were euthanized at 42 d of age in order to characterize the ileal and colonic microbiota. Blood samples were also collected at weaning and at 42 d of age from LBW and HBW piglets to measure insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), cysteine, homocysteine, and vitamins E, B6, and B12, and to characterize the leukocyte populations. At 42 d of age, cytokine production by stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also measured. In a second experiment, piglets were reared under commercial conditions to evaluate the effects of the DT on the growth performance. At the indicator species analysis, the highest indicator value (IV) for Succinivibrio dextrinosolvens was found in the CKTL group, whereas the highest IV for Lactobacillus reuteri and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii was evidenced in the CKTL + COL group (P < 0.05). Compared with the other DT, CTRL piglets had higher concentrations of homocysteine, whereas the CKTL and CKTL + COL supplementations increased the concentrations of vitamins E and B12 (P < 0.05). DT had no effect on IGF-1 concentration and on blood leukocytes populations; however, compared with HBW piglets, LBW animals had lower values of IGF-1, whereas the percentages of γδ T lymphocytes and T helper were decreased and increased, respectively (P < 0.05). CKTL + COL also improved the growth performance of piglets reared under commercial conditions (P < 0.05). This study highlights the impact of birth weight on piglet systemic immune defenses and the potential of weaning diet supplemented with feed additives and bovine colostrum to modulate the homocysteine metabolism and the intestinal microbiota.

Antioxidant properties of caseins and whey proteins from colostrums

The bovine colostrums collected within 7 days postpartum were used to prepare caseins and whey proteins. The caseins and whey proteins obtained by acid precipitation were freeze-dried and then dissolved respectively in 0.1 M and 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) for electrophoresis and antioxidant activity analysis. The antioxidant activities, including reducing power, ferrous ion chelating ability, α,α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation, were measured and compared with α-tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, 2 Na-salt). Results showed that whey proteins at a concentration of 20 mg/mL had triple reducing power as that of the caseins. As for the ferrous ion chelating ability, both caseins and whey proteins exhibited increasing chelating ability as protein concentration increased. The whey proteins obtained from the colostrums collected on the first two days apparently exhibited relatively higher chelating ability. Similarly, DPPH radical scavenging activity of caseins and whey proteins increased as the protein concentration increased. Whey proteins from the colostrums collected between the second and the fourth days (Whey proteins 2, 3 and 4) and the caseins from the colostrums collected on the second day (Casein 2) had relatively higher radical scavenging activities, higher than 60% at a concentration of 20 mg/mL. The inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation of caseins was higher than that of whey proteins, and was comparable to those of α-tocopherol and BHA within 8-hour reaction.

Inhibitory effects of bovine colostrum protein hydrolysates on human leukemic U937 cell growth

Skimmed milk, caseins and whey proteins isolated from colostrums collected on the first to fifth days postpartum were hydrolyzed by different enzymes (alcalase, flavourzyme, and porcine small-intestinal enzymes). To investigate how different protein hydrolyastes affect cell death, leukemic U937 cells were treated with different protein hydrolysates at 100-1000 μg/mL for 24 to 120 h at 37°C in 5% CO 2 incubator. The results showed that protein hydrolysates leading to U937 cell death exhibited dose-and-time-dependent characteristics. This study also found that the proteins hydrolyzed by porcine small-intestinal enzymes have more significant effects on cell death than proteins hydrolyzed by other enzymes. In addition, the colostrum protein hydrolysates from skimmed milk were better than those from caseins and whey in inhibiting U937 cell growth.

Short communication: Dietary bovine milk–derived exosomes improve bone health in an osteoporosis-induced mouse model

Osteoporosis is a systemic skeletal disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, with a consequent increase in bone fragility and fracture susceptibility. In an aged society with increased life expectancy, the incidence rate of osteoporosis is also rapidly increasing. Inadequate nutrition may negatively influence bone metabolism. Recently, many studies have investigated the functionality of milk-derived exosomes, which play important roles in cell-to-cell communication. However, there are few reports of how milk-derived exosomes influence osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Here, we determined whether bovine colostrum-derived exosomes promote anti-osteoporosis in vitro and in vivo. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-stained cells were significantly inhibited in Raw264.7 cells treated with exosomes, indicating reduced osteoclast differentiation. We induced osteoporosis in mice using glucocorticoid pellets after orally administering exosomes for 2 mo. Interestingly, the bone mineral density of exosome-fed mouse groups was significantly improved compared with the glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis group without exosome treatment. In addition, Lactobacillus were decreased in the gut microbiota community of osteoporosis-induced mice, but the gut microbiota community composition was effectively restored by exosome intake. Taken together, we propose that exosomes isolated from bovine colostrum could be a potential candidate for osteoporosis prevention, bone remodeling improvement, and inhibition of bone resorption. To our knowledge, this is the first time that a protective effect of milk exosomes against osteoporosis has been demonstrated in vivo. Our results strongly suggest that bovine colostrum exosomes might be used as a prophylaxis to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Indeed, our results offer promising alternative strategies in the nutritional management of age-related bone complications.

Characterization and comparison of lipids in bovine colostrum and mature milk based on UHPLC-QTOF-MS lipidomics

Lipids in bovine milk have several biological activities, with implications for human health and the physical functionality of foods. However, alterations in the lipid profile of bovine milk during lactation are not well-studied. This study aimed to identify differences in lipids between bovine colostrum and mature milk, using a lipidomics approach. Using an advanced mass spectrometry-based quantitative lipidomics approach, 335 lipids assigned to 13 subclasses were characterized in bovine colostrum (BC) and mature milk (BM). In total, 63 significantly differential lipids (SDLs) were identified. Among the 63 SDLs, the levels of 21 lipids were significantly lower in BM than in BC, including 5 glycerophosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), 1 glycerophosphatidylglycerol (PG), and 15 triacylglycerols (TGs). The levels of the remaining 42 lipids increased in BM, including 1 cardiolipin (CL), 9 diacylglycerols (DGs), 9 dihexosylceramides (Hex2Cers), 3 hexosylceramides (HexCers), 3 glycerophosphatidic acids (PAs), 2 glycerophosphatidylcholines (PCs), 12 PEs, and 3 TGs. Furthermore, the correlations and related metabolic pathways of these 63 SDLs were analyzed to explore the mechanisms that alter bovine milk lipids during lactation. The seven most relevant pathways identified herein, ranked in accordance with their degree of influence on lactation, were glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchor biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Our results provide essential insights into mechanisms underlying alterations in bovine milk lipids during different lactation periods, along with practical information of specific nutrition and quality assessments for the dairy industry.