Effects of Bovine Colostrum with or without Egg on In Vitro Bacterial-Induced Intestinal Damage with Relevance for SIBO and Infectious Diarrhea

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) occurs commonly, is difficult to treat, and frequently recurs. Bovine colostrum (BC) and chicken eggs contain immunoglobulins and other components that possess antimicrobial, immunoregulatory, and growth factor activities; however, it is not known if they have the ability to reduce injury caused by the presence of bacteria associated with SIBO (Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Bacteroides, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, and Proteus) and infectious diarrhea (enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Salmonella). We examined the effects of BC, egg, or the combination, on bacterial growth and bacteria-induced changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and bacterial translocation across confluent Caco-2 monolayers. BC, egg, or the combination did not affect bacterial growth. Adding bacteria to monolayers reduced TEER and (with minor variations among species) increased bacterial translocation, increased monolayer apoptosis (increased caspase-3 and Baxα, reduced Bcl2), increased intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and reduced cell adhesion molecules zonulin1 (ZO1) and claudin-1. BC, egg, or the combination reduced these effects (all p < 0.01) and caused additional increases in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) expression. We conclude that BC ± egg strengthens mucosal integrity against a battery of bacteria relevant for SIBO and for infectious diarrhea. Oral BC ± egg may have clinical value for these conditions, especially SIBO where eradication of precipitating organisms may be difficult to achieve.     

The Use of Bovine Colostrum in Sport and Exercise

There has been a great deal of interest in bovine colostrum within sports nutrition over the last 25 years. Studies have investigated the effects on body composition, physical performance, recovery, gut damage and permeability, immune function, and illness risk. This narrative review considers available evidence in each of these areas. Although some studies have shown protection against performance decrements caused by periods of intensified training, there is limited evidence for effects on body composition and physical performance. There is stronger evidence for benefit on gut permeability and damage markers and on immune function and illness risk, especially during periods of intensified training. The balance of available evidence for gut permeability and illness risk is positive, but further research is required to fully determine all mechanisms responsible for these effects. Early suggestions that supplementation with bovine colostrum products could increase systemic IGF-1 levels are not supported by the balance of available evidence examining a range of doses over both short- and long-term periods. Nevertheless, dose–response studies would be valuable for determining the minimum efficacious dose, although this is complicated by variability in bioactivity between products, making any dose–response findings applicable only to the specific products used in such studies.     

A Systematic Review of the Influence of Bovine Colostrum Supplementation on Leaky Gut Syndrome in Athletes: Diagnostic Biomarkers and Future Directions

Background: Bovine colostrum (BC) contains a myriad of bioactive molecules that are renowned for possessing unique medicinal benefits in children and adults, and BC supplements are considered safe and cost-effective options to manage/prevent the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections and gut-related problems in athletes. In this review, we will try to answer the question: How will BC supplementation ameliorate gut permeability problems among athletes? Methods: Literature searches were performed using PRISMA guidance to identify studies assessing the influence of BC supplements on gut permeability. Studies were selected using four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCO, and a total number of 60 articles were retrieved by using appropriate keywords. Results: Nine studies were selected that met the eligibility criteria for this review. The data analysis revealed that vigorous exercise profoundly increases intestinal permeability, and BC supplementation helps to reverse gut permeability in athletes. Conclusion: BC supplementation may be highly beneficial in improving gut permeability in athletes. However, well-designed, placebo-controlled, and randomized studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy and to determine the optimal dose schedules of BC supplementation in high-performance athletes.     

神经生长因子在周围神经损伤再生的作用及临床应用

神经生长因子（nerve growth factor,NGF）对神经系统的正常分化、发育、成熟、维持功能和存活、损伤修复等均具有重要的生物学作用。近年来,随着科学家对NGF的进一步研究,其机制被逐步阐明,并应用于临床。在此,就NG对周围神经损伤的作用及及临床应用作一综述。     

牛初乳对改善婴幼儿感染性疾病的调查研究

目的了解武汉市婴幼儿营养健康状况及牛初乳对感染性疾病的改善情况。方法对1 083名婴儿、1 257名幼儿（1～3岁）,进行一般情况、出生情况、喂养方式、服用牛初乳对呼吸道和消化道疾病的影响等内容进行问卷调查。结果武汉市婴幼儿出生基本情况尚可,婴儿母乳喂养率偏低;牛初乳对婴幼儿腹泻、呼吸道感染的发病情况如发病频率、病程、用药效果均具有显著改善作用（P〈0.01）。结论牛初乳具有明显改善婴幼儿腹泻、呼吸道感染的发病情况,因而具有增强婴幼儿对疾病的抵抗功能。     

牛初乳对改善婴幼儿感染性疾病的调查研究

目的了解武汉市婴幼儿营养健康状况及牛初乳对感染性疾病的改善情况。方法对1 083名婴儿、1 257名幼儿(1～3岁),进行一般情况、出生情况、喂养方式、服用牛初乳对呼吸道和消化道疾病的影响等内容进行问卷调查。结果武汉市婴幼儿出生基本情况尚可,婴儿母乳喂养率偏低;牛初乳对婴幼儿腹泻、呼吸道感染的发病情况如发病频率、病程、用药效果均具有显著改善作用(P<0.01)。结论牛初乳具有明显改善婴幼儿腹泻、呼吸道感染的发病情况,因而具有增强婴幼儿对疾病的抵抗功能。     

Bovine Colostrum Applications in Sick and Healthy People: A Systematic Review

Colostrum is the first secretion of mammalian glands during the early period after birth giving. Its components are biologically active and have beneficial effects on new-born growth and well-being. Bovine colostrum has the highest concentration of these substances and its supplementation or application may provide health benefits. This systematic review was conducted to update current knowledge on bovine colostrum effects including all administration routes on healthy and sick subjects. Full texts or abstracts of twenty-eight papers as reports of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies and case series were included after searches in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Cinahl databases. The full texts of selected studies were assessed for quality using validated tools and their results were summarized in different categories. Studies were highly heterogeneous as regards to population, intervention, outcome and risk of bias. Bovine colostrum topical application was shown effective on vaginal dryness related symptoms limitation. Its use as food supplement showed interesting effects preventing upper respiratory illness in sportsmen, modulating immune system response and reducing intestinal permeability in healthy and sick subjects. Conflicting results were provided in pediatric population and little evidence is available on its use with older adults. Further studies are mandatory to better understand all factors influencing its activity.     

Artificial Gastrointestinal Models for Nutraceuticals Research—Achievements and Challenges: A Practical Review

Imitating the human digestive system as closely as possible is the goal of modern science. The main reason is to find an alternative to expensive, risky and time-consuming clinical trials. Of particular interest are models that simulate the gut microbiome. This paper aims to characterize the human gut microbiome, highlight the importance of its contribution to disease, and present in vitro models that allow studying the microbiome outside the human body but under near-natural conditions. A review of studies using models SHIME, SIMGI, TIM-2, ECSIM, EnteroMix, and PolyfermS will provide an overview of the options available and the choice of a model that suits the researcher’s expectations with advantages and disadvantages.     

Diverse Immune Effects of Bovine Colostrum and Benefits in Human Health and Disease

The health benefits of bovine colostrum have extensively been studied, including immune effects mediated by immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and casein, as well as by certain growth factors. Some of these effects are not directly related to the absorption of proteins from the intestinal tract. The ingestion of BC can modulate the function of subsets of lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells and increase regulatory cytokines such as interleukin 10. In this review, we predominantly focused on evidence from human studies on benefits in health and disease. This review highlights that clear evidence of the prevention of infectious diseases in pre-term infants such as necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal sepsis or prevention of cancer metastasis is lacking. This is clearly an area where translational science has to be strengthened, taking the considerable evidence from numerous ex vivo studies on cells and tissues and from animal interventions. The review focuses predominantly on human data.     

灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊增强小鼠免疫功能的研究

目的：探讨灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊对小鼠免疫功能的影响。方法：200只雌性ICR小鼠随机分为4组,即低、中、高剂量组和溶剂对照组,分别给予75mg／kg、150mg／kg、450mg／kg的灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊,溶剂对照组给予蒸馏水,连续灌胃30d后,分别检测以下指标,脏器／体重比值、24h足跖肿胀度、脾淋巴细胞增殖能力,溶血空斑数、半数溶血值,碳廓清能力、鸡红细胞吞噬率与吞噬指数及NK细胞活性。结果：灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊可增强DNFB引起的小鼠迟发性变态反应和小鼠淋巴细胞增殖能力,提高小鼠B细胞抗体生成和血清溶血素能力,还可增强小鼠NK细胞活性;各剂量组灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊对小鼠体重、免疫器官／体重比值、小鼠碳廓清能力和小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞吞噬鸡红细胞能力均无明显影响（P〉0．05）。结论：灵芝牛初乳复合胶囊对正常小鼠免疫功能具有明显增强作用。     

探讨半月板损伤膝关节镜术后疼痛程度并探索其可能的影响因素

目的:通过评估半月板损伤膝关节镜术后疼痛程度,并对引起疼痛的因素进行分析。方法:对本院收治的110例半月板损伤膝关节镜术后患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,以Lyscholm膝关节功能评分为准分为观察组(疗效优良)、对照组(疗效尚可及以下),观察2组患者的NRS评分及引起疼痛的因素,并进行分析。结果:2组患者术后疼痛程度对比中,轻度疼痛及无痛有意义(P<0.05),引起疼痛的主要因素与软骨组织损伤、术后不正确冷敷、术后负重过早有关(P<0.05)。结论:半月板损伤膝关节镜术后患者疼痛程度与患侧复重时间、关节软骨损伤、冷敷时间有关。     

Emerging Health Properties of Whey Proteins and Their Clinical Implications

The nursery rhyme “Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet (small stool) eating her curds and whey. …” is recognition of the fact that over the centuries “curds and whey”, the two major components of cow's milk, have been widely accepted as part of a healthy diet. Milk provides complete nourishment for the neonate for six months from birth, containing factors that help develop various organ systems including the brain, immune system, and the intestine. Importantly it provides immune protection at a time when the neonates own immune system, though fully developed, is albeit immature. Many adult consumers include cow's milk as part of a healthy diet as it provides protein and essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, in particular calcium for strong bones. There is a growing appreciation that milk, and in particular whey, contains components that not only provide nutrition, but can also prevent and attenuate disease, or augment conventional therapies, when delivered in amounts that exceed normal dietary intakes. This paper reviews the emerging health properties of whey proteins and their clinical implications.     

The Emerging Role of Nutraceuticals in Cardiovascular Calcification: Evidence from Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Cardiovascular calcification is the ectopic deposition of calcium-phosphate crystals within the arterial wall and the aortic valve leaflets. This pathological process leads to increased vascular stiffness, reduced arterial elasticity, and aortic valve stenosis, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Although cardiovascular calcification is an increasing health care burden, to date no medical therapies have been approved for treating or preventing it. Considering the current lack of therapeutic strategies and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular calcification, the investigation of some nutraceuticals to prevent this pathological condition has become prevalent in recent years. Recent preclinical and clinical studies evaluated the potential anti-calcific role of nutraceuticals (including magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin K, and phytate) in the progression of vascular calcification, providing evidence for their dietary supplementation, especially in high-risk populations. The present review summarizes the current knowledge and latest advances for nutraceuticals with the most relevant preclinical and clinical data, including magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin K, and phytate. Their supplementation might be recommended as a cost-effective strategy to avoid nutritional deficiency and to prevent or treat cardiovascular calcification. However, the optimal dose of nutraceuticals has not been identified and large interventional trials are warranted to support their protective effects on cardiovascular disease.     

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Agents versus Bovine Colostrum Supplementation for the Management of Bone Health Using an Osteoporosis-Induced Rat Model

Osteoporosis is defined by loss of bone mass and deteriorated bone microarchitecture. The present study compared the effects of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for osteoporosis [alendronate (ALE) and concomitant supplementation of vitamin D (VD) and calcium (Ca)] with the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation in ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidectomized (ORX) rats. Seven-month-old rats were randomly allocated to: (1) placebo-control, (2) ALE group (7.5 μg/kg of body weight/day/5 times per week), (3) VD/Ca group (VD: 35 μg/kg of body weight/day/5 times per week; Ca: 13 mg/kg of body weight/day/3 times per week), and (4) BC supplementation (OVX: 1.5 g/day/5 times per week; ORX: 2 g/day/5 times per week). Following four months of supplementation, bone microarchitecture, strength and bone markers were evaluated. ALE group demonstrated significantly higher Ct.OV, Ct.BMC, Tb.Th, Tb.OV and Tb.BMC and significantly lower Ct.Pr, Tb.Pr, Tb.Sp, Ct.BMD and Tb.BMD, compared to placebo (p < 0.05). BC presented significantly higher Ct.Pr, Ct.BMD, Tb.Pr, Tb.Sp, and Tb.BMD and significantly lower Ct.OV, Ct.BMC, Tb.Th, Tb.OV and Tb.BMC compared to ALE in OVX rats (p < 0.05). OVX rats receiving BC experienced a significant increase in serum ALP and OC levels post-supplementation (p < 0.05). BC supplementation may induce positive effects on bone metabolism by stimulating bone formation, but appear not to be as effective as ALE.