Colostrum: Nature's Own Immune Regulator & Psoriasis

I've been reviewing a number of articles & research papers regarding the link between colostrum and psoriasis, and these are the tip of the iceberg. There is much to learn and discover when it comes to this disease! Abnormal infiltration, proliferation and activation of dendritic cells within psoriatic lesions lead to T cell activation and proliferation, which in turn promotes keratinocyte activation and proliferation.

Milk growth factors as health products: Some technological aspects

Yves Pouliot Sylvie F. Gauthier

• Groupe STELA, Institut des Nutraceutiques et Aliments Fonctionnels (INAF), Université Laval, Québec, Canada G1K 7P4

Abstract

Bovine milk and colostrum contain growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor IGF-I, IGF-II, transforming growth factor TGF-β1, TGF-β2, epidermal growth factor EGF, basic fibroblast growth factor bFGF and platelet-derived growth factor PDGF. A number of methodologies for the extraction of milk growth factors from milk, colostrum or whey have been developed. Cation-exchange chromatography has been widely used because of the basic nature of the growth factors. Also, microfiltration has been used for the concentration of some growth factors from colostrum, while ultrafiltration was successful only in separating IGF-I from IGF-II in whey. Growth factor extracts from milk, colostrum or whey have been used as therapeutic preparations for wound healing and in the treatment of inflammatory gut disorders. More recent applications are related to bone tissue regeneration and treatment of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Safety and Efficacy of a Milk-derived Extract in the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: An Open-label Study

Y. Poulin, Y. Pouliot, E. Lamiot, N. Aattouri and S.F. Gauthier

Abstract

Background

XP-828L is a nutraceutical compound obtained by the extraction of a growth factors-enriched protein fraction from bovine milk. XP-828L may improve psoriasis.

Objectives

An open-label study was performed to determine the efficacy, tolerability and safety of XP-828L in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Eleven adult patients with chronic, stable plaque psoriasis on 2% or more of body surface area (BSA) received 5g of oral XP-828L twice daily for 56 days.

Results

All 11 patients completed the 56 days of treatment. At day 28, 6 of the 11 patients showed a reduction in PASI score. At 56 days, seven subjects had a decrease in PASI score ranging from 9.5% to 81.3%. Eight (8) out of 11 patients agreed to participate in an additional 8-week extension treatment phase. Improvement of psoriasis was maintained during the extension period. No clinically significant adverse events or laboratory abnormalities occurred.

Conclusion

XP-828L may improve psoriasis in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis.

Normal Skin Anatomy & Physiology

I'm about to begin on a broad topic of chronic autoimmune skin conditions, but before that lets start with the very beginning with a knowledge of normal skin (or as medic speak "integumentary system" ) anatomy and physiology. Here is a brief explanation ( in open document 'powerpoint' format )

http://www.slideshare.net/bryndanair/skin-ap

Psoriasis- Cause, Immunology, Treatment

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the skin. It occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. However, psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, and treating high blood lipid levels may lead to improvement. There are five types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, is commonly seen as red and white hues of scaly patches appearing on the top first layer of the epidermis (skin). Some patients, though, have no dermatological signs or symptoms.

In plaque psoriasis, skin rapidly accumulates at these sites, which gives it a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area, including the scalp, palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the outer side of the joint.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition that varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated sign. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthiritis. Between 10—30% of all people with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a genetic component and local psoriatic changes can be triggered by an injury to the skin known as the Koebner phenemenon. Various environmental factors have been suggested as aggravating to psoriasis, including stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids as well as other environmental factors, but few have shown statistical significance. There are many treatments available, but because of its chronic recurrent nature, psoriasis is a challenge to treat. Withdrawal of corticosteroids (topical steroid cream) can aggravate the condition due to the 'rebound effect' of corticosteroids.

Cause

The cause of psoriasis is not fully understood. There are two main hypotheses about the process that occurs in the development of the disease. The first considers psoriasis as primarily a disorder of excessive growth and reproduction of skin cells. The problem is simply seen as a fault of the epidermis and its keratinocyes. The second hypothesis sees the disease as being an immune-mediated disorder in which the excessive reproduction of skin cells is secondary to factors produced by the immune system. T cells (which normally help protect the body against infection) become active, migrate to the dermis and trigger the release of cytokines ( tumour necrosis factor – alpha, TNFα, in particular) which cause inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. It is not known what initiates the activation of the T cells.

The immune-mediated model of psoriasis has been supported by the observation that immunosupressant medications can clear psoriasis plaques. However, the role of the immune system is not fully understood, and it has recently been reported that an animal model of psoriasis can be triggered in mice lacking T cells. Animal models, however, reveal only a few aspects resembling human psoriasis.

Compromised skin barrier function has a role in psoriasis susceptibility.

Psoriasis is a fairly idiosyncratic disease. The majority of people's experience of psoriasis is one in which it may worsen or improve for no apparent reason. Studies of the factors associated with psoriasis tend to be based on small (usually hospital based) samples of individuals. These studies tend to suffer from representative issues, and an inability to tease out causal associations in the face of other (possibly unknown) intervening factors. Conflicting findings are often reported. Nevertheless, the first outbreak is sometimes reported following stress (physical and mental), skin injury, and stresptococcal infection. Conditions that have been reported as accompanying a worsening of the disease include infections, stress, and changes in season and climate. Certain medicines, including lithium salt, beta blockers and the anti-malarial chloroquine have been reported to trigger or aggravate the disease. Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity may exacerbate psoriasis or make the management of the condition difficult or perhaps these comorbidities are effects rather than causes.Hairspray, some face creams and hand lotions, can also cause an outbreak of psoriasis.In 1975, Stefania Jablonska and collaborators advanced a new theory that special antibodies tend to break through into the lower layers of the skin and set up a complex series of chemical reactions.

Immunology

In psoriasis, immune cells move from the dermis to the epidermis, where they stimulate skin cells (keratinocytes) to proliferate. Psoriasis does not seem to be a true autoimmune disease.In an autoimmune disease, the immune system confuses an outside antigen with a normal body component, and attacks them both. But in psoriasis, the inflammation does not seem to be caused by outside antigens (although DNA does have an immunostimulatory effect). Researchers have identified many of the immune cells involved in psoriasis, and the chemical signals they send to each other to coordinate inflammation. At the end of this process, immune cells, such as dendritic cells and T cells, move from the dermis to the epidermis, secreting chemical signals, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6, which cause inflammation, and interleukin-22, which causes keratinocytes to proliferate.

The immune system consists of an innate immune system, and an adaptive immune system.

In the innate system, immune cells have receptors that have evolved to target specific proteins and other antigens which are commonly found on pathogens. In the adaptive immune system, immune cells respond to proteins and other antigens that they may never have seen before, which are presented to them by other cells. The innate system often passes antigens on to the adaptive system. When the immune system makes a mistake, and identifies a healthy part of the body as a foreign antigen, the immune system attacks that protein, as it does in autoimmunity.

Proposed model of psoriasis pathogenesis highlighting the role of IFN-α-primed moDCs, TLR stimulation and T lymphocytes.Under inflammatory conditions, blood-derived monocytes are potential precursors of skin DCs. GM-CSF necessary for DC development is produced by a variety of cell types in skin (neutrophils, keratinocytes, macrophages, mast cells, lymphocytes and fibroblasts). IFN-α (a physiological factor for DC development) is mainly produced by pDCs. Stressed keratinocytes (through environmental factors including viral infections) release self-DNA and self-RNA that form complexes with the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL37. Self-DNA-LL37 and self-RNA-LL37 complexes activate pDCs to produce IFN-α. Self-RNA-LL37 complexes and viral ssRNA directly promote the phenotypical and functional maturation of IFN-α-primed moDCs. Other factors released by stressed keratinocytes include IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, which very likely influence IFN-α-primed moDC development. Furthermore IFN-α-primed moDCs produce IFN-α and IFN-γ themselves further contributing to their own maturation. In vivo under inflammatory conditions other cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α and IFN-γ are also present in the psoriatic inflammatory infiltrate produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, NK T cells and keratinocytes therefore IFN-α-primed moDCs are influenced by a variety of proinflammatory cytokines. Mature IFN-α-primed moDCs then possibly migrate to the skin-draining lymph nodes where they promote naive T cell differentiation into Th1 and/or Th17 cells through IL-12 and IL-23. These T cells migrate via lymphatic and blood vessels into psoriatic dermis and contribute to the formation of a psoriatic plaque. Th1 cells produce TNF-α and IFN-γ, which also stimulate keratinocyte proliferation. Th17 cells secrete IL-17A, IL-17F and IL-22, which stimulate keratinocyte proliferation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, antimicrobial peptides and chemokines. Th1 and Th17 cells can directly interact with monocytes by producing GM-CSF, TNF-α and IFN-γ and instruct these cells to differentiate into specialized moDC subsets. Figure is modified from Ref. 7. Reproduced with permission from John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved. Abbreviations: moDC, monocyte-derived dendritic cell; GM-CSF, granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin; LL37, cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide; NK, natural killer; pDC, plasmacytoid dendritic cell; ssRNA, single-stranded RNA; Th, T-helper; TNF, tumour necrosis factor.

In psoriasis, DNA is an inflammatory stimulus. DNA stimulates the receptors on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, which produce interferon-α, an immune stimulatory signal (cytokine). In psoriasis, keratinocytes produce antimicrobial peptides. In response to dendritic cells and T cells, they also produce cytokines, such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, which signals more inflammatory cells to arrive and produces further inflammation.

Dendritic cells bridge the innate and adaptive immune system. They are increased in psoriatic lesions and induce the proliferation of T cells and type 1 helper T cells. Certain dendritic cells can produce tumor necrosis factor-α, which calls more immune cells and stimulates more inflammation. Targeted immunotherapy, and psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, reduces the number of dendritic cells.

T cells move from the dermis into the epidermis. They are attracted to the epidermis by alpha-1 beta-1 integrin, a signalling molecule on the collagen in the epidermis. Psoriatic T cells secrete interferon-γ and interleukin-17. Interleukin-17 is also associated with interleukin-22. Interleukin-22 induces keratocytes to proliferate.

One hypothesis is that psoriasis involves a defect in regulatory T cells, and in the regulatory cytokine interleukin-10.

Is psoriasis curable?

No, psoriasis is not currently curable. However, it can go into remission and show no signs of disease. Ongoing research is actively making progress on finding better treatments and a possible cure in the future.

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

There are many effective treatment choices for psoriasis. The best treatment is individually determined by the treating physician and depends, in part, on the type of disease, the severity, and the total body area involved.

For mild disease that involves only small areas of the body (like less than 10% of the total skin surface), topical (skin applied) creams, lotions, and sprays may be very effective and safe to use. Occasionally, a small local injection of steroids directly into a tough or resistant isolated psoriasis plaque may be helpful.

For moderate to severe disease that involves much larger areas of the body (like 20% or more of the total skin surface), topical products may not be effective or practical to apply. These cases may require ultra-violet light treatments or systemic (total body treatments such as pills or injections) medications. Internal medications usually have greater risks.

For psoriatic arthritis, systemic medications are generally required to stop the progression of permanent joint destruction. Topical therapies are not effective.

It is important to keep in mind that as with any medical condition, all medications carry possible side effects. No medication is 100% effective for everyone, and no medication is 100% safe. The decision to use any medication requires thorough consideration and discussion with your physician. The risks and potential benefit of medications have to be considered for each type of psoriasis and the individual patient. Some patients are not bothered at all by their skin symptoms and may not want any treatment. Other patients are bothered by even small patches of psoriasis and want to keep their skin clear. Everyone is different and, therefore, treatment choices also vary depending on the patient's goals and expressed wishes.

An approach to minimize the toxicity of some of these medicines has been commonly called "rotational" therapy. The idea is to change the antipsoriasis drug every six to 24 months in order to minimize the possible side effects from any one type of therapy or medication.

In another example, a patient who has been using strong topical steroids over large areas of their body for prolonged periods may benefit from stopping the steroids for a while and rotating onto a different therapy like calcitriol (Vectical), light therapy, or an injectable biologic.

Psoriasis in a Nutshell

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaling and inflammation (pain, swelling, heat, and redness). Skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. This process is called cell turnover, and it takes about a month. With psoriasis, it can happen in just a few days because the cells rise too fast and pile up on the surface.

Most psoriasis causes patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. These patches can itch or feel sore. They are often found on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet. But they can show up other places such as fingernails, toenails, genitals, and inside the mouth.

Who Gets Psoriasis?

Anyone can get psoriasis, but it occurs more often in adults. In many cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Certain genes have been linked to the disease. Men and women get psoriasis at about the same rate.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis begins in the immune system, mainly with a type of white blood cell called a T cell. T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. With psoriasis, T cells are put into action by mistake. They become so active that they set off other immune responses. This leads to swelling and fast turnover of skin cells. People with psoriasis may notice that sometimes the skin gets better and sometimes it gets worse. Things that can cause the skin to get worse include:

• Infections
• Stress
• Changes in weather that dry the skin
• Certain medicines.

How Is Psoriasis Diagnosed?

Psoriasis can be hard to diagnose because it can look like other skin diseases. The doctor might need to look at a small skin sample under a microscope.

How Is Psoriasis Treated?

Treatment depends on:

• How serious the disease is
• The size of the psoriasis patches
• The type of psoriasis
• How the patient reacts to certain treatments.

All treatments don't work the same for everyone. Doctors may switch treatments if one doesn't work, if there is a bad reaction, or if the treatment stops working.

Topical Treatment:

Treatments applied right on the skin (creams, ointments) may help. These treatments can:

• Help reduce inflammation and skin cell turnover
• Suppress the immune system
• Help the skin peel and unclog pores
• Soothe the skin.

Light Therapy:

Natural ultraviolet light from the sun and artificial ultraviolet light are used to treat psoriasis. One treatment, called PUVA, uses a combination of a drug that makes skin more sensitive to light and ultraviolet A light.

Systemic Treatment:

If the psoriasis is severe, doctors might prescribe drugs or give medicine through a shot. This is called systemic treatment. Antibiotics are not used to treat psoriasis unless bacteria make the psoriasis worse.

Combination Therapy:

When you combine topical (put on the skin), light, and systemic treatments, you can often use lower doses of each. Combination therapy can also lead to better results.

What Are Some Promising Areas of Psoriasis Research?

Doctors are learning more about psoriasis by studying:

• Genes
• New treatments that help skin not react to the immune system
• The association of psoriasis with other conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

I've been reviewing the GIT; it's anatomy, physiology & the many disease that are associated with it. I've also been reading about colostrum and it's effect on the GIT and its associated diseases. I've found many research papers, too much to read, so these are a few I'd post here

Excerpts from the article 

Role of Colostrum in Gastrointestinal Infections

by Pawan Rawal, Vineet Gupta and B.R. Thapa

Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Post Graduate Institute Medical

Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India

ABSTRACT

Colostrum is breast milk produced after the birth of the newborn and lasts for 2-4 days. Colostrum is very important part of breast milk and lays down the immune system and confers growth factors and other protective factors for the young ones in mammals. This is the source of passive immunity transferred to the baby from the mother. The biological value of bovine colostrum in present day medical practice is documented in clinical trials and large databases containing case reports and anecdotal findings. The main actions include an antibacterial effect and modulation of immune response with the ability to neutralize lipopolysaccharides arising from gram negative bacterial pathogens. It has been found to be effective in infantile hemorrhagic diarrheas, other diarrheas and reduces the likelihood of disease progressing to hemolytic uremic syndrome. It has also been tested in H pylori infection and diarrhea in immunodeficiency. Side effects of clinical relevance are limited to possible intolerance due to lactose and sensitivity to milk proteins.

Bovine colostrum: A veterinary nutraceutical 

 

by N. N. Pandey, A. A. Dar*, D. B. Mondal and L. Nagaraja  

Veterinary Medicine Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, U.P, India. 

Accepted 23 November, 2010 

 

Colostrum is the lacteal secretion produced after parturition and plays an important role in post-natal health as an immune booster. In addition to nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and  minerals,  bovine  colostrum  contains  several  biologically  active  molecules  that  are  essential  for specific functions. Bioactive components like growth factors promote the growth and development of the  newborn  while  antimicrobial  factors  provide  passive  immunity  and  protection  against  infections during the first weeks of life. It has been proven as an effective nutraceutical for the enhancement of immune function in a diverse range of animal species. No side effects or drug interactions have been reported  with  high  quality  colostrum  supplementation,  making  it  an  exceptionally  safe  and  useful nutraceutical product. 

Gastritis

What Is Gastritis?

Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastritis can be caused by irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also be caused by any of the following:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): A bacteria that lives in the mucous lining of the stomach. Without treatment the infection can lead to ulcers, and in some people, stomach cancer.

Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.

Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract (that connects to the liver and gallbladder).

Infections caused by bacteria and viruses

If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss in blood, or in some cases increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.

What Are the Symptoms of Gastritis?

Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Indigestion
• Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
• Hiccups
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
• Black, tarry stools

How Is Gastritis Diagnosed?

To diagnose gastritis, your doctor will review your personal and family medical history, perform a thorough physical evaluation, and may recommend any of the following tests.

Upper endoscopy. An endoscope, a thin tube containing a tiny camera, is inserted through your mouth and down into your stomach to look at the stomach lining. The doctor will check for inflammation and may perform a biopsy, a procedure in which a tiny sample of tissue is removed and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Blood tests. The doctor may perform various blood tests such as checking your red blood cell count to determine whether you have anemia, which means that you do not have enough red blood cells. He or she can also screen for H. pylori infection and pernicious anemia with blood tests.

Fecal occult blood test (stool test). This test checks for the presence of blood in your stool, a possible sign of gastritis.

What Is the Treatment for Gastritis?

Treatment for gastritis usually involves:

• Taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas.
• Avoiding hot and spicy foods.
• For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, your doctor will prescribe a regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug (used for heartburn).
• If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.

Once the underlying problem disappears, the gastritis usually does, too. You should talk to your doctor before stopping any medicine or starting any gastritis treatment on your own. :) 

What Is the Prognosis for Gastritis?

Most cases of gastritis improve quickly once treatment has begun.

Gastric Acid Secretions

Physiology of Gastric Acid Secretion

The regulation of acid and pepsin secretion reflects an intricate balance of chemotransmitters delivered to the gastric mucosa by several pathways that mediate both stimulatory and inhibitory mechanisms. Similarly, several mechanisms contribute to the remarkable ability of normal gastroduodenal mucosa to defend itself against injury from the acid/peptic activity in gastric juice and to rapidly repair injury when it does occur. Secretory, defense, and healing mechanisms are regulated by the same type of overlapping neural, endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine control pathways.

The numerous stimulators and inhibitors of each regulated element suggest redundant control; however, there is limited understanding of the actual physiologic and pathophysiologic importance of most of these pathways and chemotransmitters. The problem is that there remains a limited set of pharmacologic and molecular biologic tools to dissect the significance of each pathway.

Although gastric acid is not essential for life, the universal preservation of gastric acid secretion among vertebrates indicates critical evolutionary advantage. The benefits of gastric acid are to facilitate digestion of proteins and the absorption of calcium, iron, and vitamin B12. It also suppresses growth of bacteria, which can help prevent enteric infections and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

Phases of Acid Secretion

The physiologic stimulation of acid secretion has classically been divided into three interrelated phases: cephalic, gastric, and intestinal.

• The cephalic phase is activated by the thought, taste, smell and site of food, and swallowing. It is mediated mostly by cholinergic/vagal mechanisms.
• The gastric phase is due to the chemical effects of food and distension of the stomach. Gastrin appears to be the major mediator since the response to food is largely inhibited by immunoneutralizing or blocking gastrin action at its receptors.
• The intestinal phase accounts for only a small proportion of the acid secretory response to a meal; its mediators remain controversial.

For medical students & doctors who want to review notes, please review your notes & watch the video
http://tube.medchrome.com/2011/07/gastric-acid-secretion-physiology.html

Recent Advances in the Physiology of Gastric Acid Secretion

by BERNARD J. F. PEREY, M.D., F.R.C.S. [C], Montreal

ABSTRACT

The classic scheme of gastric acid secretion which divided the digestive period into cephalic, gastric and antral phases has become obsolete in the last 10 years. These "phases" are now seen as concurrently acting mechanisms which depend upon one another to be fully efficient. About half of all gastrin released during a meal is dependent upon vagal stimulation of the antrum.

Also, vagotomny desensitizes the acid-secreting parietal cells to the effect of all other types of stimuli.

The number of parietal cells (parietal cell mass) varies greatly according to the gastric secretory activity of each individual. It is highest with duodenal ulcer and lowest with gastric ulcer.

Parietal cell hyperplasia or atrophy can be induced experimentally, but the factors controlling the size of the parietal cell mass in man have not been studied.

A scheme of acid secretion which incorporates recent advances is presented.

To read the the full text please visit  

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1922094/pdf/canmedaj01025-0026.pdf


Pathogenesis of Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease: What role do Helicobacter pylori and host genetic factors play?

by Dipti Chourasia, Uday C Ghoshal
Department of Gastroenterology,
Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences,
Raebareli Road,
Lucknow 226014, India;

Abstract

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a multifactorial disease. The roles of environmental, dietary, and host physiological factors are well established. However, the plausible role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is still controversial. Furthermore, the role of host genetic factors remains unidentified. Extensive PubMed review of the previous literature has revealed that H. pylori may be negatively associated with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Ethnic or inter-individual variations in response to H. pylori infection may also determine disease outcome. Thus, host genetic factors may play an important role in deciding the final outcome of disease. Limited studies have shown that homEM of CYP2C19, b allele (val105) of GSTP1, T allele of IL1B-31, 2/2 genotype of IL1RN +2018, 2/2 genotype of IL-10 -1082, A/A genotype of CCND1 G870A, and homozygous variant of XPC PAT gene are potential risk factors for the development of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or its complications such as Barrett’s oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. There is scant data on the relationship between gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and H. pylori in India, and therefore, further studies are directly required to explore this issue.

To read the the full text please visit  
http://www.tropicalgastro.com/articles/29/1/Pathogenesis-of-gastro-oesophageal-reflux-disease-what-role-do-Helicobacter-pylori-and-host-genetic-factors-play.html

Colostrum - A Good Track Record With Lupus

by Thomas E. Stone, ND, CNHP

Lupus is a disease which is reaching epidemic proportions.   Currently, an estimated 500,000 to 1.5 million people in the United States, suffer from lupus - mostly women.  Because the symptoms of lupus resemble other ailments, like arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, it is often misdiagnosed.  Accurate diagnosis may take years since the symptoms mimic these other disorders and especially since symptoms are intermittent. 

As with other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause for lupus is unknown.  However, all of the autoimmune diseases are examples of an immune system which turns on itself, treating the body’s own tissues as “foreign” and actually producing antibodies (called autoantibodies) which attack the connective tissues of various organs.   

Lupus is traditionally considered incurable and most patients have little hope of remission. Traditional treatment involves a variety of drugs and medications which often end in a backlash of secondary symptoms.  The most widely used medications for lupus are immunosuppressive drugs and cytotoxic (cyto=cell, toxic=damage) drugs - both of which increase an individual’s susceptibility to infections.  They suppress the immune system in hopes of slowing the production of autoantibodies, but as a result, patients have a reduced ability to fight infections.  

Lupus patients are very prone to respiratory and urinary tract infections and these infections last longer than in the general populous.  According to the Lupus Foundation of America, as many patients with lupus die from infection as from the active disease.  In this case, the use of immunosuppressive drugs has a backlash which generally goes unrecognized.   

Because of the use of immunosuppressant and cytotoxic drugs, those with lupus experience longer and more frequent treatment with antibiotics.  Those with lupus are also at high risk for salmonella and yeast infections - both of which are aggravated by the use of antibiotics, and result from a compromised intestinal tract 

If more individuals understood the value of colostrum for use with lupus, they might be able to avoid some of the consequences of traditional drug therapy and gain more long lasting relief from symptoms.  Colostrum is helpful for the lupus patient in a number of ways: 

1. It contains numerous anti-inflammatory compounds.  Many individuals find colostrum more helpful than the anti-inflammatory drugs known as NSAIDs (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs) for relief of joint pain and swelling.  

2. Colostrum contains rejuvenating compounds which help restore the integrity of the intestinal tract.  Often the restoration of a healthy gastrointestinal tract is enough to provide relief from the symptoms of lupus.  This is due to the relationship between the lining of the intestinal tract and autoimmune responses.  A healthy intestinal lining is one of the best protective mechanisms against infection, particularly, yeast infections and salmonella. 

3. Colostrum contains a compound known as PRP which has been found to help balance the overactive immune response with autoimmune diseases. 

4. Colostrum supports healthy levels of serotonin - the feel good hormone - thus overcoming depression which is so common with chronic health problems. 

5. Colostrum supports overall hormonal balance. Many women discover relief from PMS and other indicators of hormonal imbalance with the use of colostrum. Recent studies have verified a connection between the hormones and the immune system and have identified a relationship between the female hormone, prolactin, and lupus. Hormonal balance may play a particular role in the relief of lupus symptoms. 

We may never completely understand the ways in which colostrum aids autoimmune diseases such as lupus, but experience is a good teacher.  And experience has taught me and others that colostrum can be a big part of the puzzle when it comes to helping the sufferers of lupus. 

The most severe case of lupus I have ever dealt with was a young woman in her early 20's. The disease had already destroyed her kidneys and she was undergoing regular dialysis. She also had extreme lung damage and had to use inhalers frequently. Her bowels were not functioning very well and she was losing weight rapidly. Her life expectancy was short when she began taking large amounts of “whole” colostrum.  However, after several months, she was completely off dialysis and her kidneys were functioning again. She no longer needed inhalers and she was beginning to put on weight. She eventually went into complete remission and today she is symptom free with 2 healthy children - something she would never have been able to experience without the help of colostrum.  

Many naturopathic physicians, like myself, believe in treating the “whole” person. That involves an understanding of the emotional and even spiritual causes of dis-ease. If a person is willing to address these underlying causes, and undertake a program of change which involves natural remedies and lifestyle changes, response from lupus patients is extremely good - with an 80% remission rate. Whole colostrum is the foundation of that program. It has an extremely good track record with lupus. 

References:

1.  Balch, James, F. & Balch, Phyllis, A.  Prescription for Nutritional Healing.  Avery Publishing 

Group.  1997. 

2.  Jara, L.J et al.  “Prolactin in human systemic lupus erythematosus.”  Lupus 2001; 10(10): 

748-56 

Can Colostrum help Lupus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most complex and vicious autoimmune diseases and can attack almost any cell in the body. It is much more prevalent in females than males and, in humans, is more common in Asians and African Americans than Caucasians. The disease is not restricted to humans and occurs in other species, including dogs and rodents. Once diagnosed, the disease is usually controlled based upon symptoms, most frequently using corticosteroids.  However, it can suddenly fulminate and frequently is terminal based upon end-stage renal disease that results from the formation of immune complexes that block the kidneys. Patients suffer from periodic outbursts of pain associated with inflammation in an organ and are frequently lethargic with low energy due to an associated hemolytic anemia. 

Routine use of high quality colostrum could only help these individuals.  

1. The IGF-1 and the 87 proteins in the IGF superfamily would definitely assist in the regeneration and repair of damaged cells. 

2. Having sufficient IGF-1 available would result in improved metabolism of glucose to glycogen, yielding more energy and diminishing lethargia. 

3. Having sufficient IGF-1 available would result in improved metabolism of amino acids to proteins, helping in cell repair and replacement of damaged proteins. 

4. Proline-rich peptide (PRP) is a known immuno-regulating substance, helping to keep an immune response under control. In SLE, certain aspects of the immune system are out of control and the presence of adequate quantities of PRP could be of value. 

5. Thymosin alpha and beta chains are known to regulate the thymus, the seat of the immune system. As we age, the effect of these hormones substantially diminishes and the thymus shrinks. Restoration of thymic control of the immune system could be very important in helping to control the immune system of SLE patients.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

What is Lupus

In lupus, the body's immune system does not work as it should. A healthy immune system produces substances called antibodies that help fight and destroy viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances that invade the body. In lupus, the immune system produces antibodies against the body's healthy cells and tissues. These antibodies, called autoantibodies ("auto" means self), contribute to the inflammation of various parts of the body, causing damage and altering the function of target organs and tissues. In addition, some autoantibodies join with substances from the body's own cells or tissues to form molecules called immune complexes. A buildup of these immune complexes in the body also contributes to inflammation and tissue injury in people with lupus. Researchers do not yet understand all of the factors that cause inflammation and tissue damage in lupus, and this is an active area of research. 

Common Symptoms of Lupus

• Painful or swollen joints and muscle pain
• Unexplained fever
• Red rashes, most commonly on the face.
• Chest pain upon deep breathing (pleurisy)
• Unusual loss of hair
• Pale or purple fingers or toes from cold or stress (Raynaud's phenomenon)
• Sensitivity to the sun
• Swelling (edema) in legs or around eyes
• Swollen glands
• Extreme fatigue

In some people with lupus, only one system of the body such as the skin or joints is affected. Other people experience symptoms in many parts of their body. Just how seriously a body system is affected also varies from person to person. Most commonly, joints and muscles are affected, causing arthritis and muscle pain. Skin rashes are quite common. The following systems in the body also can be affected by lupus.

Kidneys: Inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) can impair their ability to get rid of waste products and other toxins from the body effectively. Because the kidneys are so important to overall health, lupus affecting the kidneys generally requires intensive drug treatment to prevent permanent damage. There is usually no pain associated with kidney involvement, although some patients may notice that their ankles swell. Most often the only indication of kidney disease is an abnormal urine or blood test.

Lungs: Some people with lupus develop pleuritis, an inflammation of the lining of the chest cavity that causes chest pain, particularly with breathing. Patients with lupus also may get pneumonia.

Central nervous system: In some patients, lupus affects the brain or central nervous system. This can cause headaches, dizziness, memory disturbances, vision problems, stroke, or changes in behavior.

Blood vessels: Blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis), affecting the way blood circulates through the body. The inflammation may be mild and may not require treatment or may be severe and require immediate attention.

Blood: People with lupus may develop anemia, leukopenia (a decreased number of white blood cells), or a decrease in the number of platelets (thrombocytopenia). Some people with lupus may have abnormalities that cause an increased risk for blood clots.

Heart: In some people with lupus, inflammation can occur in the heart itself (myocarditis and endocarditis) or the membrane that surrounds it (pericarditis), causing chest pains or other symptoms. Lupus can also increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

Despite the symptoms of lupus and the potential side effects of treatment, people with lupus can maintain a high quality of life overall. One key to managing lupus is to understand the disease and its impact. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a flare can help the patient take steps to ward it off or reduce its intensity. Many people with lupus experience increased fatigue, pain, a rash, fever, abdominal discomfort, headache, or dizziness just before a flare. Developing strategies to prevent flares can also be helpful, such as learning to recognize your warning signals and maintaining good communication with your doctor. 

Warning Signs of a Lupus Flare

• Increased fatigue
• Pain
• Rash
• Fever
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headache
• Dizziness

Preventing a Flare

Learn to recognize your warning signals. Maintain good communication with your doctor.

People with lupus should receive regular preventive health care, such as gynecological and breast examinations. Regular dental care will help avoid potentially dangerous infections. If a person is taking corticosteroids or antimalarial medications, a yearly eye exam should be done to screen for and treat eye problems.

Staying healthy requires extra effort and care for people with lupus, so it becomes especially important to develop strategies for maintaining wellness. Wellness involves close attention to the body, mind, and spirit. One of the primary goals of wellness for people with lupus is coping with the stress of having a chronic disorder. Effective stress management varies from person to person. Some approaches that may help include exercise, relaxation techniques such as meditation, and setting priorities for spending time and energy.

What is Alpha-Lipid Lifeline?

Alpha-Lipid Lifeline is a blended food powdered drink with Colostrum powder, 1000mg of good calcium, vitamin B complex, mineral and probiotics (Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium).

What is so good about Alpha Lipid Lifeline?

1. The Colostrum in Alpha Lipid Lifeline

In “Colostrum, Life’s First Food”, Dr. Daniel G. Clark’s basic message, as printed on the back cover of his book, is that “bovine colostrum rebuilds the immune system, destroys viruses, bacteria and fungi, accelerates healing of all body tissue, helps lose weight, burn fat, increase bone and lean muscle mass and slow down and even reverses aging.”

Colostrum is the first mammary secretion that a mammal provides for its newborn for the first 24-48 hours. It contains all the goodness for the newborn to become a beautiful adult. Bovine colostrum is biologically transferable to all mammals, including men.

Alpha Lipid Lifeline is made with New Zealand bovine colostrum. The colostrum is not taken from one single cow but from a huge number of free roaming cows. This way the colostrum will contain a wide spectrum of immunoglobulins - meaning that the colostrum contains antibodies against more variety of pathogens.

Thousands of research papers have shown bovine colostrum to be highly beneficial to human health. Namely ...

Support Life - Colostrum is literally ‘nature’s first food’ and were shown to enhance many crucial biochemical processes of the newborn to ensure that the young mammal grows to become beautiful adult.

Mucosal Immunity - Guarding the entrances where bacteria and viruses enter the body. Blocking viruses from our blood system could prevent sepsis. Viruses entered our cell and changed the DNA. Blocking viruses entering the cell could also prevent virus-initiated mutation which could be the cause of many cancers such as HPV causing cervical cancer in women.

Autoimmune Diseases - Autoimmune diseases are caused by our own immune system. Colostrum contains many immunomodulatory proteins (PRPs) to balance our immune function helping to lower the risks of autoimmune diseases. Lactoferrin in colostrum found to be able to alleviates some autoimmune diseases. Link

Protects and Fights Cancer - Colostrum is not a drug to prevent, treat or cure cancers. The US Center for Disease Control acknowledged the antiviral activity of colostrum (Link). This antiviral activity may block cancer causing viruses and indirectly reduced the risks of virus-initiated cancers.  

Enhances Brain Power - Research found a component called colostrinin in colostrum that could potentially enhance brain power and may have the potential to help people with Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Link

Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS is caused by the increased in permeability of the gut lining. This can happen due to the diet, alcohol and or medicine. Research shown colostrum to be able to restore the health of the gut. Regular intake of colostrum may eradicate the IBS problem.

Beautiful Skin - Colostrum has been shown to modify,  repair and rebuild the gut. Thus improving the absorption of nutrients and at the same time the elimination of toxic wastes. Various growth factors and Proline-Rich-Polypeptides found to benefit skin health. Drink Alpha Lipid Lifeline everyday for a more beautiful and healthy skin.

Better Recovery - Colostrum helps the body recovers faster in the event of stress and injury.

Travel Insurance - With Colostrum anti-bacteria and anti-virus activities as confirmed by US Center for Disease Control, taking colostrum along during a holiday trip may reduce the episodes of danger post by food and water. Link

Adding Alpha Lipid Colostrum to the pet’s diet makes them healthy and active.

2. 1000mg of bio-available calcium in Alpha Lipid Lifeline

Calcium is required for vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion, though less than 1% of total body calcium is needed to support these critical metabolic functions. Serum calcium is very tightly regulated and does not fluctuate with changes in dietary intakes; the body uses bone tissue as a reservoir for, and source of calcium, to maintain constant concentrations of calcium in blood, muscle, and intercellular fluids. That’s why long-term inadequate calcium intake results in weaken bones and tooth normally seen in old people causing osteoporosis.

3. Alpha Lipid Lifeline is fortified with Vitamin B-complex

“The B vitamins may be necessary to:

• Support and increase the rate of metabolism
• Maintain healthy skin, hair and muscle tone
• Enhance immune and nervous system function
• Promote cell growth and division, including that of the red blood cells that help prevent anemia
• Reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer - one of the most lethal forms of cancer - when consumed in food, but not when ingested in vitamin tablet form.

All B vitamins are water-soluble, and are dispersed throughout the body. Most of the B vitamins must be replenished regularly, since any excess is excreted in the urine.

B vitamins have also been hypothesized to improve the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”

Source : Wikipedia.org

4. Alpha Lipid Lifeline is fortified Probiotics

Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidobacterium were also added in the making of Alpha Lipid Lifeline.

“At the start of the 20th century, probiotics were thought to beneficially affect the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance, thus inhibiting pathogens and toxin producing bacteria.  Today, specific health effects are being investigated and documented including alleviation of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, prevention and treatment of pathogen-induced diarrhea, urogenital infections, and atopic diseases.” Source : Wikipedia.org

All in all, Alpha Lipid Lifeline is a beverage drink that you don’t want to missed. Google search the above four ingredients, colostrum, calcium, vitamin B-complex, and probiotics with the word ‘inflammation” and draw your own conclusion as to the health benefits of Alpha Lipid Lifeline.

Probiotics & Colostrum

Many people take probiotics without realizing that it is essential to also take colostrum along with it. Probiotics and colostrum truly go hand it hand. This article will explain why it is so essential to take the two together.  If you are looking to relieve issues like colitis or chronic diarrhea, don’t skimp on taking the two together. The key to taking these is in knowing which ones to take for the individual & their unique needs. Taking the wrong ones can at best do nothing & at worst- make you sick. Just one example is if the person taking either one of these is lactose intolerant. Also there is often times the need to take different ones at different stages of the treatment. It can get complicated.

So what is colostrum? This is a substance that comes directly from a mother’s breast when she is nursing her child. This milk is also a rich source of probiotics. The combination of the colostrum and probiotics together build a strong immune system in the baby.

The fact is that probiotics are useless without colostrum. They will just go “in one door and out the other.” Why spend your money on probiotics if they will just be immediately leaving your system?  The reason why colostrum is so essential is that it allows the probiotics to stick to the inner surface of the GI tissue. This process enables the probiotics to remain permanently in your gut, instead of quickly just leaving your body.

Of course, if you take antibiotics at any point during your life, this will kill off the friendly bacteria regardless of whether you have taken it with colostrum or not.  In this case, you will need to repeat the cycle over again from the start and begin a new course of probiotics with colostrum. Different antibiotics require different probiotics to replace the specific strains that were killed off.

When you were first breastfed, this developed the mucosal lining in your body. This lining is so powerful that it can last a person’s whole life if he or she doesn’t take antibiotics. Of course, if you were never breastfed, you will need to take colostrum and probiotics to get this necessary ingredient into your system. When people are fed soy formulas, they are put at a major disadvantage as far as their health is concerned.

The fact is that colostrum helps to repair a wide variety of gastrointestinal issues. Usually, people take probiotics for issues like chronic diarrhea treatment or colitis cures and then are disappointed that this supplementation doesn’t work. When that is the case, the sufferer needs to remember how essential it is to take the correct colostrum-with the correct probiotic.

Colostrum: All you need to preserve health and vitality!

Colostrum Review

Colostrum is the first collection of a thick creamy liquid, without blood or infection, produced by the mammary gland of a parturient mother shortly after birth, usually within the first 6 hours. Colostrum is very important part of breast milk and lays down the immune system and confers growth factors and other protective factors for the young ones in mammals. This is the source of passive immunity achieved by the mother and is transferred to the baby. This is also the major source of secretory IgA and gives protection against gastrointestinal infections.

Colostrum Health Benefits

Colostrum is known to have benefits such as  passive immunization, benefits immunodeficient patients. The feasibility of obtaining surface immunoglobulin suitable for oral use, which may in future be administered to immunodeficient patients with gastrointestinal manifestations, from human colostrum and milk. Human and bovine colostrum have many similarities barring that bovine colostrum can be obtained in large quantity, so bovine colostrum may be as beneficial as human colostrum on various disorders in human beings. 

Colostrum Health Benefits - Individual Ingredients

Colostrum has many active ingredients; these active ingredients may benefit people in different aspects. This section features the key potential health benefits of colostrum ingredients:

Lactoferrin exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitice, and antitumoral activities. It is protective to intestinal epithelium, promotes bone growth, and accelerates the recovery of immune system function in immunocompromised animals. Lactoferrin  was used in the treatment of hepatitis C infection and the intestinal form of graft-versus-host disease. 

A proline-rich polypeptide (PRP) demonstrated a variety of immunotropic functions, including the promotion of T-cell maturation and inhibition of autoimmune disorders. PRP was recently found to improve or stabilize the health status of Alzheimer's disease patients. 

Casein and casein-derived peptides showed protective activities in enamel demineralization and as caries-preventing agents. The protein hydrolyzates were also protective in diabetic animals, reduced tumor growth, had antihypertensive activity and diminished colicky symptoms in infants.

Glycomacropeptide, a peptide derived from kappa-casein, exhibited various antibacterial and antithrombotic activities.

Alpha-lactalbumin (LA) demonstrated antiviral, antitumoral and anti-stress properties. LA-enriched diets were anxiolytic, lowered blood pressure in rats, prevented diarrhea, and led to a better weight gain in malnourished children. Because casein and LA have blood pressure lowering properties, intake of colostrum may probably benefit people at risk of high blood pressure. HAMLET, a complex of LA and oleic acid, was effective in patients with cutaneous papillomas. Lysozyme found application in infant formulas, the treatment of periodentitis, and the prevention of tooth decay. Milk enriched in lysozyme was used in feeding premature infants suffering from concomitant diseases. Interesting, antibacterial properties were exhibited by lactoperoxidase. Both lysozyme and lactoperoxidase required cooperative action with LF in combating bacteria. 

Antioxidants are cound in colostrum. In the study, colostral concentrations of antioxidant vitamins E, C, and A were 21.34 +/- 8.47, 148.92 +/- 43.64, 0.79 +/- 0.42 micromol/l, respectively. The antioxidant minerals copper, zinc, and iron contents were 19.17 +/- 11.73, 63.69 +/- 12.82, 11.44 +/- 1.46 micromol/l, respectively. Maternal characteristics did not have any influence on the colostral micronutrients. On the other hand, a study has shown a correlation between antioxidant (pro-)vitamin intakes during pregnancy (third trimester) and ORAC values of colostrum and transitional milk (both p < 0.05), but not with ORAC values of mature milk. Thus, women's dietary habits during pregnancy and lactation is important for the total antioxidant capacity of breast milk. 

Fatty Acids In addition to the antioxidant levels, researchers also found that geographic differences in maternal dietary composition could  impact the fatty acid composition of human colostrum.  For example, the contents of docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.6, 0.4 and 1.4 wt.%) were higher in Australian than in European samples. While, Colostrum of Australian women contained a low polyunsaturated/saturated and n-6/n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios (0.28 and 1.58) and a low contents of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids (7.8 and 0.4 wt.%). The contents of essential fatty acids, saturates and polyunsaturates were similar in the southern European countries Spain, Slovenia and France.  

Because colostrum has a variety of active ingredients, and each active ingredient carries a particular health benefits. It is expected that intake of colostrum may provide different types of health benefits.

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Colostrum Health Benefits - Research Findings

Diarrhea

The specific IgG from colostral antibodies of immunized bovine may provide benefit for those suffered from multibacteria-induced diarrhea. Researchers generated bovine colostral antibodies of cows immunized with a multivalent vaccine consisting of whole cells of 17 strains of pathogenic diarrhea bacteria, and they purified the specific IgG with high activities against these pathogens.

The specific IgG was found to have a strong activity of inhibiting in vitro growth and colonization in pathogens by agglutinating with bacteria and destroying cell walls. Normal IgG purified from non-immunized bovine colostrum is incapable of eliciting the same consequences as specific IgG. Specific IgG prevents enteroinvasive Escherichia coli/Salmonella typhi-induced diarrhea and may exert an effective protection by enhancing splenic NK cell activity, elevating IL-2 level and inhibiting excessive release of TNF-alpha in mice.  

Iimmunoglobulin (SIg) A prepared from colostrum pool greatly inhibit the invasion of enteroinvasive E. coli.  Researchers obtained  IgA preparations from colostrum and milk pools by salt precipitation. They evaluated the final products in terms of yield and purity, as well as antibody activity to bacterial antigens and toxins and inhibitory activity of bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells. They used the colostrum pool with the best yield and purity as a source of IgA. They found that their IgA preparations preserved the antibody reactivity against various microbial antigens, well comparable with the reactivity exhibited by the original milk and colostrum pools. SIgA preparations were able to inhibit greatly the adhesion of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli to Hep-2 cells and the invasion of enteroinvasive E. coli. 

Appetite

Colostrum may have benefits of stimulating appetite. Ghrelin stimulates appetite by acting on the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. The presence pf Ghrelin in blood stream under fasting conditions may transmit a hunger signal to the CNS or induces appetite stimulating effect.

Ghrelin and its mRNA have been found in numerous human tissues including breast. A research team compared the ghrelin levels in colostrum, mature and transitional milk and plasma in lactating women with plasma samples from non-lactating women. The researchers collected colostrum, transitional and mature milk samples just before suckling. They found that the ghrelin levels in colostrum, transitional and mature milk were elavated concomitantly with increasing plasma ghrelin after delivery. However, the origin of milk ghrelin is not known, but it probably comes from the plasma. 

Infections

It is believed that colostrum benefits people at risk of certain infections. Colostrum stimulates directly to i-IEL to polarize Th1 type, which may protect from infectious diseases and allergic diseases mediated by Th2 type responses. Researchers examined effects of oral administration of bovine colostrum on local immunity in intestine in adult mice. They supplied bovine colostrum or control milk orally to C57BL/6 mice for 1, 3 or 6 months. They then examined the intestinal microflora, fecal IgA, and lymphocyte population of gut-associated lymphoid tissues and their abilities of cytokine production.

Th1 stimulus for Th2-skewed immune response during infancy is important for reduction of incidence of allergic diseases.  The researchers found that the T cells in i-IEL were polarized to Th1 type after oral administration of bovine colostrum, though the cell populations of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (i-IEL) were not remarkably changed.  And, oral administration of bovine colostrum does not change the Intestinal microflora and IgA levels in feces. 

Maternal vaccination with polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine boosts the capacity of colostrum to inhibit adherence of pneumococci to pharyngeal epithelial cells. In breast-feeding populations, maternal vaccination might prevent pneumococcal disease in young infants.

Researchers examined Colostrum obtained from Gambian mothers who had been vaccinated with either Pneumovax II or Mengivax A&C (n=8 per group) during pregnancy  for inhibition of adherence of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 6B and 14 to pharyngeal epithelial cells in vitro. They found that pneumococcal adherence was significantly reduced in the presence of breast milk (P< or =.0001 for S. pneumoniae serotype 14; P=.036 for serotype 6B), independent of the concentration of secretory IgA antibodies. 

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficient patients predominantly suffer from respiratory and gastrointestinal infections since secretory IgA has important functions to protect mucosal surfaces. A study of 31 patients with viral upper respiratory tract infection shows oral bovine colostrum supplementation leads to a lower infection severity score than the placebo group. [13; Clin Respir J. 2011 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-699X.2011.00268.x]

Colostrum may even benefit people suffered from colitis. Prophylactic administration of colostrum improved clinical symptoms of colorectal inflammation in a well-established mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium -induced colitis. However, higher colostrum doses did not affect disease activity.

Athletic performance

Colostrum may benefit people in sports. Bovine colostrum has been shown to improve athletic performance, reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections, and reduce intestinal damage and permeability caused by the administration of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs. Research scientists found that Supplementation with Bovine colostrum and whey protein during running training increases intestinal permeability in a study of 31 healthy subjects 

On the other hand, heavy exercise causes gut symptoms and, in extreme cases, "heat stroke" partially due to increased intestinal permeability of luminal toxins. Twelve volunteers completed a protocol (14 days colostrum/placebo) prior to standardized exercise. Gut permeability utilized 5 h urinary lactulose-to-rhamnose ratios. In vitro studies (T84, HT29, NCM460 human colon cell lines) examined colostrum effects on temperature-induced apoptosis, heat shock protein 70 expression and epithelial electrical resistance. In both study arms, exercise increased blood lactate, heart rate, core temperature by similar amounts. Intestinal permeability in the placebo arm increased 2.5-fold following exercise, whereas colostrum truncated rise by 80% following exercise. In vitro apoptosis increased by 47-65% in response to increasing temperature by 2°C. This effect was truncated by 60% if colostrum was present. Thus, colostrum supplementation may have benefits in enhancing athletic performance and preventing heat stroke.

Probiotics

In addition to providing nutritional benefits to infants, human colostrum is also source of probiotics to infant during breastfeeding. Researchers analyzed 70 samples of milked human colostrum and they found  several classical groups of microorganisms: mesophylic (68.6%); thermoduric (38.6%); psychrotrophic (8.6%); proteolytic (15.7%); proteolytic-psychrotrophic (1,4%); lipolytic (4.3%); molds and yeasts (11.4%); Staphylococcus aureus (44.3%); total coliforms (7.2%); and lactic acid bacteria (37.2%), thus characterizing a diversified microbiota 

Alzheimer's Disease

Colostrum may benefit people at risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Colostrum containing a proline-rich polypeptide complex (PRP) isolated from bovine colostrum, with immunoregulatory and procognitive properties, has shown positive benefits in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a study, researchers treated 33 patients with colostrum (containing 100 mg of PRP complex) every other day for three weeks, followed by a 2-week hiatus to avoid the development of hyporeactivity.  This mode of application, '3+2 weeks,' was used consistently throughout the 28 months trial. Researchers found colostrum induced slight but statistically significant improvement or stabilization of the health status of the patients in the trial. The side effects were emarkably mild, including anxiety, logorrhea, and insomnia, and subsided spontaneously within a short period of time (3-4 days).