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Endotoxin inactivation by enterally applied colostrum of different composition
J Seifert1, M Molkewehrum, S Oesser
1Surgical Research, Department of Surgery and Thoracic Surgery, Kiel, Germany.
Summary
Oral bovine colostrum, particularly lactoferrin, effectively reduces endotoxin levels in rats. This study highlights lactoferrin
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Enteral bovine colostrum administration shows potential in reducing plasma endotoxin levels.
- Colostrum contains various bioactive components that may influence endotoxin elimination.
- Specific colostrum fractions, including immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and casein, were investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the efficacy of specific colostrum components in reducing endotoxin concentration.
- To identify the primary active substance in bovine colostrum responsible for endotoxin elimination.
- To evaluate the impact of immunoglobulin-, lactoferrin-, and casein-enriched colostrum on endotoxinaemic rats.
Main Methods:
- Endotoxinaemia was induced in rats via enteral administration of Escherichia coli and Nebacetin.
- Control groups received albumin instead of colostrum preparations.
- Plasma endotoxin concentrations were measured using Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay over a 5-hour period.
Main Results:
- Casein-enriched colostrum and control groups showed a significant increase in endotoxin levels (over 130 EU/dl).
- Gammaglobulin-enriched and lactoferrin-enriched colostrum significantly reduced endotoxin levels by over 50%.
- Lactoferrin administered alone demonstrated the most potent endotoxin elimination effect.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin is identified as a key component responsible for endotoxin elimination from enterally applied colostrum.
- Gammaglobulin also contributes to endotoxin reduction, but lactoferrin appears more effective.
- These findings support the therapeutic potential of lactoferrin in managing endotoxinaemia.