Tuesday, 7 February 2012

Pubmed - The protective effects of the nutraceutical, colostrinin, against Alzheimer's disease, is mediated via prevention of apoptosis in human neurones induced by aggregated beta-amyloid


Neurodegeneration Unit, Basic Medical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London, UK.

Abstract


OBJECTIVE:

It has previously been demonstrated that oral administration of ovine Colostrinin (CLN), a proline-rich polypeptide isolated from ovine colostrum, can effectively treat Alzheimer's disease patients. This study aims to determine whether CLN has effects on the aggregation and toxicity of synthetic beta-amyloid (Abeta), implicated as a causative agent of AD.

DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS:

Using cell assays, we examined if pre-treatment of neuronal cells with CLN confers protection.

RESULTS:

The data from cytotoxicity assays (using MTT and LDH) demonstrated that pre-treatment of human neuronal SHSY-5Y cells with 5 microg/ml CLN, for 24 hours, confers neuroprotection against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. Twenty-four hour pre-treatment with 5 microg/ml CLN was also shown to reduce Abeta 1-40-induced apoptosis in human neuronal cells as determined via qualitative and quantitative apoptosis assays.

CONCLUSION:

The neuroprotection conferred with CLN pre-treatment was reduced with the Fas ligand (FasL) binding antibody Nok1, suggesting that the effects of CLN may involve a Fas:soluble FasL interaction. These findings indicate that CLN could possibly play a role in the prevention of AD pathogenesis, though the inhibition of Fas-mediated apoptosis.



Thursday, 2 February 2012

Pubmed - Successful treatment of rotavirus diarrhea in children with immunoglobulin from immunized bovine colostrum


International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh. sasarker@cis.icddrb.org

Abstract


BACKGROUND:

Oral ingestion of immunoglobulins in humans has been shown to be effective as prophylaxis against enteric infections. However, its therapeutic effect in children with infectious diarrhea has hitherto not been proven. We treated children with rotavirus diarrhea with immunoglobulins extracted from immunized bovine colostrum (IIBC) containing high titers of antibodies against four rotavirus serotypes.

METHODS:

In this double blind placebo-controlled trial, 80 children with rotavirus diarrhea were randomly assigned to receive orally either 10 g of IIBC (containing 3.6 g of antirotavirus antibodies) daily for 4 days or the same amount of a placebo preparation. The daily stool output (grams/kg/day), intake of oral rehydration solution (ml/kg/day), stool frequency (number of stools/day) and presence of rotavirus in stool were monitored for the 4 days during treatment.

RESULTS:

Children who received IIBC had significantly less daily and total stool output and stool frequency and required a smaller amount of oral rehydration solution than did children who received placebo (P < 0.05). Clearance of rotavirus from the stool was also earlier in the IIBC group compared with the placebo group (mean day, 1.5 vs. 2.9, P < 0.001). No adverse reactions from the colostrum treatment were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Treatment with antirotavirus immunoglobulin of bovine colostral origin is effective in the management of children with acute rotavirus diarrhea.



Pubmed - Antioxidants in bovine colostrum


Department of Animal Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University, Lublin, Poland.

Abstract

Quality, content and properties of colostrum are crucial for the neonate and its further development. Due to essential differences between intrauterine and extrauterine environment, the neonate is exposed to oxidative stress conditions.
Colostrum apart from nutrient and immunological components should contain antioxidative systems necessary for the protection against reactive oxygen species. This review describes available data on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in colostrum. Due to the fact that the literature concerning bovine colostrum is scanty, the information based on bovine mature milk determinations as well as other species is provided. 
Bovine colostrum is used not only by calves, but also for the production of hyperimmunized colostrum, medicines or feed supplements. Quality of colostrum influences quality of mature milk. This is another reason, except from health of neonate, why antioxidative properties of bovine colostrum are of special importance and require further detailed elucidation.



Sunday, 29 January 2012

Pubmed - Treatment of severe diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum with oral bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in patients with AIDS


Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Clinical Nutrition, San Francisco General Hospital 94110, USA.

Abstract

We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of colostrum-derived bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in the treatment of diarrhea caused by Cryptosporidium parvum in patients with AIDS. A total of 24 patients with severe chronic diarrhea and AIDS were stratified to one of three cohorts: (1) C. parvum infection alone (n = 16), (2) C. parvum and a second opportunistic infection (n = 4), and (3) idiopathic AIDS enteropathy with no identified source of infection (n = 3) or an untreatable opportunistic infection other than C. parvum (n = 1). 
All patients were treated with bovine immunoglobulin concentrate for 21 consecutive days. Patients in cohort 1 were randomized to receive the medication in powder or capsule forms, whereas all patients in cohorts 2 and 3 received the powder form. The primary end point was change in mean daily stool weight. Secondary end points included change in stool frequency and body weight, as well as clearance of C. parvum oocytes as analyzed on stool microscopy. 
Patients with C. parvum who were treated with bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in powder form experienced a significant decrease in mean stool weight, from 1,158 +/- 114 g/day at baseline, to 595 +/- 63 g/day (p = 0.04) at the end of treatment, and 749 +/- 123 g/day (p = 0.03) 1 month after completing treatment. Stool frequency decreased from 6.6 +/- 0.6 bowel movements per day at study entry, to 5.4 +/- 0.7 during treatment (p = 0.04), and 5.4 +/- 0.9 during observation (p = 0.12). 
Patients who received bovine immunoglobulin concentrate in capsule form and patients without C. parvum (cohort 3) showed no improvement. No serious side effects were observed, and the medication was well tolerated. Thus, bovine colostrum immunoglobulin concentrate, in powder form, appears promising in the treatment of severe diarrhea caused by C. parvum. The optimal dosage, duration of therapy, and overall efficacy need to be determined in placebo-controlled trials.



Pubmed - Dose effects of oral bovine colostrum on physical work capacity in cyclists


School of Human Movement Studies, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia. jcombes@hms.uq.edu.au

Abstract

PURPOSE:

There is interest in the potential long-term use of dietary supplementation with bovine colostrum to enhance exercise performance. The purpose of the present study was to determine the dose effects of bovine colostrum on cycling performance.

METHODS:

Forty-two competitive cyclists were randomly divided into three groups and required to consume either 20 g/d bovine colostrum + 40 g whey protein concentrate (wpc), 60 g of bovine colostrum, or 60 g of wpc (placebo). Two measures were used to assess performance before (pre-) and after (post-) an 8-wk supplementation period. The first measure required subjects to complete two VO2max tests separated by 20 min with the amount of work completed in the second test used to evaluate performance. The second performance measure was the time to complete a work-based time trial following a 2-h cycle at 65% VO2max. Subjects were required to maintain their regular training and keep a food and training diary over the study period.

RESULTS:

After supplementation, the performance enhancement in Measure One was not statistically significantly different in the colostrum groups compared to the placebo group (placebo = 3.4%, 20 g = 4.0%, 60 g = 3.9%; 95% confidence interval (CI) for differences, +/-1.8%, P > 0.05). In performance Measure Two subjects in the 20 g and 60 g groups completed the time trial significantly (P < 0.05) faster post supplement compared to pre supplement (improvements in performance times, placebo = 37 s, 20 g = 158 s, 60 g = 134 s; 95% CI for differences, 47 s).

CONCLUSION:

Oral bovine colostrum supplementation at 20 g or 60 g/d provided a small but significant improvement in time trial performance in cyclists after a 2-h ride at 65% VO2max.



Friday, 27 January 2012

Pubmed - Oral administration of immunoglobulin G-enhanced colostrum alleviates insulin resistance and liver injury and is associated with alterations in natural killer T cells.


Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel Immuron Limited, North Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Abstract

Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome are chronic inflammatory conditions that lead to hepatic injury and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Bovine colostrum has therapeutic effects in a variety of chronic infections. 
However its effectiveness in NASH was never studied. Natural killer T (NKT) cells have been shown to be associated with some of the pathological and metabolic abnormalities accompanying NASH in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice. In the present study, we used hyperimmune bovine colostrum to treat hepatic injury and insulin resistance and we also assessed the effects on NKT cells. 
We used ob/ob mice that were fed for 6 weeks with either 0·1 mg bovine colostrum prepared from non-immunized cows, 0·1 mg hyperimmune colostrum raised against a bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) extract or 0·001, 0·1 or 1 mg of immunoglobulin (Ig)G purified from hyperimmune colostrum (IgG-LPS). NKT cells were phenotyped by flow cytometry, and hepatic injury and insulin resistance were assessed by measuring fasting glucose levels, glucose tolerance tests and liver enzymes. 
Fat accumulation was measured in the liver and plasma. Oral administration of hyperimmune colostrums decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) serum levels and serum triglycerides compared to controls. Glucose intolerance was also improved by the hyperimmune colostrum preparations. These results were accompanied by a decrease in serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels following oral treatment with 0·1 or 1 mg of IgG-LPS. The beneficial effects of hyperimmune colostrums were associated with an increase in the number of splenic NKT cells. These data suggest that oral administration of hyperimmune colostrum preparations can alleviate chronic inflammation, liver injury and insulin resistance associated with NASH.


Wednesday, 24 August 2011

Great Barrier Reef - Queensland - Australia








































There are endless ways to experience the magnificence of life above the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Home to an abundance of native Australian wildlife, the hundreds of islands and coral cays scattered throughout the 1200 mile-long Great Barrier Reef, offer a uniquely spectacular natural setting for a holiday of a lifetime.

Swim off the beach into a coral wonderland where the waters are teeming with fish and other marine life. From any one of these islands, you choose how you will personally connect with the reef which may include luxury cruises, snorkeling and diving, deep sea fishing, chartered sea plane joy flights, a swim with turtles or witnessing the majestic whales playing together offshore.

Expanding 86 million acres, the World-Heritage Listed coral reef system, the largest of its kind, is a magical backdrop to immerse your self in all the Islands have to offer. Meander your way through the islands by catamaran, ocean-kayak to a secluded beach for a picnic lunch, or bushwalk to an island peak and witness the breathtaking views of your surrounds.

From the exclusivity and luxury of five-star resorts to a ‘back-to-nature’ style of designer-inspired safari tents, the diverse array of islands will compliment your very own Great Barrier Reef experience. Whether you choose ecological appreciation, world-class hip luxury, seclusion, adventure or complete backache relaxation, there are over 25 island resorts to suit your every holiday desire!