Colostrum is the secretion of the mammary gland at the time of the final third of pregnancy. The main source of energy is provided by lipids and carbohydrates. The protein fraction is principally constituted by casein and immunoglobulins, whose role is fundamental for passive immune transfer to newborns.
Bioactive Compounds | Function | Reference |
---|---|---|
ß-lactalbulin | Potential antiviral, prevention of pathogen adhesion anticarcinogenic and hypocholesterolemic, and hydrophobic components binding ability, including retinol and long-chain fatty acids. | [55] |
α-lactalbulin | Calcium metalloprotein, in which Ca plays a crucial role in the folding and structure. Effector of lactose synthesis in mammary gland, calcium carrier, immunomodulatory, precursor for bioactive peptides potentially anticarcinogenic. | [56] |
Lactoferrin | Antimicrobial, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, iron transport, cell growth regulation, precursor for bioactive peptides, immunomodulatory, stimulation of osteoblast proliferation. | [57] |
Lactoperoxidase | Antimicrobial, synergistic effects with immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lysozyme. | [53] |
Lysozyme | Antimicrobial, synergistic effects with immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lactoperoxidase. | [58] |
Growth factors | Function | Reference |
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) | Stimulation of cell growth, intestinal cell protection and repair, regulation of immune system. | [59] |
Binding proteins (IGFBP) | Marked anabolic characteristics, gastrointestinal maturation, and wound healing contribution. | [60] |
Transforming growth factor -alpha (TGF-α) and beta (TGF-ß) | Cellular proliferation and tissue growth, maturation, and repair activation. Inductive effect on IgA production in Peyer’s patch lymphocytes and spleen lymphocytes. | [61] |
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). | Maintenance of adult muscle mass depending on satellite cells activation, proliferation, survival, and differentiation, processes. Lean muscle growth and beta oxidation of fats. | [62] |
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). | Produced by macrophages, important factor for intestinal cells growth in neonates after birth. DNA and proteins synthesis and nutrient uptake enhancement, particularly in muscles and cartilages. | [63] |
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) | Gastrointestinal development and maturation. | [64] |
Vascular endothelial growth factor vascular (VEGF) | Gastrointestinal growth and perivascular maturation. | [65] |
Growth hormone (GH) | Maturation of gastrointestinal mucous membrane development and closing of antibody transport at intestinal level. | [66] |
This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/ani11113260