Antimicrobial Properties of Colostrum and Milk

Antimicrobial Properties of Colostrum and Milk

11 March 2024 | Furkan Eker, Emir Akdaşçı, Hatice Duman, Yalçın Mert Yalçıntaş, Ahmet Alperen Canbolat, Arda Erkan Kalkan, Sercan Karav, Dunja Šamec
The article "Antimicrobial Properties of Colostrum and Milk" by Furkan Eker et al. explores the antimicrobial components and mechanisms of action in colostrum and milk, highlighting their potential as biotherapeutic agents. Colostrum, secreted during the first 48 hours of lactation, is rich in immune-related molecules and growth factors, such as immunoglobulins (Igs), lactoferrin (Lf), lysozyme (LZ), and oligosaccharides (OS). These components have various antibacterial activities, including direct inhibition of pathogens, immunomodulation, and disruption of bacterial cell membranes. Key antibacterial components discussed include: 1. **Lactoferrin (Lf)**: A multifunctional glycoprotein that binds iron and has bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Lf can inhibit bacterial growth by depriving them of iron and has additional functions like immunomodulation, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. 2. **Lysozyme (LZ)**: An enzyme that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, acting as an endogenous antibiotic. LZ is present in high concentrations in colostrum and milk, contributing to the defense against harmful bacteria. 3. **Xanthine Oxidase (XO)**: An enzyme that can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which have antibacterial properties. XO is part of the XO-LPO system, which can produce ROS and HOCl to inhibit bacterial growth. 4. **Lactoperoxidase (LPO)**: An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of molecules to form hypochlorite, an effective antimicrobial molecule. LPO can be combined with XO to enhance antibacterial activity. 5. **Immunoglobulins (Igs)**: Glycoproteins that bind to antigens and can directly lyse bacteria, block toxins, and initiate phagocytosis. Igs play a crucial role in immune responses and can be used as alternatives to antibiotics. 6. **Oligosaccharides (OS)**: Carbohydrates that can inhibit pathogen growth, enhance the intestinal environment, and function as prebiotics. OS are particularly abundant in human milk and have been studied for their potential medical benefits. The article emphasizes the importance of these components in strengthening the immune system of newborns and their potential for therapeutic uses, especially in treating bacterial infections. Further research is needed to uncover new perspectives and methods for the treatment of bacterial infections using these antimicrobial compounds.The article "Antimicrobial Properties of Colostrum and Milk" by Furkan Eker et al. explores the antimicrobial components and mechanisms of action in colostrum and milk, highlighting their potential as biotherapeutic agents. Colostrum, secreted during the first 48 hours of lactation, is rich in immune-related molecules and growth factors, such as immunoglobulins (Igs), lactoferrin (Lf), lysozyme (LZ), and oligosaccharides (OS). These components have various antibacterial activities, including direct inhibition of pathogens, immunomodulation, and disruption of bacterial cell membranes. Key antibacterial components discussed include: 1. **Lactoferrin (Lf)**: A multifunctional glycoprotein that binds iron and has bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Lf can inhibit bacterial growth by depriving them of iron and has additional functions like immunomodulation, antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. 2. **Lysozyme (LZ)**: An enzyme that hydrolyzes peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, acting as an endogenous antibiotic. LZ is present in high concentrations in colostrum and milk, contributing to the defense against harmful bacteria. 3. **Xanthine Oxidase (XO)**: An enzyme that can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which have antibacterial properties. XO is part of the XO-LPO system, which can produce ROS and HOCl to inhibit bacterial growth. 4. **Lactoperoxidase (LPO)**: An enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of molecules to form hypochlorite, an effective antimicrobial molecule. LPO can be combined with XO to enhance antibacterial activity. 5. **Immunoglobulins (Igs)**: Glycoproteins that bind to antigens and can directly lyse bacteria, block toxins, and initiate phagocytosis. Igs play a crucial role in immune responses and can be used as alternatives to antibiotics. 6. **Oligosaccharides (OS)**: Carbohydrates that can inhibit pathogen growth, enhance the intestinal environment, and function as prebiotics. OS are particularly abundant in human milk and have been studied for their potential medical benefits. The article emphasizes the importance of these components in strengthening the immune system of newborns and their potential for therapeutic uses, especially in treating bacterial infections. Further research is needed to uncover new perspectives and methods for the treatment of bacterial infections using these antimicrobial compounds.
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Understanding Antimicrobial Properties of Colostrum and Milk