Immune Modulation by cross-linked Bovine Colostrum in vitro and in vivo

Bovine colostrum (BC) is the early thick yellow fluid produced by cows during the first several days after birth of the calf. BC is different from "mature" milk as it contains nutrients and immune factors, which strengthen the immune system of the newborn calf in its first week of life. BC has a long history of use in traditional medicine throughout the world and is currently also used in a topical cream for the treatment of immuno-related skin problems such as atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, despite a large amount of literature concerning the properties of human or bovine colostrum, there are only few reports on the effects of colostrum on the human immune system. In this study, the effects of cross-linked BC containing hyaluronic acid on the T-cell/macrophage interplay were investigated in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and the results were compared with the effects of euxyl 9010, which was used to preserve the BC ingredients. The cross-linked BC preparations showed significant immunomodulatory effects on unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated human PBMC by modulating tryptophan degradation and formation of neopterin in a biphasic manner. These results could be relevant for some of the beneficial effects of BC observed in the treatment of skin lesions of patients with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the first positive results obtained in patients.