Reasons for performing study: Increasing evidence suggests that reactions to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), particularly in the gut, can be partly or completely mitigated by colostrum- and milk-derived oligosaccharides. Confirmation of this hypothesis could lead to the development of new therapeutic concepts. Objectives: To demonstrate the influence of equine colostral carbohydrates on the inflammatory response in an in vitro model with equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Methods: Carbohydrates were extracted from mare colostrum, and then evaluated for their influence on LPS-induced inflammatory responses in PBMCs isolated from the same mares. mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 was measured as well as the protein levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Results: Equine colostral carbohydrates significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α protein at both times measured and significantly reduced LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression by PBMCs. Moreover, cell viability significantly increased in the presence of high concentrations of colostral carbohydrates. Conclusions: Carbohydrates derived from equine colostrum reduce LPS-induced inflammatory responses of equine PBMCs. Potential relevance: Colostrum and milk-derived carbohydrates are promising candidates for new concepts in preventive and regenerative medicine.

, , , , ,
doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00680.x, hdl.handle.net/1765/67612
Equine Veterinary Journal
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Vendrig, J. C., Coffeng, L., & Fink-Gremmels, J. (2012). Equine colostral carbohydrates reduce lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in equine peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Equine Veterinary Journal, 44(SUPPL. 43), 68–72. doi:10.1111/j.2042-3306.2012.00680.x