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Arthritis - The Clinical Use of Bovine Colostrum
The Clinical Use of Bovine
Colostrum
Alejandro Nitsch, M.D.; Fabiola P. Nitsch, M.D.
Journal
of Orthomolecular Medicine Vol. 13, Number 2, 1998
Abstract
The nutritional value of milk is largely
undisputed. Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals after parturition, has
been thoroughly studied on recent years, after confirming its superior
nutritional and protective value when compared to milk. Initially, colostrum was
used clinically as a vehicle for passive immunity transfer. It is now known
colostrum contains cytokines and other protein compounds of very low molecular
weight that can act as Biological Response Modifiers (BMRs), which intervene
locally in most biological processes.This article reviews the composition and
current clinical use of colostrum, and describes the use of a colostral
derivative in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and
osteoarthritis.
Part I: Review and Proposal
Milk has always
been considered a very important food and food source worldwide, as it supplies
important nutrients in addition to carbohydrates, proteins and fat, which
together contribute to the optimal functioning of the body. Maternal milk, in
comparison to formula milk, has a far superior nutritional value. Colostrum has
a well acknowledged crucial value for the survival of the animal species that
cannot receive immunoglobulins through the placenta.1 In recent years, due to
the favorable effects of colostrum ingestion in newborn infants and animals,
there has been a growing interest in determining the composition of this
naturally occurring substance and determining its clinical use, in animals and
humans as well. Much has also been investigated about the composition of human
colostrum, and it is interesting to note the similarity in elements and
functions with those of bovine colostrum. This review will specifically address
data on the contents of human and bovine colostrum that constitute the basis for
their immunomodulatory capacity, the current use of colostrum, and will describe
a new derivative of colostrum and its clinical use.
Human Colostrum is known
to be highly immunoreactive, both in the humoral and cellular systems. In 1993,
Grosvenor et al. stated "many hormones, growth factors and bioactive substances
present in the maternal organism are present in colostrum and milk, often
exceeding concentrations that occur in maternal plasma." 2 The presence of
immunoglobulin containing neutrophils and macrophages (especially IgA, and
lesser amounts of IgM and IgG), and peroxidase activity identical to serum
myeloperoxidase was documented recently in human colostrum.3,4 It is known that
secretory IgA (sIgA) purified from human colostrum causes in vitro inhibition of
local adherence of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) to Hep-2 cells because sIgA
responds to a plasmid-encoded outer membrane protein implicated as the EPEC
adherence factor acting as a receptor analogue.5 Thus, colostrum provides
passive immunity for the newborn.
Until recently the presence of cytokines in
colostrum was unsuspected but it has been now clarified that normally there are
at least four cytokines in colostrum: initially IL-1 followed by IL-2, were
determined as being part of the colostral factors that stimulate resistance to
infections. IL-6, tissue necrosis factor (TNF) and biologically active gamma
interferon are thought to immunostimulate the oropharyngeal and intestinal
lymphoid tissues in the newborn, and contribute to the development and
maturation of the immune system.1,6,7,8,10 Other factors, like Transforming
Growth Factor Beta (TGF§) are present in colostrum and milk.9
Colostrum of
mothers of pre-term babies was found to have a higher concentration of IgA,
lysozyme and lactoferrin, and higher macrophage counts when compared to that of
mothers of term babies. Other substances found to have a significantly greater
activity in pre-term colostrum is a phagocytosis-promoting factor, which not
only increases the number of phagocytic cells, but also stimulates the
phagocytic activity of the individual cell.11 The fact that colostrum of mothers
of pre-term babies shows a higher nutritional and immunological value is not
surprising if we consider the greater need for protection of pre-term babies.
The protective effect of breast-feeding against diarrhea has been extensively
studied. It is well known that the incidence of diarrhea in third world
countries is inversely related to the prevalence of breast-feeding in the
community.12,13
Colostrum from Animals
Bovine colostrum
contains a glucose tolerance-promoting factor, which consists of a
chromium-based complex, with a molecular weight around 1500. This complex was
shown to participate in glucose metabolism closely related to insulin. The
authors of this study hypothesize this complex could be useful to enhance
glucose metabolism in adult diabetic patients.14 The presence of a Gonadotrophin
Releasing Hormone (GRH)-related peptide, presumably synthesized in the mammary
gland has also been demonstrated.15 There is evidence of IgE transference by
colostrum to calves during the first 12 weeks of life, and this is assumed to
generate protection against intestinal parasites. IgG, IgA, and IgM are also
present in bovine colostrum showing the capacity of neutralizing human, simian
and bovine rotavirus.16 The polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) found in
colostrum show a greater phagocytic activity against at least two breeds of S.
Aureus than the PMNs from peripheral blood. This was demonstrated using both the
rosette and phagocytosis tests.17 Ovine and porcine colostrum enhances
intestinal protein synthesis to a greater level than the synthesis induced by
milk or lactose in their respective newborns. These findings support the idea
that colostrum is an important factor for tissue maturation in
newborns.18-20
Proline-Rich-Polypeptide (PRP), a polypeptide with a clear
immuno-modulating activity is present in ovine colostrum. PRP acts both in vivo
and in vitro, and is not species specific. PRP increases skin permeability and
causes differentiation of murine thymocytes into functionally active T-cells.
The effects of PRP resemble the effects of thymic hormones on autoimmunity and
T-cell maturation. PRP has a molecular weight of approximately 6000. It is
interesting to note that fractions with a molecular weight of approximately 1000
show the same spectrum of activity of the original molecule, apparently
indicating that a three amino acid sequence is responsible for the immunological
effect of the peptide.21-23
Use of Bovine Colostrum in
Animals
Basically, two presentations of colostrum have been evaluated for
their use in animals: normal and hyperimmune colostrum. Robinson et al. in 1993
demonstrated the protective effect of normal colostrum against specific
diseases: 14 foals were divided in two groups. In the first group, six foals
were fed normal colostrum. In the second group, eight animals were fed whole
milk. All animals were exposed to infection. Seven of the eight animals fed with
milk developed signs of sepsis, and four of them died. In the colostrum-fed
group, one developed diarrhea, but none developed sepsis and none died.24
Colostrum has been specifically hyperimmunized against bovine rotavirus, and
more frequently against bovine herpes type I virus and Crypto-sporidium parvum.
The goal of these studies has been to demonstrate the efficacy of colostrum as a
vehicle for passive immunity. In a study, the authors fed bovine colostrum with
neutralizing antibodies against herpes virus type I to calves prior to causing
infection with the same virus. The most severe affection shown by these animals
consisted of small areas of subacute fibrinopurulent rhinitis, but none of the
animals died. The control group was fed normal colostrum, and all the calves
developed fatal multisystemic infection and died.25 The protective effect of
hyperim-mune colostrum against Crypto-sporidium parvum was shown in calves that
had a shortened period of diarrhea26 and a similar response was seen in
mice.27,28 Another study used IgG in powdered hyperimmune colostrum against
serotype 3 rotavirus to prevent diarrhea in foals.29
Use of Colostrum
to Treat Diarrhea in Humans
Many studies have focused in this area,
specifically about the advantages of bovine colostrum as an efficient vehicle in
the process of passive immunity in immunocompetent or immunocompromised humans.
In children with diarrhea caused by rotavirus, the use of bovine colostrum has
been tried since the mid 1980s. An important study, reported in 1989, fed 55
children with bovine colostrum with antibodies against the four serotypes of
rotavirus. The control groups, 65 children, were fed artificial formula. None
from the trial group and nine from the control group developed diarrhea
(p<0.001). Parents of children from the control group sought medical
attention seven times more than those in the trial group. In 1995, children
treated with hyperimmune bovine colostrum were not only protected from diarrhea,
but those who were affected showed a shortened course of disease. Nevertheless,
results from many studies are diverse, and in some cases there seems to be no
significant response.30-32
The studies done in immunocompetent and
immunocompromised patients with diarrhea unresponsive to conventional therapies
have emphasized the effect on Cryptosporidium. In 1990 the use of hyperimmune
bovine colostrum against Cryptosporidium was reported to stop a three-month
diarrhea in an HIV positive patient after only 48 hours of direct duodenal
infusion. A similar study reported five patients with an acceptable response,
still not being a success in all patients. Plettenberg et al. reported 25 HIV
patients with chronic diarrhea (7 with Crypto-sporidium and 18 with no
identifiable agent). They demonstrated a favorable effect in 64%, complete
remission in 40% and partial remission in 24% of patients, and considered this
to be an excellent response, due to their previous therapeutic
failures.33-35
Other Alternatives: The "New" Colostrum
Derivatives
There is at least one other alternative use for new colostrum
derivatives which have been separated by laboratory techniques until a
concentrate of basic particles is left. These particles, although not specific,
have a vital and necessary role in the immuno-modulation processes of the
organism. They include interferon, TNFs and cytokines 1,2 and 6. Other cytokines
of recent description (cytokines 10,12,13,15,16) are presumably found in the
resulting fractions, and it is possible to find other unsuspected elements of
equal or lower molecular weight, with immuno-modulatory activity of the
anti-inflammatory cytokine-type as well (4,10,13,15,16). The presence of
immunomodulators is very important, because their activity is evident in
femtomolar concentrations.2-7 The reasoning and questions of Professor V. Bocci,
from Italy, are very valid: "Why are cytokines present in colostrum -is it
because they have a role in the immunological development of the newborn? Could
we use this natural therapeutic strategy in adults?"1,36
Following this line
of thought and encouraged by the result observed in animals, in 1991 a product
derived from bovine colostrum was developed through a pro-prietory method. Other
protein separation processes were then used in 1995 to isolate and purify the
protein component of bovine colostrum responsible for the inhibition of
S-fimbria-mediated adhesion of Escherichia coli.36 Since the product has no
demonstrable biological activity (as of 1993), our proposed mechanism of action
is the induction of cytokine synthesis by the host (i.e., a true
immunomodulator), allowing the organism to recuperate or reorient its
"immunologic memory" thus resulting in adequate response to autoimmune
conditions. These protein particles, named "Infopeptides" by their discoverer,
have been extensively used in animals, and are now being used in humans under
the name of CytologTM (which was provided by Cellogic Corporation through its
distributor Allergy Research Group.ª
The initial reports in small groups of
patients suggested Infopeptides are efficacious in diseases such as rheumatoid
arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and AIDS-related intractable diarrhea,
among others.37 The next part of this article describes a clinical trial using
Infopeptides as an adjuvant for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, in
patients who did not respond to adequately established conventional therapies.
Part II: Use of Infopeptides as an Adjuvant Therapy for Rheumatoid
Arthritis: A Clinical Trial
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease in
which autoimmunity and the cytokine network are clearly involved, and despite
being the most extensively studied form of arthritis, all conventional
therapeutic regimes are far from satisfactory in terms of clinical response. In
1996, Feldmann et al. (from the Mathilda and Terence Kennedy Institute of
Rheumatology, London, UK), reported an open-label trial done in 1992-1993, where
they attempted a new treatment for RA using a chimeric (mouse x human)
monoclonal anti-TNF (antibody cA2). The treatment led to rapid improvement in
every patient in all parameters of disease activity used.38 The proposed
mechanism of action of Infopeptides, the specific protein derivatives obtained
from bovine colostrum, is induction of anti-inflammatory cytokine-type activity
by the organism, allowing the immune system to reorient or correct its response
mechanism against autoimmune disease processes. Thus, this product is expected
to work as a true immunomodulator. The initial clinical observations of the
effects of Infopeptides in humans demonstrated marked reductions of
inflammation, edema, pain and fever, apparently regardless of cause. Severe and
active RA, unresponsive to conventional therapies, was chosen as a model disease
to be managed with immunomodulators. Starting in March 1996, we initiated a
small clinical trial with Infopeptides (Cytologª on 12 patients with RA, who
despite adequate conventional therapy had clinical signs of active disease. At
the same time we followed up 10 patients with Osteoarthrits (OA) who had no
relief on conventional therapy. Because RA and OA have different ethiologic
mechanisms, we must make it clear that the inclusion of OA patients in this
study was incidental.
Method
Patients included in this trial
had an established diagnosis of RA or OA, with clinical and laboratory evidence
of active disease, despite adequate established conventional therapy
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), chloroquine, steroids,
methotrexate, azathioprine, gold salts). Patients were encouraged to comply with
their conventional established treatment, and were started on Infopeptides as an
adjuvant supplement. Treatment was not to be considered a failure before a
three-month period. The administered dose was 5 mL orally per day, and patients
were instructed to keep the product in contact with the oral mucosa for 2-3
minutes, and then swallow it. If no clinical response was observed after four
weeks, the dose would then be doubled to 5 mL two times a day. All patients were
evaluated clinically when they entered the trial and had a follow-up visit every
four weeks. Records of clinical changes, as well as initial X-rays, laboratory
exams and photographs were taken. Patients were also encouraged to report
changes, or feel confident to call in case of need. RA patients were classified
according to clinical severity of the disease, using the functional capacity
classification: Class I: complete remission, or full capacity to develop Daily
Life Activities (DLAs); Class II: moderate restriction, but still capable of
handling DLAs; Class III: marked restriction, disabled to work, needs help for
self care; Class IV: severe disability, bed or wheel chair confined.
RA Patients
Twelve patients (10 F, 2 M), with an average age
of 52.5 years entered the trial. The average time of disease duration was 12.4
years. Patients were taking between one and five therapeutic drugs per day
(average two drugs per day).
Results
After a minimum
three-month follow-up, the results were outstanding. Clinical and subjective
improvement (i.e., subjective and objective reduction or disappearance of pain,
edema and inflammation, improvement in joint mobility and better tolerance to
physical activity) was documented after two to six weeks of treatment in 10 out
of 12 RA patients. Two patients were lost to follow-up. An objective reduction
of inflammation and local joint edema, usually preceding reduction or
disappearance of pain was observed between 7 and 35 days. The average response
time was 21.3 days. Patients with longer disease courses took a longer time to
respond. The dose was increased to 5 mL twice a day in five patients. In spite
of being advised not to stop using their established therapies, patients decided
to drop other agents on their own. At the end of the initial evaluation time,
the medicine intake ranged from none to 3 drugs per day (average 1.5 drugs per
patient-day). Six of the nine patients using NSAIDs at the time were not using
them on a regular basis; since pain severity was markedly reduced, medicine
intake was not as necessary as before. The RA patients with more severe
conditions (functional class III-IV) have been followed for over one year, and
have shown a slow but significant improvement in joint mobility, besides the
initial reduction in pain, edema and inflammation (Table 2, Figure 1, below).
With a prolonged course of treatment, we have observed dramatic changes in
functional classification. In general, patients report improved quality of life,
a state of well-being, better quality of sleep, increase in appetite and a
noticeable reduction of frequency and severity of relapses.
OA
Patients
During the initial phase of the RA trial, several patients with
OA asked to be included, because of the excellent results they saw on their
friends or relatives. Since the Infopeptides had initially shown to be very
effective in pain control regardless of cause, and because of its general safety
and tolerance, we decided to initiate a parallel observation including OA
patients.
Ten patients, all female, (average age 58.4 years) agreed to
participate in theclinical trials. Duration of disease ranged from six months to
11 years, averaging 5.6 years. All patients were on a NSAID, and two had other
medications when they entered the trial. OA patients were evaluated based on a
patient estimated scale of pain, where 0 would be total absence of pain, and 100
the worst pain.
Nine out of 10 patients reported a significant reduction of
pain, and showed clinical reduction of inflammation, between 15 and 21 days
after starting the therapy. The average response time was 16 days. After the
initial three-month evaluation period, only five patients were taking NSAIDs,
while the others were taking the Infopeptides as their only therapy. The only
patient who did not report pain reduction or relief despite showing a clinically
significant reduction of local edema and heat, had severe, deforming knee
damage, where surgery was advised.
Comments
After the initial
trials, we concluded that the colostrum derived product contains one or more
immunomodulating agents that promote anti-inflammatory cytokine-type activity
resembling the anti-inflammatory activity of cytokines 4,10,13,15,16. Longer
follow-up and laboratory support data will be necessary to determine whether or
not it is possible to stop, or even reverse the existent articular cartilage
damage (this effect was described in vitro using cytokines 4 and 10 on
mononuclear cells of RA patients).39
As expected from a biological response
modifier, the effects of the Infopeptides are relatively non-specific, allowing
the organism to recuperate normal functioning patterns. This hypothesis is
supported by the good responses observed in both RA and OA. At present time,
there are several other autoimmune processes that are already receiving benefit
from this therapeutic alternative, with promising results.
The results of
this initial clinical trial are very significant, not only because of the high
level of clinical response of the whole group of patients, but also because of
the sustained benefit and improvement on prolonged therapy. Its oral
administration, its low cost when compared to other current experimental
biological response modifiers, and the absence of side effects are remarkable as
well. Nevertheless, to us, as clinicians, the most valuable aspect of this new
therapeutic alternative is its profound effect on pain
relief.