Table 3.
Bioactive compounds and growth factors of colostrum.
| 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] |