Bovine colostrum inhibits nuclear factor κB-mediated proinflammatory cytokine expression in intestinal epithelial cells

Colostrum, a nutrient-rich fluid produced by female mammals immediately after giving birth, is loaded with several immune, growth, and tissue repair factors. However, it remains unknown whether bovine colostrum has anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal epithelial cells (IEC). In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of colostrum on IEC and to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. Human colon cancer HT-29 cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1 beta with or without bovine colostrum. The effects of colostrum on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) signaling in HT-29 cells were examined using real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction detect IL-8 and intracellar adhesion molecule-1 mRNA expression using a NF-kappa B-dependent reporter gene assay and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Further more, we assessed the expression levels of inhibitor protein of NF-kappa B-alpha, cyclooxygenase-2, and p65 proteins by Western blotting. Bovine colostrum significantly inhibited IL-1 beta-induced IL-8 and intracellar adhesion molecule-1 mRNA expression. Moreover, it suppressed IL-1 beta-induced NF-kappa B activation, including NF-kappa B dependent reporter gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, Western blotting revealed that colostrum decreased the cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression level, inhibited inhibitor protein of NF-kappa B-alpha degradation, and blocked translocation of p65 into the nucleus. These data demonstrated that bovine colostrum might protect against IEC inflammation by inhibiting the NF-kappa B pathway, suggesting colostrum has a therapeutic potential for intestinal inflammation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.