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Journal of Dairy Science Mar 2024In this study we wanted to investigate the associations between naturally occurring subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) caused by different etiological agents...
In this study we wanted to investigate the associations between naturally occurring subclinical intramammary infection (IMI) caused by different etiological agents (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, and Prototheca spp.), in combination with somatic cell count (SCC), on the detailed milk protein profile measured at the individual mammary gland quarter. An initial bacteriological screening (time 0; T0) conducted on individual composite milk from 450 Holstein cows reared in 3 herds, was performed to identify cows with subclinical IMI. We identified 78 infected animals which were followed up at the quarter level at 2 different sampling times: T1 and T2, 2 and 6 wk after T0, respectively. A total of 529 quarter samples belonging to the previously selected animals were collected at the 2 sampling points and analyzed with a reversed phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) validated method. Specifically, we identified and quantified 4 caseins (CN), namely α-CN, α-CN, κ-CN, and β-CN, and 3 whey protein fractions, namely β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and lactoferrin (LF), which were later expressed both quantitatively (g/L) and qualitatively (as a percentage of the total milk nitrogen content, % N). Data were analyzed with a hierarchical linear mixed model with the following fixed effects: days in milk (DIM), parity, herd, SCC, bacteriological status (BACT), and the SCC × BACT interaction. The random effect of individual cow, nested within herd, DIM and parity was used as the error term for the latter effects. Both IMI (i.e., BACT) and SCC significantly reduced the proportion of β-CN and α-CN, ascribed to the increased activity of both milk endogenous and microbial proteases. Less evident alterations were found for whey proteins, except for LF, which being a glycoprotein with direct and undirect antimicrobial activity, increased both with IMI and SCC, suggesting its involvement in the modulation of both the innate and adaptive immune response. Finally, increasing SCC in the positive samples was associated with a more marked reduction of total caseins at T1, and α-CN at T2, suggesting a synergic effect of infection and inflammation, more evident at high SCC. In conclusion, our work helps clarify the behavior of protein fractions at quarter level in animals having subclinical IMI. The inflammation status driven by the increase in SCC, rather the infection, was associated with the most significant changes, suggesting that the activity of endogenous proteolytic enzymes related to the onset of inflammation might have a pivotal role in directing the alteration of the milk protein profile.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Cattle; Animals; Milk Proteins; Caseins; Milk; Whey Proteins; Asymptomatic Infections; Inflammation; Peptide Hydrolases; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37863294
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23818 -
Analytical Chemistry Oct 2023Transport within human tissue matrices, e.g., the subcutaneous tissue, exhibits some resemblance to chromatographic processes. Here, a porous matrix comprising agarose...
Transport within human tissue matrices, e.g., the subcutaneous tissue, exhibits some resemblance to chromatographic processes. Here, a porous matrix comprising agarose beads compatible with UV-vis imaging was developed for a parallel piped rectangular flow cell (4 mm light path). Introduction of high-molecular weight dextrans ( ∼ 200000 and ∼500000) at 10% (w/v) rendered imaging possible by providing optical clearing of the turbid porous matrix, resulting in improved transmittance as well as resolution (from 400 to 180 μm) at 280 nm, as well as 520 nm. The interplay between diffusive and convective transport at 0 < ≤ 28 was visualized at 280 nm upon injection of dexamethasone suspensions. Real-time UV-vis imaging showed in-flow cell the effect of incorporating ion-exchange resins on the retention of infliximab, lysozyme, and α-lactalbumin. The ion-exchange matrix may serve as a surrogate for polyelectrolytes in the subcutaneous tissue, assessing the potential role of electrostatic interactions of biotherapeutics upon injection. UV-vis imaging of size-exclusion chromatographic matrixes may be of interest in its own right and potentially develop into a characterization tool for injectables.
Topics: Humans; Chromatography, Ion Exchange; Lactalbumin; Subcutaneous Tissue
PubMed: 37857348
DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03648 -
Unlocking the potential of milk whey protein components in colorectal cancer prevention and therapy.Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Oct 2023Extensive research from large prospective cohort studies and meta-analytical investigations over recent decades have consistently indicated that dairy foods have... (Review)
Review
Extensive research from large prospective cohort studies and meta-analytical investigations over recent decades have consistently indicated that dairy foods have protective effects, reducing the risk of colorectal cancer. Most of the literature has explored the potential role of milk minerals and vitamins in managing colorectal cancer. Yet, there is a paucity of a comprehensive summary of the anticancer attributes of milk protein components and their underlying mechanisms of action. Recent advancements have spotlighted the potential of whey proteins, including β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, and lactoferrin, as promising candidates for both the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. Notably, whey proteins have demonstrated a more pronounced capacity for suppressing carcinogen-induced tumors when compared to casein. Their strong binding affinity enables them to serve as effective carriers for small molecules or drugs targeting colon cancer therapy. Furthermore, numerous studies have underscored the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant prowess of whey proteins in cancer prevention. Additionally, whey proteins have been shown to trigger apoptosis, hinder tumor cell proliferation, and impede metastasis. This comprehensive review, therefore, not only substantiates the significance of incorporating whey protein components into a balanced daily diet but also underscores their potential in safeguarding against the onset and progression of colorectal cancer.
PubMed: 37846905
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2023.2258970 -
International Journal of Biological... Dec 2023As an opaque and complex colloidal mixture, milk is usually present as a positively charged colloid under acidic conditions. Adding negatively charged colloids can lead...
As an opaque and complex colloidal mixture, milk is usually present as a positively charged colloid under acidic conditions. Adding negatively charged colloids can lead to protein aggregation in milk. Alpha-lactalbumin (α-La) is an essential component of whey protein and has good physicochemical properties for functional food development. We combined spectroscopy, computer simulations, and other techniques to comparative analyze the mechanisms and characteristics of isolated α-La aggregation induced by CI Acid Red 27 (C27)/CI Acid Red 14 (FB) containing different sulfonyl groups in vitro. The results showed that C27/FB (5.25 × 10 mol·L to 3.15 × 10 mol·L) induced the formation of fibril-like aggregates under acidic conditions (pH 2.0 and 4.0) mainly benefit from hydrophobic and electrostatic forces. Weakening and redshift of α-La's characteristics negative peak were observed (208 nm to 218 nm) on circular dichroism. β-Crosslinks self-assembly and reorganization of disulfide bonds occurred during protein fibrillation. Moreover, the different redshift intensity of Congo red binding to amyloid fibrils was observed to be induced by C27 (>551 nm) and FB (>536 nm), and the direct observation by TEM demonstrated the ability to induce protein fibrillation is C27 > FB. Edible azo dyes with more sulfonyl groups would possess a stronger ability to induce protein fibrillation.
Topics: Animals; Lactalbumin; Whey Proteins; Milk; Circular Dichroism; Azo Compounds; Amyloid
PubMed: 37839609
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127374 -
Polymers Oct 2023The dynamic surface properties of aqueous dispersions of α-lactalbumin (ALA) amyloid fibrils differ noticeably from the properties of the fibril dispersions of other...
The dynamic surface properties of aqueous dispersions of α-lactalbumin (ALA) amyloid fibrils differ noticeably from the properties of the fibril dispersions of other globular proteins. As a result, the protocol of the application of ALA fibrils to form stable foams and emulsions has to be deviate from that of other protein fibrils. Unlike the fibrils of β-lactoglobulin and lysozyme, ALA fibrils can be easily purified from hydrolyzed peptides and native protein molecules. The application of the oscillating barrier method shows that the dynamic surface elasticity of ALA fibril dispersions exceeds the surface elasticity of native protein solutions at pH 2. ALA fibrils proved to be stable at this pH, but the stability breaks at higher pH levels when the fibrils start to release small peptides of high surface activity. As a result, the dynamic surface properties of ALA coincide with those of native protein solutions. The ionic strength strongly influences the adsorption kinetics of both fibril dispersions and native protein solutions but have almost no impact on the structure of the adsorption layers.
PubMed: 37836019
DOI: 10.3390/polym15193970 -
Case Reports in Genetics 2023The gene encodes megalin (LRP-2/GP330), a large single-spanning transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a multiligand endocytotic receptor and mediates the...
The gene encodes megalin (LRP-2/GP330), a large single-spanning transmembrane glycoprotein that serves as a multiligand endocytotic receptor and mediates the reabsorption of albumin in the proximal renal tubule. is implicated in an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by dimorphisms, ocular anomalies, sensorineural deafness, proteinuria, epilepsy, and intellectual disability: a clinical condition called Donnai-Barrow syndrome (DBS) or facio-oculo-acoustico-renal (FOAR) syndrome. Pathogenic variants in have been reported in fewer than 60 patients, but a detailed description of seizures, electroencephalographic patterns, imaging findings, behavioral phenotype, and long-term follow-up is still needed. We provide a clinical report of two mono-chorionic twins with -related disease manifesting developmental delay, autistic features, seizures, proteinuria, and sleep disorders. By sequencing clinical exome, candidate rare variants, c.6815G > A, p. (Arg2272His), inherited from the mother and c.12725A > G, p. (Asp4242Gly), inherited from the father, were identified. During follow-up, at the age of 7, the main clinical features of the patients included insomnia, autistic features, severe psychomotor delay, and absent speech. The patients were under treatment with risperidone, antiseizure medications (ASMs), and supplementation of alpha-lactalbumin for self-injury and sleep disturbance. Our study confirmed the wide spectrum of behavioral and neurological and psychiatric features of this rare condition, suggesting new treatment options.
PubMed: 37810913
DOI: 10.1155/2023/6679572 -
Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi = Chinese Journal... Oct 2023To investigate the natural history and risk factors for continued allergy in infants with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). This was a prospective cohort...
To investigate the natural history and risk factors for continued allergy in infants with IgE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). This was a prospective cohort study that included 72 infants under 24 months of age diagnosed with IgE-mediated CMPA in the allergy clinic of the Children's Hospital, Capital Institute of Pediatrics from October 2019 to November 2020. General information, clinical manifestations, serum total IgE, cow's milk specific IgE, and cow's milk protein component specific IgE were collected. Follow-ups were conducted at 24 and 36 months of age, and the patients were divided into the persistent allergy group and the tolerance group based on whether they developed cow's milk tolerance at 36 months of age. Mann-Whitney test, chi-square test, and binary Logistic regression were used for intergroup comparison and multivariate analysis. Among the 72 CMPA children, there were 42 boys and 30 girls, with an age of 10 (7, 15) months at enrollment. Cow's milk protein tolerance was observed in 32 cases (44%) and 46 cases (64%) at 24 and 36 months of age, respectively. There were 26 cases in the persistent allergy group and 46 cases in the tolerance group. The proportion of respiratory symptoms, history of wheezing, positive specific IgE for α-lactalbumin and the total IgE level in the persistent allergy group were higher than that in the tolerance group (7 cases (27%) 0, 6 cases (23%) 2 cases (4%), 67% (14/21) 26% (10/39), 225 (151, 616) 48 (21, 185) kU/L, =10.82, 4.16, 9.57, =4.07, all <0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that anaphylaxis (=21.14, 95% 2.55-175.14, =0.005), a history of allergic rhinitis (=5.94, 95% 1.54-22.86, =0.005), elevated milk specific IgE (=1.04, 95% 1.01-1.08, =0.024), and positive casein specific IgE (=6.64, 95% 1.39-31.69, =0.018) were risk factors for continuous CMPA. Most infants with IgE-mediated CMPA can achieve tolerance within 3 years. Anaphylaxis, a history of allergic rhinitis, elevated milk specific IgE levels, and casein sensitization are risk factors for continuous allergy.
Topics: Male; Animals; Female; Cattle; Infant; Humans; Child; Milk Hypersensitivity; Caseins; Prospective Studies; Anaphylaxis; Risk Factors; Rhinitis, Allergic; Immunoglobulin E; Milk Proteins
PubMed: 37803859
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112140-20230423-00294 -
Food Research International (Ottawa,... Nov 2023New processes are needed to produce concentrated milk feedstocks with tailored calcium content, due to the direct link between calcium concentration and final product...
New processes are needed to produce concentrated milk feedstocks with tailored calcium content, due to the direct link between calcium concentration and final product texture and functionality. Skim milk treatment with cation exchange resin 1% (w/v) or 2% (w/v) prior to ultrafiltration to a volumetric concentration factor (VCF) of 2.5 or 5 successfully decreased the calcium concentration by 20-30% and produced concentrates with solids content at ∼22-24 g 100 g at a VCF of 5. Calcium reduction partially solubilized the casein micelles, increasing the concentration of soluble protein and individual caseins, leading to decreased turbidity but increased protein hydration and hydrophobicity. Decalcification (2% (w/v) resin treatment) reduced thermal stability, significantly decreasing the denaturation temperature of α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin in the milk by ∼3 °C and ∼1 °C respectively. Filtration was also altered, reducing permeation flux and the gel concentration and increased filtration time. When combined, calcium reduction and filtration altered functional properties including soluble calcium, soluble protein and sedimentable solids, with increased milk protein hydration also contributing to increased viscosity. This study provides a route to produce calcium-reduced milk concentrates with potential for use in retentate-based dairy products with tailored functionality.
Topics: Animals; Ultrafiltration; Calcium; Ion Exchange; Food Handling; Milk; Caseins; Calcium, Dietary
PubMed: 37803619
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113305 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Nov 2023Cow's milk allergy has been studied extensively in infants and young children and has public health importance around the globe. We describe the clinical and demographic...
Cow's milk allergy has been studied extensively in infants and young children and has public health importance around the globe. We describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of 3 cases of a rare presentation of adult-onset IgE-mediated cows' milk allergy.
PubMed: 37781661
DOI: 10.1016/j.jacig.2023.100142 -
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach,... May 2024Radioprotective agents hold clinical promises to counteract off-target adverse effects of radiation and benefit radiotherapeutic outcomes, yet the inability to control...
Radioprotective agents hold clinical promises to counteract off-target adverse effects of radiation and benefit radiotherapeutic outcomes, yet the inability to control drug transport in human organs poses a leading limitation. Based upon a validated rank-based multigene signature model, radiosensitivity indices are evaluated of diverse normal organs as a genomic predictor of radiation susceptibility. Selective ORgan-Targeting (SORT) hafnium oxide nanoparticles (HfO NPs) are rationally designed via modulated synthesis by α-lactalbumin, homing to top vulnerable organs. HfO NPs like Hensify are commonly radioenhancers, but SORT HfO NPs exhibit surprising radioprotective effects dictated by unfolded ligands and Hf(0)/Hf(IV) redox couples. Still, the X-ray attenuation patterns allow radiological confirmation in target organs by dual-beam spectral computed tomography. SORT HfO NPs present potent antioxidant activities, catalytically scavenge reactive oxygen species, and mimic multienzyme catalytic activities. Consequently, SORT NPs rescue radiation-induced DNA damage in mouse and rabbit models and provide survival benefits upon lethal exposures. In addition to inhibiting radiation-induced mitochondrial apoptosis, SORT NPs impede DNA damage and inflammation by attenuating activated FoxO, Hippo, TNF, and MAPK interactive cascades. A universal methodology is proposed to reverse radioenhancers into radioprotectors. SORT radioprotective agents with image guidance are envisioned as compelling in personalized shielding from radiation deposition.
Topics: Animals; Hafnium; Mice; Oxides; Radiation-Protective Agents; Nanoparticles; Rabbits; Humans; Apoptosis; DNA Damage; Antioxidants; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 37777858
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202308098