Revealing the Potency of Growth Factors in Bovine Colostrum

Abstract

Colostrum is a nutritious milk synthesized by mammals during the postpartum period, and its rich bioactive components has led to a global increase in the consumption of bovine colostrum as a supplement. Bovine colostrum contains key components such as immunoglobulins, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin and lysozyme. It is a special supplement source due to its natural, high bioavailability and high concentrations of growth factors. Growth factors are critical to many physiological functions, and considering its presence in the colostrum, further research must be conducted on its safe application in many bodily disorders. Growth factors contribute to wound healing, muscle and bone development, and supporting growth in children. Additionally, the molecular mechanisms have been explored, highlighting the growth factors roles in cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and the regulation of immune responses. These findings are crucial for understanding the potential health effects of bovine colostrum, ensuring its safe use, and forming a basis for future clinical applications. This review article examines the growth factors concentration in bovine colostrum, their benefits, clinical studies, and molecular mechanisms.

Keywords: colostrum; growth factors; health benefits; immune responses; nutritional supplements.

Figure 1

Growth factors in bovine colostrum [2,9].

Figure 2

The molecular mechanism of the contribution of growth factors found in bovine colostrum to wound healing. Growth factors found in bovine colostrum stimulate the Ras/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways through receptor binding, promoting the proliferation and differentiation of cells in the affected area. Consequently, the wound-healing process is accelerated [25,26]. (p85: regulatory subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, p110: catalytic subunit of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog, Akt: protein kinase B, PIP2: phosphatidylinositol (4,5)-bisphosphate, PIP3: phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate, TSC: tuberous sclerosis complex, Rheb: Ras homolog enriched in brain, mTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin complex, LKB1: liver kinase B1, AMPK1: AMP-activated protein kinase, GRB2: growth factor receptor-bound protein 2, SOS: Son of Sevenless, Ras: rat sarcoma, Raf: rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma, MEK: mitogen-activated protein kinase, ERK: extracellular signal-regulated kinase).