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Biological effects of milk proteins and their peptides with emphasis on those related to the gastrointestinal ecosystem

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2005

Antonella Baldi ,
Politis Ioannis ,
Pecorini Chiara ,
Fusi Eleonora ,
Chronopoulou Roubini  and
Dell'Orto Vittorio
Antonella Baldi
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technology for Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Milan, via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
Politis Ioannis
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Athens, GR 118 55, Greece
Pecorini Chiara
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technology for Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Milan, via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
Fusi Eleonora
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technology for Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Milan, via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
Chronopoulou Roubini
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Animal Science, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, Athens, GR 118 55, Greece
Dell'Orto Vittorio
Affiliation:
Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technology for Food Safety, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, University of Milan, via Celoria 10, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Abstract

The protein fraction of milk contains several components with physiological significance for the development of the newborn. Among them, immunomodulatory peptides and lactoferrin exemplify the complexity of biologically active substances of milk. Immunomodulatory peptides have latent activity within the native protein and are generated after proteolysis during gastrointestinal transit. Once they are generated, they modulate mucosal immunity, possibly by guiding the local immune system until it develops its full functionality. Lactoferrin is another milk bioactive compound with nutritional and health promoting properties; it modulates the microbial intestinal environment, displays anti-microbial activity against various pathogens and stimulates the establishment of beneficial microflora. The following overview focuses on the importance of immunomodulatory peptides and lactoferrin for the maturation of intestine and immune system that are functionally immature in the newborn.

Keywords

Milk immunomodulatory peptideslactoferringastrointestinal ecosystem
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Dairy Research , Volume 72 , Issue S1 , August 2005 , pp. 66 - 72
Copyright
Proprietors of Journal of Dairy Research 2005

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