In vitro cytomodulatory and immunomodulatory effects of bovine colostrum whey protein hydrolysates

Abstract

Bovine colostrum possesses biological compounds involved in the development of the newborn. Among them, the proteins have drawn attention as a source of bioactive peptides. This study shows the in vitro cytotoxic and immunostimulatory potential of two colostrum whey protein (CWP) hydrolysates obtained by in vitro digestion with pepsin and pancreatin. MTT cell viability, apoptosis induction, polymorphonuclear proliferation and phagocytic activity assays were performed. Treatment with the hydrolysates induced a significant decrease in the viability of MDA-MB-231 cell lines due to apoptosis and also a significant increase in the proliferation of blood mononuclear cells. It could also be observed that for the RM-1 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines and for the two times of exposure (24 and 48 h), the hydrolysate H1 is significantly more cytotoxic than CWP. These results showed the potential of bovine CWP and its hydrolysates for the treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer.