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Postnatal maturation of rat small intestinal brush border membranes correlates with increase in food protein binding capacity.

To investigate maturational changes of membrane food protein binding capacity, we studied binding characteristics of brush border membranes isolated from small intestines of newborn and adult rats. Binding of biotinylated gliadin peptides, cow's milk proteins (alpha-casein, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin) and lectins was assessed by a sensitive chemiluminescence blot assay. We found specific food protein binding with regard to saturation and inhibition. Maximal binding of most food proteins and several lectins to brush border membranes of newborn and adult rats was comparable, whereas binding of beta-lactoglobulin was substantially less. Common or adjoining binding sites for the different food proteins tested were indicated by corresponding membrane protein binding patterns and by inhibition properties of unrelated proteins. Compared to newborns, adult membrane vesicles as well as isolated membrane proteins showed higher binding capacities. Thus postnatal maturation of small intestinal brush border membranes correlated with increased food protein binding capacity.

Animals↗

Cow's milk protein intolerance and chronic constipation in children.

Cow's milk protein (CMP) allergy was investigated in 25 children (age-range 3 months to 11 years) with chronic constipation. A diagnosis of constipation was made on the basis of a history of painful elimination of hard stools for at least 1 month, whether or not associated with a reduced frequency of stools or soiling. The children were evaluated using clinical parameters and the following laboratory tests: total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE); specific IgE (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]) for whole cow's milk, alpha-lactoalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and a food group; and skin-prick tests with whole milk, alpha-lactoalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein. Following the evaluation, the children were submitted to a CMP-free diet for a period of 4 weeks. In seven patients (28%), constipation disappeared during the CMP-free diet and reappeared within 48-72 h following challenge with cow's milk. In two infants a rectal biopsy revealed allergic colitis and they therefore did not undergo the challenge. High serum levels of total IgE were observed in five of the children who showed a clinical improvement (71%), a positive skin-test in two (29%), and detectable specific IgE in two (29%). These results suggest that CMP allergy or intolerance should be considered as a cause of chronic refractory constipation in children, although the underlying mechanism still require further investigation.

Child↗

Purification and characterization of a uterine retinol-binding protein in the bitch.

A major canine endometrial secreted protein (cP6, 23,000-M(r)) was purified by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography and characterized by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Anti-[human retinol-binding protein (hRBP)] serum identified cP6 on immunoblot analysis and immunoprecipitated cP6 from culture medium. This major protein was also shown to bind [3H]retinol. N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences were determined and compared with previously identified protein, RNA, or DNA sequences. N-terminal analysis revealed that cP6 had high identity and similarity to serum retinol-binding proteins (RBPs), while internal sequence analysis showed a strong similarity to rat androgen-dependent epididymal protein and beta-lactoglobulins. Amino acid analysis, however, showed significant differences between these proteins and cP6 in both total amino acid content and certain selected amino acids. Immunohistochemical analysis showed staining for RBP only in the uterine luminal epithelium. These studies suggest that bitch endometrium secretes a family of proteins (cP6), some of which bind [3H]retinol, are immunologically related to the RBP family, and have N-terminal and internal sequences with a high similarity to RBP, beta-lactoglobulins and other members of the lipocalin family. This family of proteins may be important in early development for supplying retinol or derivatives to the developing embryo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Total and allergen-specific immunoglobulin A levels in saliva in relation to the development of allergy in infants up to 2 years of age.

BACKGROUND: The association between salivary IgA levels and development of allergy is controversial and the employed methodology has been questioned. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to relate the levels of total IgA, SIgA and allergen-specific IgA antibodies in saliva to the development of allergy in infants during the first 2 years of life. METHODS: Saliva samples from 80 infants participating in a prospective study regarding the development of allergy were collected at 3 or 6, and 12 and 24 months of age. Total IgA, SIgA and Fel d 1 and beta-lactoglobulin specific IgA levels were analysed with ELISA. RESULTS: The levels of total IgA and SIgA increased with age. The number of samples with detectable IgA to Fel d 1 tended to increase with age, whereas the opposite was observed for IgA to beta-lactoglobulin. Infants who developed allergy tended to have higher levels of total IgA, and allergen-specific IgA was more commonly detected than in non-allergic children. In contrast, non-allergic children tended to have higher levels of SIgA. Furthermore, the levels of SIgA were higher in sensitized infants with no allergic symptoms than in sensitized children with symptoms. Infants with allergic parents had lower SIgA levels than infants without. Direct exposure to cat and cow's milk did not influence the levels of allergen-specific IgA levels, nor was there any association between breast-feeding and IgA production. CONCLUSION: The kinetics of food and inhalant allergen-specific IgA in saliva during the first 2 years of life is similar to what has earlier been shown for IgG in serum. Development of allergy tended to be associated with high levels of total and allergen-specific IgA antibodies, but low levels of SIgA. Furthermore, high levels of SIgA seemed to protect sensitized children from developing allergic symptoms during the first 2 years of life, supporting a possible protective role of SIgA against development of allergy.

Allergens↗

The impact of genetic polymorphisms on the protein composition of ruminant milks.

The purpose of this review is to give an overview of our current knowledge on the polymorphisms occurring in genes coding for milk proteins and responsible for quantitative variability in their expression, thus influencing the protein composition of livestock ruminant milk. The overall genomic organisation of the 6 main ruminant milk protein genes: alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and the four caseins (alpha(s1), alpha(s2), beta and kappa), their chromosomal location and their expression pattern are first summarised before presenting general mechanisms controlling gene expression both at the transcriptional and the post-transcriptional levels. Polymorphisms found in cis-regulatory elements, mainly within the 5'-flanking region of the genes encoding beta-lactoglobulin and alpha(s1)- and alpha(s2)-caseins, have been found, in cattle, to influence their transcription rate. In addition, polymorphisms found in the transcription unit, within intron as well as exon sequences, have been shown to be responsible for defects in the processing of primary transcripts and/or the export of messenger RNA to the cytoplasm. Mutations responsible for the occurrence of premature stop codons in alpha(s1)- and beta-casein mRNAs have been shown to be associated both with a decrease in the level of the relevant transcripts and the existence of multiple forms of messengers due to alternative splicing (exon skipping, usage of cryptic splice sites). Such a situation, well-exemplified by the gene encoding alpha(s1)-casein in the goat, may have dramatic biological consequences (secretion pathway, casein micelle structure, fat content, etc.) by modifying the message and accordingly the primary structure of the protein as well as its expression. Since some of these polymorphisms dramatically affect technological properties of milk, including cheese yields and organoleptic characteristics, methods mainly based on the PCR technique have been designed and applied in selection and breeding programmes to improve milk protein quality.

Animals↗

IgG and IgA antibody levels to cow's milk are low at age 10 years in children born preterm.

BACKGROUND: Both innate and specific defenses of the preterm infant are even less developed than those of term infants, and the immune systems of preterm infants might be skewed differently at birth. Their immune responses to food antigens started early in life might therefore differ from those of term infants. OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare antibody levels to cow's milk, ovalbumin, and gliadin at age 10 years in children who had been born either preterm or at term. METHODS: IgG and IgA isotype antibodies to whole cow's milk, beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-casein, and ovalbumin, as well as IgG antibody levels to gliadin and to tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, were measured for a group of 62 children born preterm and 61 control subjects born at term. These children were studied at the same time for atopy. RESULTS: Children born preterm had markedly lower levels of antibodies to cow's milk and to its protein fractions (P <.0001 for IgA and IgG antibodies to cow's milk and alpha-casein and IgG beta-lactoglobulin antibodies). IgG gliadin antibodies were also significantly lower in the preterm group (P =.03), although the difference was not significant for IgG ovalbumin antibodies. In the preterm group both those born before gestational week 30 and those given cow's milk-based formula early (before day 50) had the lowest levels of cow's milk antibodies. In the preterm group atopy was associated with low levels of IgG cow's milk antibodies but with high levels of IgG ovalbumin antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Early introduction of food antigens into the immature gastrointestinal tract of preterm infants might result in tolerance. The presence of less atopy in these children might also be a result of tolerance development.

Animals↗

Paradoxical inhibition of protein aggregation and precipitation by transglutaminase-catalyzed intermolecular cross-linking.

Cross-linking of proteins catalyzed by tissue transglutaminase has been suggested to play key roles in a variety of cellular events, including cell apoptosis and human pathogenesis (e.g. polyglutamine and Alzheimer diseases). It has often been suggested that tissue transglutaminase enhances aggregation and precipitation of damaged or pathogenic proteins. To ascertain whether this is accurate, we investigated the effects of tissue transglutaminase-catalyzed modulation on the aggregation of structurally damaged and unfolded proteins. Our results indicated that the aggregation and precipitation of some unfolded proteins were inhibited by transglutaminasecatalyzed reaction, although the effect was strongly dependent upon the target protein species. To elucidate the molecular events underlying the inhibitory effect, extensive analysis was performed with regard to reduced beta-lactoglobulin using a number of techniques, including chromatography and spectroscopy. The results indicated that cross-linking yields high molecular weight soluble polymers but inhibits the growth of insoluble aggregates. The cross-linked beta-lactoglobulin retained stable secondary structures with a hydrophobic core. We concluded that the transglutaminase-catalyzed intermolecular cross-linking did not necessarily enhance protein aggregation but could sometimes have a suppressive effect. The results of the present study suggested that tissue transglutaminase modifies aggregation and deposition of damaged or pathogenic proteins in vivo in a wide variety of manners depending on the target protein species and solution conditions.

Animals↗

Allergen-responsive CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in children who have outgrown cow's milk allergy.

Cow's milk allergy in children is often of short duration, which makes this disorder an interesting clinical model for studies of tolerance to dietary antigens. Here, we studied T cell responses in 21 initially allergic children who, after a milk-free period of >2 mo, had cow's milk reintroduced to their diet. Children who outgrew their allergy (tolerant children) had higher frequencies of circulating CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells and decreased in vitro proliferative responses to bovine beta-lactoglobulin in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) compared with children who maintained clinically active allergy. No significant difference in proliferative activity stimulated by the polyclonal mitogen phytohemagglutinin was observed between the two groups. Depletion of CD25(+) cells from PBMCs of tolerant children led to a fivefold increase in in vitro proliferation against beta-lactoglobulin. This suggests that tolerance is associated with the appearance of circulating CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells that are capable of suppressing the effector T cells generated 1 wk after reintroduction of cow's milk. The suppressive function of the CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells was shown to be partly cell contact dependent. Collectively, our study provides human data to suggest that mucosal induction of tolerance against dietary antigens is associated with the development of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells.

Aging↗

Infant formulas with increased concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin.

Human and bovine milk differ substantially in the ratio of whey to casein protein (approximately 60:40 in human milk and approximately 20:80 in bovine milk) and in the proportions of specific proteins. Although current infant formulas closely mimic the ratio of total whey to casein inhuman milk, the concentration of a-lactalbumin (the dominant protein in human milk) is relatively low in formula, whereas beta-lactoglobulin, a protein not found in human milk, is the most dominant whey protein in formula. Because of the differences in the protein profiles of human milk and infant formula, amino acid profiles also differ. To meet all essential amino acid requirements of infants, formula concentrations of protein must be higher than those in human milk. Recently, whey sources with elevated concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin have become available, which permitted the development of formulas with increased concentrations of this protein and decreased concentrations of beta-lactoglobulin. alpha-Lactalbumin is rich in tryptophan, which is typically the limiting amino acid in formula, and as a result, formulas have been developed with lower protein but higher tryptophan concentrations. This type of formula may offer a number of advantages to the neonate, which include producing plasma tryptophan concentrations equal to those found in breastfed infants and obviating the need for the body to dispose of excess nitrogen loads.

Dose-Response Relationship, Drug↗

Oxidative stress may contribute to the intestinal dysfunction of weanling rats fed a low protein diet.

Intestinal function is impaired in malnutrition. Because oxidative stress is a component of gastrointestinal injury, and malnutrition may reduce antioxidant defenses, we investigated the involvement of oxidative stress in the intestinal dysfunction due to malnutrition. Weanling rats were fed either a normal protein (22% casein) or a low protein (6% casein) diet for 4 wk. In intestinal homogenates, we assessed free radical damage and enzymatic antioxidant defenses. In jejunal fragments mounted in Ussing chambers, we measured ionic transport by short-circuit current (Isc) and protein permeability by transepithelial fluxes of beta-lactoglobulin. Catalase activity and the thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances concentration were greater in intestinal mucosa of the low protein group, whereas the glutathione concentration and the activities of superoxide dismutase and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase were the same as in the normal protein group intestinal mucosa. Both basal Isc and the delta Isc induced by glucose and forskolin, as well as beta-lactoglobulin fluxes, were higher in the low protein group. Exogenous H2O2 stress increased Isc significantly more in the low protein than the normal protein group but did not alter protein permeability. These results show that malnutrition induces both intestinal free radical damage and altered epithelial transport, suggesting that oxidative stress may contribute to the intestinal dysfunction associated with malnutrition.

Animals↗

Protein-bound D-amino acids, and to a lesser extent lysinoalanine, decrease true ileal protein digestibility in minipigs as determined with (15)N-labeling.

Heat and alkali treatment of food may increase the concentrations of protein-bound D-amino acids and cross-links such as lysinoalanine (LAL). To examine how protein treatment affects digestibility, purified test meals [total protein 150 g/kg dry matter (DM), 0.44 MJ/(kg BW(0.75). d)] were prepared, containing (g/kg DM) casein, 75; beta-lactoglobulin, 50; or wheat protein, 40. Each was (15)N-labeled. Test proteins were used either in their native form or after treatment for 6 or 24 h at 65 degrees C, pH 10.5-11.5. Each meal was fed to nine adult miniature pigs (twofold complete cross-classification). Chyme was collected continuously over 33 h postprandially via T-fistulas in the terminal ileum, and digestibilities of test proteins and individual L- and D-amino acids were calculated on the basis of recovery of (15)N and the respective amino acids in the chyme. Treatment of casein, beta-lactoglobulin or wheat protein for 24 h increased levels of D-amino acid residues. L-Asparagine and aspartate (L-Asx) were particularly susceptible; 14. 7 +/- 0.4, 11.7 +/- 0.2 and 11.0 +/- 0.9%, respectively, underwent racemization. LAL levels increased in parallel; 11.7 +/- 0.3, 13.6 +/- 0 and 14.8 +/- 0.0%, respectively, of total lysine was converted to LAL. At the same time, prececal protein digestibility was decreased by 13.4 +/- 2.3, 15.3 +/- 1.4 and 17.8 +/- 1.2% units, respectively (P < 0.05; mean +/- SEM, n = 9). Digestibility of individual L-amino acids decreased by 10-15%, but L-amino acids prone to peptic cleavage, such as L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine, were not affected. Digestibilities of D-amino acids and LAL were approximately 35%. It seems that mainly D-amino acids, and to a lesser extent LAL, were responsible for lower digestibility by interfering with peptic cleavage.

Amino Acids↗

Clinical manifestations of cows' milk allergy in childhood. I. Associations with in-vitro cellular immune responses.

In this study 51 children who presented with symptoms of cows' milk allergy (CMA) were categorized clinically by their response to cows' milk challenge. Forty-two patients had unequivocal evidence of CMA and nine were milk tolerant. Of the patients with CMA two groups were identified. The first, made up of 32 patients, had immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions to milk associated with both positive skin-prick test (SPT) and RAST. The second group of 10 late reacting patients developed symptoms of CMA over several hours or days; significant increases in irritability, frequency of bowel actions, and rhinitis following milk ingestion were noted in this group. Leucocyte inhibition factor (LIF) produced in response to alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-casein was assessed in the immediate and late reacting CMA patients as well as in the milk-tolerant group. There was no difference in LIF production between the milk-tolerant group and those with immediate reactions. However, these two groups produced less LIF than the late reacting patients for alpha-lactalbumin (P = 0.02), alpha-casein (P = 0.03) and beta-lactoglobulin (P = 0.05). A clinical dairy score card was found to be a useful instrument to assess the response of non-immediate reactions to milk ingestion.

Animals↗

Anaphylaxis from cow's milk casein.

The case of a 35-year-old woman who suffered anaphylaxis after the ingestion of milk or milk-containing products is presented. Symptoms also appeared after the patient used a cosmetic which contained casein. Skin prick tests, specific IgE measurement, and immunoblotting were carried out with cow's milk extract, and its purified proteins: casein, beta-lactoglobulin, and alpha-lactalbumin. Specific IgE to cow's milk casein was detected with the three tests. Immunoblotting revealed one band of 24 kDa approximately corresponding to the beta-fraction of casein. Negative results to beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin were obtained with the three methods. Symptoms were controlled by rigorous dietary and behavior measures.

Adult↗

Immunogenicity and antigenicity of a partially hydrolyzed cow's milk infant formula.

We evaluated the immunogenicity and antigenicity of a formula based on partially hydrolyzed cow's milk whey protein in infants at risk of atopy and in controls. Total IgE and specific IgE, IgG, and IgG4 subclass antibodies against egg albumin and cow's milk alpha-lactalbumin, casein, and beta-lactoglobulin were measured by radioimmunoassay of cord blood and of peripheral blood at 5 days and 6 months of life in five groups of infants: 16 breast-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 1), 21 partially hydrolyzed whey formula-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 2), 14 formula-fed infants at risk of atopy (group 3), 10 breast-fed control infants (group 4), and 13 formula-fed control infants (group 5). Total IgE concentration was significantly lower in group 2 at 6 months than in groups 3 and 5 infants and similar to that observed in groups 1 and 4 infants. The concentration of specific antiegg and anti-cow's milk protein IgG and of specific anti-cow's milk alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin IgG4 subclass antibodies was significantly reduced in group 2 as compared to group 3 infants and similar to that found in breast-fed infants. In conclusion, the partially hydrolyzed formula was less immunogenic and antigenic than a traditional formula and was as immunogenic and antigenic as breast milk.

Allergens↗

Protein modification by thermal processing.

This paper is a review concerning the way in which heat treatment can modify the allergenicity of food proteins. Any food protein may be allergenic if it can be absorbed intact, or as substantial fragments, through the gut mucosa and then evoke an immune (allergic) response. The intrinsic properties of the protein, the overall composition of the food, and the past processing history (especially thermal processing) all have an effect on the allergic potential. When a protein is denatured by heat, most of the original tertiary structure is lost, so that many of the sites recognized by antibodies on the native molecule are destroyed. There are many examples of allergenicity being reduced, but not eliminated, by heating. But heat-denatured proteins can also present new antigenic sites, uncovered by the unfolding process or created by new chemical reactions with other molecules present in the food (e.g., beta-lactoglobulin associating with alpha-lactalbumin in milk). We have found that heat-denatured beta-lactoglobulin has at least one new epitope, not found in the native state. Therefore, thermal processing can be part of a procedure for making hypoallergenic food, but will rarely be sufficient on its own. Increased understanding will help in evaluating novel proteins and processes.

Food Hypersensitivity↗

Racemization of free and protein-bound amino acids in strong mineral acid.

A new GC/MS technique was applied to measure the racemization of amino acids in strong mineral acid. The inversion rate constants of 15 free amino acids were determined under standard hydrolysis conditions (110 degrees, 6 N HCl in evacuated vacuum-sealed tubes). The variations in the inversion rate constants of all tested amino acids with the exception of serine and threonine were related to two factors: side-chain electron-withdrawing capacity ( sigma ) and steric hindrance in the vicinity of the alpha-hydrogen atom. The rate constants for serine and threonine were much lower than expected. Hydrolysis-induced racemization of protein-bound amino acids was investigated with alpha-lactalbumin and beta-lactoglobulin. Significant differences were observed as compared with the racemization rates of free amino acids. Such discrepancies were also observed between the two proteins. In the early stage of alpha-lactalbumin hydrolysis, 10% inversion of methionine was measured as compared with less than 0.5% in the case of beta-lactoglobulin. We attributed the particular behaviour of methionine in alpha-lactalbumin to the neighborhood of a cysteine residue on the carboxyl side.

Amino Acids↗

Complete amino acid sequence of pyrazine-binding protein from cow nasal mucosa.

The sequence is reported of the pyrazine-binding protein from cow olfactory/respiratory mucosa. The protein consists of 159 amino acids and clearly belongs to the retinol-binding protein family. It is most closely related to the urinary proteins from mice and rats and to the odour-binding protein from rat nasal epithelium. It is unique however, in that only one of the otherwise conserved features of the family is still present--namely a single tryptophan. Most surprisingly the protein contains no cysteine and, therefore, does not rely for its structural stability on the disulphide bond(s) present in other members of this group. A model for the protein has been constructed based on the co-ordinates of beta-lactoglobulin. From this, it is possible to identify residues which may line the binding site. The impression gained is of a much larger pocket than occurs with retinol-binding protein or beta-lactoglobulin. The character of the binding pocket remains essentially hydrophobic but with a significant reduction in its aromatic content and an increase in H-bonding side chains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Role of the C-terminus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (Rad6) in substrate and ubiquitin-protein-ligase (E3-R) interactions.

The product of the RAD6 (UBC2) gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (Rad6) which is implicated in DNA repair, induced mutagenesis, retrotransposition, sporulation and the degradation of proteins with destabilizing N-terminal amino acid residues. Deletion of the 23-residue acidic C-terminus of Rad6 impairs sporulation and N-end rule protein degradation in vivo but does not affect other functions such as DNA repair and induced mutagenesis. We have investigated the role of the C-terminus of Rad6 in in vitro interactions with various substrates and with a putative ubiquitin-protein ligase, E3-R. The removal of the Rad6 C-terminus had significant different effects on enzyme activity for individual substrates. Although the 23-residue truncated Rad6-149 protein had markedly impaired activity for histone H2B and micrococcal nuclease, the activity for cytochrome c was the same as that of the intact Rad6 protein. Similarly, truncation of Rad6 had no effect on its activity for several poor substrates, namely, beta-casein, beta-lactoglobulin and oxidized RNase. E3-R stimulated the activities of both Rad6 and Rad6-149 for the latter three substrates to similar degrees. E3-R appears to act by enhancing the low intrinsic affinity of Rad6 and Rad6-149 for these substrates. Thus Rad6 can act in three different modes in vitro depending on the substrate, namely unassisted C-terminus-dependent, unassisted C-terminus-independent and E3-R-assisted C-terminus-independent modes. We also examined the results of removing the C-terminal acidic region of Cdc34 (Ubc3), a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme closely related to Rad6. Truncation of Cdc34 like that of Rad6 had no effect on activity for beta-casein, beta-lactoglobulin or oxidized RNase in the presence or absence of E3-R.

Amino Acid Sequence↗