A feature of colostrum that helps differentiate its powerful effects from other proteins is the high concentration of proline-rich polypeptide (PRP’s). These are small peptides that have a marked effect in initiating and balancing internal responses and cell signaling from the muscle nuclei. For instance, during exercise, when the immune system is compromised or the muscle cell is under stress, and cells are calling for help, the PRP’s are a welcomed addition to help amplify the cell’s signaling ability and thereby help improve the act of muscle-protein synthesis, repair, and recovery of muscle tissue.
The proline-rich polypeptides (PRP’s) are a vitally important component for colostrum. PRP’s are small peptides that have a robust effect in initiating and balancing immune responses.
The 5 PRP’s in Colostrum
There are five different proline-rich polypeptides (PRP 1-5). PRP 2 and 3 are most active, and PRP 2 is thought to contain active peptides that are used to modulate cytokine levels in the body, particularly interferon beta, which has anti-viral properties. PRP 3 modulates the interferon alpha levels in the body, which is involved in modulating the auto-immune responses. These peptides can act as molecular signalers which promote the growth and the differentiation of B-cells, and promote leukocytosis [proliferation of leukocytes (white blood cells)].
In all, PRP’s act as “air-traffic controllers,” telling the various enzymes and hormones, via a signal, where and when to move about to get the specific activation required to carry out their needed functions.
Study Data
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Experimental Therapeutics and Oncology indicated that PRP may have an impact on the aging process by reducing the spontaneous or induced mutation frequency in the DNA of cells. Such DNA damage is implicated in the general process of aging.
The study, which was performed in both hamster and human cells, looked at the impact of PRP on the f DNA mutations in these cells as they occur naturally and when induced by various known chemical or physical agents. In cells stressed oxidatively, PRP reduced the frequency of mutation induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) to nearly background levels in a dose-dependent manner. It is suggested that the antimutagenic properties of PRP are achieved via multiple mechanisms – by decreasing intracellular levels of ROS and so preventing DNA damage and by increasing the efficiency of natural DNA repair mechanisms.
PRP-rich preparations from bovine colostrum have shown some activity against various diseases including viral infections of herpes viruses and HIV, as well as difficult-to-treat bacterial and fungal infections like Mycobacterium fortuitum 50s and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (cause of tuberculosis), cryptosporidosis in AIDS patients, and candida. Also for various forms of cancer, such as Hodgkin’s disease. osteogenic sarcoma, prostate cancer, and others. As an immune modulator, PRP is also effective in disease states characterized by an overactive immune system, such as allergies, asthma, and autoimmune diseases.
PRP has some effect in neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer’s disease, but has not yet shown longterm disease retarding effect.
See more study references and information on our website here.
References: Semantics Scholar PDF
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