Colostrum and Sjögren's syndrome
What is Sjögren's syndrome
Sjögren syndrome (dry mouth or xerostomia) is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys the exocrine glands that are responsible for tear and saliva production. It is also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms
Symptoms include dry eyes and mouth. Loss of saliva and tears can leave people prone to bacterial infections as saliva and tears contain immune factors that prevent infections. Tears and saliva are responsible for protecting our body from bacterial from entering our body. People with autoimmune disorders are also prone to development of dental problems.“Human saliva contains a number of physical physicochemical, and chemical agents that protect oral tissues against noxious compounds, in particular those produced by various microorganisms. Among such protective factors, the flushing effect of saliva flow is the most important one, not only because it so effectively removes exogenous and endogenous microorganisms and their products into the gut but also because a steady supply of saliva guarantees continuous presence of both non-immune and immune factors in the mouth. “ (Tenovuo)
How holvita™ colostrum help people with Sjögren's syndrome
Colostrums immune-regulatory components may be of benefit to people who are suffering from this syndrome. Colostrum can help to regulate the immune system and possibly prevent it from attacking it “self”. The Proline-Rich-Polypeptide in colostrum is a powerful regulator of the immune system. Colostrum also provides anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties which may be of benefit to people who have a dry mouth or are suffering from infection of the mouth cavity.
German research has found that peptides derived from bovine and human lactoferrin, pose antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. Peptides from bovine lactoferrin are more potent compared to human lactoferrin. (Groenink)
Our liquid colostrum and capsules (when chewed) can provide help with dry mouth conditions and may prevent infection for people suffering with Sjogren syndrome.
References:
Pedersen AM, Andersen TL, Reibel J, Holmstrup P, Nauntofte B. Clin Oral Investig. 2002 Mar;6(1):11-20. Related Articles, Links, Oral findings in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome and oral lichen planus-a preliminary study on the effects of bovine colostrum-containing oral hygiene products. Department of Oral Physiology, Anatomy, Pathology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Groenink J, Walgreen-Weterings E, van 't Hof W, Veerman EC, Nieuw Amerongen AV. Cationic amphipathic peptides, derived from bovine and human lactoferrins, with antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 1999 Oct 15;179(2):217-22. Department of Oral Biology, Section Oral Biochemistry, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Tenovuo J. Clinical applications of antimicrobial host proteins lactoperoxidase, lysozyme and lactoferrin in xerostomia: efficacy and safety. Oral Dis. 2002 Jan;8(1):23-9. Institute of Dentistry and Turku Immunology Centre, University of Turku, Finland.
Tenovuo J, Lumikari M, Soukka T. Salivary lysozyme, lactoferrin and peroxidases: antibacterial effects on cariogenic bacteria and clinical applications in preventive dentistry. Proc Finn Dent Soc. 1991;87(2):197-208. Department of Cariology, University of Turku, Finland.
Tenovuo J. Antimicrobial function of human saliva--how important is it for oral health? Acta Odontol Scand. 1998 Oct;56(5):250-6. Institute of Dentistry and Turku Immunology Centre, University of Turku, Finland.
Human saliva contains a number of physical physicochemical, and chemical agents that protect oral tissues against noxious compounds, in particular those produced by various microorganisms. Among such protective factors, the flushing effect of saliva flow is the most important one, not only because it so effectively removes exogenous and endogenous microorganisms and their products into the gut but also because a steady supply of saliva guarantees continuous presence of both non-immune and immune factors in the mouth. A great number of studies with controversial results have been published regarding various individual agents and their possible association to oral health, particularly to dental caries. It appears that no single chemical agent is far more important than the others. For example, patients with selective IgA deficiency have normal levels of non-immune defense factors and often display a compensatory increase in the other immunoglobulin isotypes. The concerted action of all agents in whole saliva, both saliva- and serum-derived, provides a multifunctional protective network that is collapsed only if salivary flow rate is substantially reduced. In this mixture of defense factors, many show additive or even synergistic interactions against oral pathogens. Increased knowledge of the molecular functions of various agents has made it possible to prepare oral hygiene product that include host-derived antimicrobial agents instead of synthetic agents. Although the clinical efficacy of such products is still unsatisfactory and poorly described, new technologies, for example in the production of specific antibodies against oral pathogens, may considerably improve the antimicrobial power of these products.