holvita™ Colostrum and Wounds, Injury and Regeneration
Trauma to the skin
Any physical trauma to the skin involving a cut, tear or puncture damages the dermis. Open wounds become susceptible to infection which can lead to serious problems. In order for an injury or a wound to heal, the damaged cells must be able to replicate and re-grow. The presence of collagen is very important in this healing process and in the maintenance of a healthy skin.
Importance of collagen
Collagen is an important protein of the connective tissue. It is present in ligaments, bones and tendons and is responsible for skin elasticity and strength. When collagen degrades, it leads to the formation of wrinkles that accompany ageing. Collagen is present under the top layer of skin and keeps it firm and strong.
In injuries and wounds where the skin is torn or cut, collagen is important for the regeneration of the affected area. Fibroblasts, which are important in the wound healing process guide cell growth.
Skin generation and growth factors in colostrum
Colostrum contains many cell and repair factors, which are important for healthy cell growth. “Their regenerative benefits are responsible for repair of tissues throughout the body including the skin, muscle, cartilage, and bone.” (The Editors of the Doctors' Prescription Health Magazine, 2005) A study carried out in 1981 identified seven different growth promoters in colostrum involved in growth and repair of body cells (The Editors of the Doctors' Prescription Health Magazine, 2005). Three of the seven factors identified are involved in the healing of wounds.
Transforming growth factors (TgF A & B)
Transforming growth factors A & B, which promote cell proliferation, tissue repair and maintenance (wound healing)
Fibroblast growth factors (FgF)
Which stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and contribute to tissue development and wound healing, and it guides the cell growth.
Platelet-derived growth factors (PDgF)
These are involved in the healing of vascular wounds and are released in conjunction with blood clotting during the healing process.
Epidermal growth factor (EgF) and Insulin-like growth factor - I (IgF- I ) also help cells to grow and reproduce and have regenerative effects.
Research done by Sporn in 1983 found that “Growth factors in bovine colostrum were found to be very effective in promoting wound healing. Implications for trauma, and surgical healing. External and internal applications implied.” (REF)
Colostrum's immune factors make it highly suitable for topical use in the treatment of skin and wounds. Colostrum has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it suitable for oral and/or topical applications. Our holvita™ Dermatological cream, in combination with our holvita™ Liquid extract, can provide an effective way to support and speed up the healing process.References:
Sporn, et. al., 1983, Science, 219 pp. 1329-31: "Polypeptide Transforming Growth Factors (TGF A & B) and Epithelial Growth Factor Isolated from Bovine Colostrum Used for Wound Healing in Vivo"; Growth factors in bovine colostrum were found to be very effective in promoting wound healing. Implications for trauma, and surgical healing. External and internal applications implied
Noda, et. al., 1984, Gann, Vol. 75, 109-1 12. Japanese researchers discovered that Transforming growth Factors A and B (TGF A & B) in bovine colostrum were involved in normal cellular activities such as embryonic development, cell proliferation, and tissue repair. They also reported it promoted the synthesis and repair of DNA -the master code of the cell.
Allen and Rankin, 1990, PSEBM Vol. 194, Muscle Biology Group, Dept. of Animal Sciences and Physiology, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ. Reported: A. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) stimulates proliferation but depresses differentiation of muscle cell growth. B. Insulin like Growth Factor (IGF-1) stimulates both. C. Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-b) slightly depresses proliferation and inhibits differentiation. Conclusion: When administered in combination these factors induce satellite cells to grow, regenerate and proliferate. Following, these cells will fuse with one another or the adjacent muscle fiber thereby increasing myonucles numbers for growth and repair. All three Factors found in Bovine Colostrum.
Skottner, Arrhenius-Nyberg, Kanje and Fryklund, 1990, Acta Paediatric Scand. (suppl) 367: 63-66, A. IGF-1 resulted in significant body weight gain and significant bone growth. 6. Topical administration to wounds resulted in more effective healing. C. Stimulated nerve regeneration.
Chaumeil, Liolet, Kogbe, 1994, Adv Exp. Med. Biol. Report of clinical study Vol. 350 pp. 595-599 Reported effective treatment of eye infections with bovine colostrum lactoserum i.e. reduction in glaucoma, scaring after injury or surgery, reduction in eye lesions.
Bhora, et. al. Jour. Surg. Res. 1995 V 59 p 236-44: Effect of growth factors on cell proliferation in human skin.: "The failure of chronic wounds to heal is a major medical problem. Studies suggest an important role for growth factors in promoting wound healing. Conclusion: Fibroblast growth factor IGF-1 and epithelial growth factor are important for wound healing." Treatment implications for trauma and surgical wounds accelerated healing possible.
Bhora, Y, et al. Effect of growth factors on cell proliferation and epithelialization in human skin. Journal of Surgical Research 59(2):236-244 (1995). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF), IGF-1 and epithelial growth factor (EGF) are important factors in healing skin wounds. EGF in particular is capable of initiating epithelial growth.
Sporn, et al. Polypeptide Transforming Growth Factors (TGF A & B) and Epithelial Growth Factor isolated from bovine colostrum used for wound healing in vivo. Science, 219, pp. 1329-31, 1983.