The anticarcinogenic potential of milk fat.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The anticarcinogenic potential of milk fat can be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory properties as well as the presence of compounds with antimutagenic effects. In view of the high incidence of cancer the aim of this article was to review the literature concerning the biological activity of milk fat components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), coenzyme Q10, phospholipids, ß-carotene, and vitamins A, D and E play an important role in the pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis. The anti-inflammatory properties of milk fat can be attributed to the presence of phospholipids and short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids. Conjugated linoleic acid has immunostimulatory properties, and it influences the proliferation and activity of lymphocytes and macrophages. Saturated (C10 and C12) and unsaturated (C18) fatty acids, as well as sphingolipids, exert bactericidal effects in the gastrointestinal tract. Vaccenic acid, CLA and sphingomyelin possess antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic properties. Butyric acid promotes the apoptosis of cancer cells in the liver, and delivers positive effects in the treatment of breast and colorectal cancer. Alkylglycerols activate macrophages, stimulate phagocytosis and, most importantly, the apoptosis of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: The health benefits of milk fat are not fully exploited due to its low consumption. Therefore, only some epidemiological studies have shown a negative correlation between the consumption of high-fat dairy products and the incidence of cancer. More research is needed involving human clinical trials to allow a better understanding of the anticancer biochemistry related with milk fat compounds.

[Milk fat - the only existing for any reason]. / Tluszcz mlekowy - unikalny pod kazdym wzgledem.

The milk fat is characterized by an unique composition (over 400 different fatty acids) and stereospecific structure of triglycerides, similar to human milk fat. Almost entirely it is encircled by envelopes made of phosphorolipids and proteins, making the fat stabile oxidatively and resistant for hydrolysis. The envelope of fatty spherule ensures stability of emulsions, as well, as very high extent of dispersion, making milk fat the most easily digested fat in human diet. Phosphorolipids, proteins, peptides and numerous enzymes present inside the envelope are characterized by very high biological activity. All - without any exception - components of milk fat, also saturated fatty acids considered as atherogenic, are extremely biologically active. Lipophylic antioxidants (conjugated linoleic acid, α-tocopherol, vitamin A and ß-carotene, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D3 and phospholipids) are efficient in inhibition of processes of lipids peroxidation within cell structures and of plasma lipoproteins. The unique components of milk fat i.e. conjugated linoleic acid and ether lipids (alkyloglyceroles and alkyloglycerophospholipids) possess the broadest spectrum of pro-health activity.

[The level of lipid peroxidation in milk replacer formulas for initial feeding of infants]. / Poziom peroksydacji lipidów w mlekozastepczych preparatach do zywienia poczatkowego niemowlat.

UNLABELLED: The products of lipids oxidation: peroxides, hydroxides, aldehydes, ketones, esters, alcohols and others show harmful activity against human organism. Presence of the compounds in baby's and children's food creates potential health hazard. Many of them cause infant's and children's diarrhoea, also, negatively influence development of nervous system, show cytotoxic, mutagenic and cancerogenic activity (e.g. malonicdialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal and others). AIM: The aim of the work was to assess the level of lipids peroxidation in milk substitute preparations for initial stage baby feeding, before their end of shelf-life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The level of lipids peroxidation measured as TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) concentrations was determined in 6 available on the Polish market milk substitute infant formulas. The determinations was carried out before the end of the shelf-life after 1,2,3,6,9 and 12 months after purchase. The level of lipid peroxidation was also determined after 3-4 and 21 days post opening. RESULTS: TBARS content in the infants food ready to be eaten depended on the time of preparation storage. The highest level of lipids peroxidation was observed in all the studied food after 12 months of storage and after 21 days after opening of the hermetical wrapping. Various level of lipids peroxidation in milk substitutes for infant nutrition resulted from different amounts and quality of plant oils used in production (different content of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, presence of lack of linoleic and α-linolenic acids).

[Calcium--essential for everybody]. / Wapn--niezbedny dla kazdego.

Calcium regulates majority of metabolic processes within human organism and its optimal intake decreases risk of metabolic illnesses conditioned by diet. Deficiency of calcium results in higher body max index, increase risk of insulin resistance, diabetes type 2 and osteoporosis. Diet delivering full calcium load diminished impendency of hypertension; calcium regulates tension of smooth muscles of blood vessels, limits neurotransmitters activity and also diminish hazardous activity of sodium chloride. Anticancerogenic activity of calcium results from formation insoluble bile acids and fat acids salts, and most of all, from inhibition of intestine mucosa cells hyper proliferation. Due to presence of vitamin D3, CLA, proteins and bioactive peptides emerging from them, milk is more efficient in prophylaxis of diet conditioned illnesses than calcium supplements. Efficiency of milk and dairy products in treatment of obesity, sclerosis and hypertension has been proved by DASH diet.

The effect of probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001, Lactobacillus paracasei LPC-37, and Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM) on the availability of minerals from Dutch-type cheese.

The use of probiotic cultures in the production of Dutch-type cheeses did not lead to significant changes in their chemical composition but it lowered their acidity. The availability of calcium and magnesium analyzed by in vitro enzymatic hydrolysis was 19 and 35%, respectively; the availability of phosphorus was significantly higher, at >90%. The use of probiotic cultures significantly increased the availability of calcium (~2.5%), phosphorus (~6%), and magnesium (~18%). The in vitro method supports accurate determination of the effect of the Lactobacillus spp. cultures on the availability of mineral compounds ingested with Dutch-type cheese.

[Dairy products as source of folates]. / Produkty mleczarskie jako zródlo folianów.

Dairy products, especially yoghurts and blue cheeses, are underestimated source of folates in human diet. Though foliates content in dairy products is lower than in vegetables and cereals, nevertheless their bioavailability and stability is much better. High folate stability results from presence of hydro- and lipophylic antioxidants efficiently protecting folates and other bioactive compounds against oxidation processes on synergic way. On the other hand, high bioavailability is a consequence of folic appearing in milk mainly in form of mono glutamates and also of a presence of a protein ready to bind folates (FBP--folic binding protein). FBP makes easier folates transport through cell membranes. Moreover, present in milk sphingolipids and cholesterol stimulate activity of FBP. Mould cheeses and milk fermented beverages contain the highest amount of folates. However, cottage cheese contain considerable amount of folic binding protein. Regular consumption of milk fermented beverages and eating them together with vegetables and fruits rich in folates is a chance to increase covering of folic demand.

Viability of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 probiotic strain in Swiss- and Dutch-type cheese and cheese-like products.

The objective of this study was to determine the viability of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Swiss-type and Dutch-type cheese and cheese-like products (milk fat is substituted by stearin fraction of palm fat) during manufacture, ripening, and storage. The use of the probiotic L. rhamnosus HN001 in Dutch-type cheese and cheese-like products significantly (P = 0.1) changed their chemical composition (protein and fat content) and an insignificant increase (approximately 1.6% in cheese-like products and approximately 0.3% in cheese) in yield. L. rhamnosus HN001 did not affect the rate of changes in the pH of ripened cheese and cheese-like products. A minor increase in probiotic counts was observed in initial stages of production and were partially removed with whey. Ripened cheese and cheese-like products were characterized by high survival rates of probiotic bacteria which exceeded 8 log CFU/g after ripening. An insignificant reduction in the number of viable probiotic cells was noted during storage of Swiss-type and Dutch-type cheese, whereas a significant increase in probiotic cell counts was observed in cheese-like products during storage.

[Immune stimulative potency of milk proteins]. / Immunostymulacyjny potencjal bialek mleka.

Milk proteins are characterized by the highest immune stimulative potency from among all the proteins present in human diet. Whey proteins and numerous growth factors that regulate insulin secretion, differentiation of intestine epithelium cells, and also tissue restoration, are priceless in stimulation the immune system. Lactoferrin shows the most comprehensive pro-health properties: antioxidative, anticancer, immune stimulative and even chemopreventive. Also peptides and amino acids formed from casein and whey proteins possess immune stimulative activity. The most valuable proteins, i.e. lactoferrin, immune globulins, lactoperoxidase and lisozyme, together with bioactive peptides, are resistant to pepsin and trypsin activity. This is why they maintain their exceptional biological activity within human organism. Properly high consumption of milk proteins conditions correct function of immune system, especially at children and elderly persons.

Influence of the Probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFMand Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 on Proteolysis Patternsof Edam Cheese.

The objective of this study is to determine the viability of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Edam cheese as well as the effect of probiotic bacteria on paracasein proteolysis and changes in the water activity during ripening. The use of probiotics L. rhamnosus HN001 and L. acidophilus NCFM in Edam cheese slightly changed its chemical composition, but the change was not significant. The pH values were significantly correlated with the changes in Lactobacillus count (R=-0.807) and the level of phosphotungstic acid-soluble nitrogen compounds in total nitrogen (PTA-SN/TN) (R=0.775). After 10 weeks of ripening, the highest level of trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen compounds in total nitrogen (TCA-SN/TN) was observed in the cheese containing L. rhamnosus HN001 (11.87%) and slightly lower level in the cheese containing L. acidophilus NCFM (7.60%) and control cheese (6.24%). The highest level of PTA-SN/TN fraction was noted in cheese containing L. acidophilus NCFM (3.48%) but the lowest level was observed in control cheese (2.24%) after ten weeks of ripening. The changes in the levels of PTA-SN/TN (R=-0.813) and TCA-SN/TN (R=-0.717) fractions were significantly (p<0.05) correlated with the viability of probiotic counts. Water activity (aw ) strongly correlated with the PTA-SN/TN level (R=-0.824) and bacteria viability (R=-0.728). All of the analyzed cheeses were characterized by high counts of L. rhamnosus HN001 and L. acidophilus NCFM during ten weeks of ripening.

[Milk phospholipids as nutraceutic]. / Fosfolipidy mleka jako nutraceutyk.

Almost the all milk fat is closed inside fat globules possessing envelope of phospholipids, glycosphingolipids, cholesterols and proteins. Phospholipids of milk are composed of phosphatidylcholine (lecithin), phosphatidylethanolamine (kefalin), sphingomyelin, also phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine and lizophosphatidylcholine (lizolecithin) and make 30% of the milk fat globule membrane. Phospholipids possess pro-health properties. They act neuroprotectively, regulate brain activity, improve memory and resistance to stress, reduce depression risk, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Due to participation in molecular transport, they influence cell growth and development, speed up organism regeneration after great physical effort. The phospholipids limit cholesterol absorption from gastrointestinal tract, are effective in liver therapy (steatosis, alcohol intoxication). Moreover, they are inhibitors of proinflammation factors, pathogens of alimentary canal and cancers (e.g. of colon and adenoma). Alkiloglycerphospholipids - unique component of milk fat - stimulate immune system and protect tissues against toxic action of hydroxyl radicals that is generated during radiotherapy.

[Controversies around diet proteins]. / Kontrowersje wokól bialek diety.

Critical theories regarding proteins of anima origin are still and still popularized, though they are ungrounded from scientific point of view. Predominance of soya proteins over the animal ones in relation to their influence on calcium metabolism, bone break risk or risk of osteoporosis morbidity has not been confirmed in any honest, reliable research experiment. Statement, that sulphur amino acids influence disadvantageously on calcium metabolism of human organism and bone status, is completely groundless, the more so as presence of sulphur amino acids in diet (animal proteins are their best source) is the condition of endogenic synthesis of glutathione, the key antioxidant of the organism, and taurine stimulating brain functioning. Deficiency of proteins in the diet produce weakness of intellectual effectiveness and immune response. There is no doubt that limitation of consumption of animal proteins of standard value is not good for health.

[Milk fat in prophylaxis of cancer diseases]. / Tluszcz mlekowy w profllaktyce chorób nowotworowych.

Milk fat is characterized by extensive pro-health activity. Its unique components, such as: short chain saturated fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vaccenic acid, ether lipids (alkiloglicerols and alkiloglicerophospholipids), 13-methyltetradecanic acid and bioactive components of antioxidative activity, are important in prophylaxis, and even in therapy of cancer diseases. Advantageous influence to maintain pro- and antioxidative balance of organism is revealed by the components of milk fat: conjugated linoleic acid, vitamins A and E, and coenzyme Q10. Moreover, vitamin D3, phospholipids, ether lipids, cholesterol and 13-methyltetradecanic acid also reveal antioxidative activity.

[The food cholesterol controversy]. / Kontrowersje wokól cholesterolu pokarmowego.

Arteriosclerosis of blood vessels, the main cause of heart attack and stroke, is a disease of multifactor pathogenesis. Multiple experimental, clinical and epidemiologic studies indicate that free radicals and lipid oxidation products take part in aterogenesis process. Homocysteine possess also cytotoxic activity leading to degradation of elastine of internal membrane of blood vessels. Deficiency of vitamin folic acid, B12 and B6 cause homocysteine accumulation in human organism. Identifying the arteriosclerosis with oxidation of LDL-cholesterol results with faulty conclusions. Metabolism of cholesterol in human organism depends on content of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids, fitosterols, food fiber, Lactobacillus and antioxidants in the diet. In aterogenesis antioxidant defficiency, especially long-lasting ones, are more important then amount of fat itself. Considering cholesterol intake with average food and its absorption amounting 25-30%, one can conclude that amount of cholesterol in intestine originates in 90% from liver synthesis, which is excreted with bile, and in more than ten percent--from food. This is why reduction of cholesterol intake with food only little improves blood lipid indexes.

[Spuriously healthy plant fats]. / Rzekomo zdrowe tluszcze roslinne.

Since long plant fats are considered by nutritionists, dieticians and doctors, as main source of essential unsaturated fatty acids) n-6 and n-3 in human diet. On the market there is plenty of oils that can be consumed directly or used to frying. Last four decades consumption of oils increased several times due to stimulated by advertisement popularization of their pro-health activity. Plant oils supply mostly multi unsaturated fatty acids n-6 excess of which disadvantageously influence human health. Determinations of changes of oxidative stability of plant fats (during processing and storage) proved that consumption of oxidation products of fatty acids and sterols may be a reason of various diseases. Both epidemiologic and clinic studies indicated that if plant fats (both oils except this from olives and margarines) have possessed pro-health properties, their several times increased consumption would liquidate the problem of arteriosclerosis and its clinical complications (heart attack, stroke). For the present, every second death in the industrial countries results from the cardiovascular disease. Morbidity of cancer is also increasing and of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases is growing up vigorously.

[Spuriously unhealthy animal fats]. / Rzekomo niezdrowe tluszcze zwierzece.

Animal fats are generally considered as a source of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, identified with arteriosclerosis and its clinical complications (cardiovascular diseases with heart attack, stroke, cerebral claudication). The real reason of arteriosclerosis are inflammation states of blood vessel endothelium caused by oxidative stress, hiperhomocysteinemia, hipertrigliceridemia, presence of artificial trans isomers and excess of eicosanoids originated from poliunsaturated fatty acids n-6. Present status of science proves that both saturated fatty acids and cholesterol present in animal food can not cause inflammation state. Moreover, animal fats are source of antioxidants active both in food and in human organism. Due to high oxidative stability animal fats do not make threat to human health. Milk fat, though high content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, possesses comprehensive pro-health activity--against arteriosclerosis and cancerogenesis.

[Atherogenic properties of milk fat--facts or myths?]. / Aterogenne wlasciwosci tluszczu mlekowego--rzeczywistosc czy mit?

Since long time edible fats are classified into two groups of food products: atherogenic or antisclerotic ones. Animal fats are considered as atherogenic ones because of high content of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, and margarines and plant oils are, without reason, counted as food with antisclerotic activity. Milk fat, included among animal ones, does not impend over sclerosis, on the contrary, it prevents diseases of cardiovascular system, because it contains various bioactive constituents, that: limit synthesis of liver cholesterol and triglycerides (short chain saturated fatty acids, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid); intensify estrification and metabolism of cholesterol (phospholipids, oleic acid, Omega-6 and Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in optimal proportions); prevent cholesterol oxidation (conjugated linoleic acid--CLA, alpha-tokoferol, coenzym Q10, vitamins A and D3, phospholipids), reduce level of LDL-cholesterol in blood plasma (linolenic acids Omega-3, linoleic acid W-6, also oleic acid). Unique components of milk fat i.e. short chain saturated fatty, conjugated linoleic acid, vaccenic acid (natural trans isomer), and other milk components possess additionally anticancerogenic activity.

Effect of paracasein degradation on sensory properties of Gouda cheese.

The relation between the sensory quality of Gouda cheese and the extent of paracasein degradation, i. e., the content of soluble N, peptide N, amino acid N and amine N, was studied. The above-mentioned parameters of paracasein degradation differently determined the sensory properties of Gouda cheese. The flavour of cheese after 6-week ripening depended to the largest extent on the content of amine N and soluble N. The effect of the content of peptide N on cheese flavour was smaller but statistically significant. Also the smell of Gouda cheese was to the largest extent correlated to the content of amine N. A dependence between smell and the content of peptide N was found only in the cheeses after 4-week ripening. None of the sensory quality parameters of the examined cheeses depended on the content of amino acid N.