Lactoperoxidase system is a well-known antibacterial activity of milk enzyme, lactoperoxidase (E.C. 1.11.1.7). We have investigated another possibility of lactoperoxidase activity utilization. In this report we attempted if lactoperoxidase activity prevent the induction of cytopathic activity against Caco-2 cells in the presence of some chemicals such as naphthoquinone derivatives. They are 1,4-naphthoquinone potassium sulfonate, 2,3-dichloro-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-anphthoquinone and 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone. It was observed that the addition of lactoperoxidase on cell culture was effective to prevent cellular damages by chemicals as estimated by the methods of microscopic observation of cell denaturation, cell viability test, detection of poly-(ADP-ribose)-polymerase by immunoblotting and detection of DNA fragmentation.

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 The milk processing system and uses of milk products were surveyed in Sumbawa and West Sumatra, Indonesia to understand those characteristics in Indonesia, and to discuss an origin of milking techniques in Indonesia. The milking is conducted from mares in Sumbawa and from water buffaloes in West Sumatra. In both these areas, the technique of fermented milk processing series is adopted such us the natural fermentation of raw milk by maintaining it under non-pasteurization conditions for 1 or 2 nights. Both raw milk and fermented milk are used as supplementary food and not considered part of the staple diet of the inhabitants of Sumbawa and West Sumatra. On the basis of the following observations, it is concluded that the milking techniques used in Indonesia are actually derived from those used in India: 1) the marked difference between the milking techniques, milk processing systems, and uses of milk products in Indonesia and those in northern Asian area, where milking from mares is conducted; 2) the similarity between the milking techniques, milk processing systems, and uses of milk products in Sumbawa and West Sumatra; 3) the long and close relationship between Indonesia and India through seaborne trade and the fact that the word dadih, which refers to a traditional Indonesian fermented milk product, finds its origin in India. Year-round reproductive activity in ruminants from regions that lie to the right of the equator and the abundance of plant-based foods in these regions are considered the core factors responsible for the failure of most of the milk processing techniques in Indonesia; consequently, Indonesians use milk products as supplementary food, and not as part of their regular diet.

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 We investigated the effect of α-lactalbumin (α-La) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis using weanling rats. Rats were divided into four groups, groups 1 and 2 were given autoclaved tap water as drinking water, and groups 3 and 4 were given DSS dissolved in the drinking water at a concentration of 2% (w/v), from postnatal day 28 to 35. Groups 2 and 4 were administered α-La dissolved in distilled water once daily by gavage (300 mg/kg), and groups 1 and 3 were given in a same manner with distilled water, from postnatal day 25 to 34. Rats were sacrificed at postnatal day 35. α-La significantly suppressed the disease activity index score, reduction of body weight change, atrophy of spleen, increase of colon weight/length ratio. In addition, α-La significantly suppressed the increase of plasma IL-6, reduction of plasma IGF-I and leptin, and improved hematologic parameters. In comparison between groups 1 and 2, α-La significantly increased the proportion of CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ regulatory T cells in CD4⁺ cells of spleen lymphocytes, and mucin 3 mRNA expression in colon. In conclusion, α-La showed an anti-inflammatory effect on colitis induced by DSS, possibly by increasing regulatory T cell pool and enhancing mucin 3 expression.

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