Antisecretory factor as a potential health-promoting molecule in man and animals

Abstract

Antisecretory factor (AF) is a protein secreted in plasma and other tissue fluids in mammals with proven antisecretory and anti-inflammatory activity; its immunohistological distribution suggests a role in the immune system. The expression level and the distribution of AF protein are altered during an immunological response. Exposure to bacterial toxins induces secretion of AF in plasma, probably reflecting a natural defence mechanism to agents causing diarrhoea, thereby contributing to a favourable clinical outcome and disease termination. An increase of AF levels in plasma by dietary means, such as specially processed cereals (SPC), has been demonstrated in human subjects and animals. Administration of SPC to patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis and Ménière's disease relieved symptoms and improved quality of life. A recent study showed the positive effect of SPC diet supplementation on prevention of the effects of exposure to low levels of blast overpressure in rats, reducing the extent of intracranial pressure increase and cognitive function impairment. AF-rich egg yolk powder improved health status in children suffering acute and chronic diarrhoea, reducing the frequency and increasing the consistency of stools. This kind of functional food could be used for prophylaxis in populations exposed to a high risk of morbidity and mortality caused by diarrhoea and as a complementary therapy in patients affected by chronic intestinal inflammatory disease to improve well-being. In pig husbandry AF-inducing diets, owing to their antisecretory activity and anti-inflammatory action, are a suitable option as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters to counteract post-weaning diarrhoea.

Food-induced changes of lipids in rat neuronal tissue visualized by ToF-SIMS imaging

“…We also demonstrated the involvement of several important cell membrane lipid species in response to SPC intake. This indicates that AF might form peptide-cell interactions with the cell membrane through the peptide exposure of active sites, thus supporting recent studies2555 on the ability of this feed to induce the endogenous production of AF in the body. The results might have significance to understanding the basic function of lipids in brain and cell function as well.…”

The role of antisecretory factor in pancreatic exocrine secretion: studies in vivo and in vitro

“…; Ulgheri et al . ). Given these properties, AF has been used for treatment of diseases with imbalanced secretion, e.g.…”

The endogenous peptide antisecretory factor promotes tonic GABAergic signaling in CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons

“…Antisecretory factor (AF) is an endogenous 43 kDa protein that is expressed in all mammalian tissues and plasma investigated so far (Johansson et al, 1995, 2009; Lange et al, 1999; Lange and Lönnroth, 2001; Ulgheri et al, 2010). The protein was named AF due to its capacity to counteract enterotoxin-induced intestinal hypersecretion, but later studies have shown that AF is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent (Johansson et al, 1997a, 2013; Eriksson et al, 2003; Davidson and Hickey, 2004a,b; Graber et al, 2011; Mane et al, 2011).…”

“…The protein was named AF due to its capacity to counteract enterotoxin-induced intestinal hypersecretion, but later studies have shown that AF is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent (Johansson et al, 1997a, 2013; Eriksson et al, 2003; Davidson and Hickey, 2004a,b; Graber et al, 2011; Mane et al, 2011). Protein AF, which is also named S5a or RPn10, is a component of the 26S proteasome (Ulgheri et al, 2010). It can either be associated to the proteasome, or appear in a free form.…”