Background: The antisecretory factor (AF) is a 41 kD endogenously produced protein capable of mediating protection against diarrhoea diseases and intestinal inflammation. High concentrations of AF-like proteins are present in egg yolk, and AF can consequently be administrated in the form of egg yolk drinks. In this study, performed in patients suffering from acute onset of ulcerative colitis (UC), we evaluate the influence of orally administrated AF on the histological and clinical laboratory outcome.
Methods: A total of 20 patients fulfilled this prospective, double-blind and randomized protocol. The intake of AF was used as an additive treatment to conventional UC medication. Patient registrations were extended to two outward visits, performed 2-4 and 8-12 weeks after hospital discharge.
Results: During AF treatment, a reduction in the histological severity from mucosal biopsies received from the mid-rectum was found. In addition, a lowering in the inflammatory blood parameters ESR, CRP and orosomucoid was demonstrated.
Conclusion: In the AF-treated group a late and significant lowering of various inflammatory parameters combined with a histological recovery was demonstrated. These findings suggest that administration of AF mediates a long-lasting anti-inflammatory effect in cases of acute UC.