Generation of epidermal growth factor-expressing Lactococcus lactis and its enhancement on intestinal development and growth of early-weaned mice.

Background: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays an important role in intestinal proliferation and differentiation. Previous studies by others have shown that administration of EGF into the ileum lumen enhances intestinal development.

Objective: The objective was to examine the feasibility of expressing and delivering EGF via Lactococcus lactis to early-weaned mice to enhance intestinal development at this critical transition stage.

Enhanced resistance to bacterial infection in protegrin-1 transgenic mice.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become a public health concern. It was suggested that one source of resistant pathogens may be food-producing animals. Alternative approaches are therefore needed to enhance the resistance of farm animals to bacterial infection.