Fluctuation of Specific IgA Antibodies in Human Milk

ABSTRACT. The concentration of secretory IgA and the levels of IgA specific antibodies against Escherichia coli labile-toxin, Shigella flexneri 6, and rotaviruses were determined in milk samples obtained serially from women during the first 16 weeks postpartum. The mean concentration of secretory IgA followed the expected pattern; the levels of specific antibodies fluctuated in an unpredictable manner and independently of milk secretory IgA content, becoming undetectable in many instances. Under some circumstances, continued breast-feeding may not guarantee continued intake of antibodies against intestinal pathogens by the breast-fed infant.     

Polyamine Oxidase and Diamine Oxidase Activities in Human Milk during the First Month of Lactation

Objective

Human milk (HM) is the ideal food for all newborns and infants. Apart from various bioactive compounds, including cytokines, antibodies, hormones, vitamines, it also contains polyamines, such as spermine (Sp), spermidine (Spd) and putrescine (Put).

Aim

The present study investigated polyamine metabolism in colostrum and mature human milk by measuring the polyamine oxidase (PAO) and diamine oxidase (DAO) enzyme activities, which are necessary for polyamine catabolism, as well as by determining the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, the final product of polyamine biodegradation.

Methods

The PAO, DAO activity and MDA levels were quantified in colostrum (1st and 2nd day) as well as in mature human milk, 30th day of lactation.

Findings

We found the steady increase of PAO activity and steady decrease of DAO activity and MDA levels during first month of lactation.

Conclusion

Since the products of PAO activity such as, amino aldehydes and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) might have potential antimicrobial effects, promoting the oxidative stress, it is likely that human milk PAO throughout the lactation period, contributes to the protective effects of human milk.     

Daily Ingestion of Immunologic Components in Human Milk during the. First Four Months of Life

ABSTRACT. The amounts of lactoferrin, lysozyme, SIgA and SIgA antibodies to E. coli somatic antigens in human milk ingested per day and per kg per day by breast-fed infants were determined during the first four months of life. A gradual decline in the amounts of lactoferrin, SIgA, and SIgA antibodies ingested per day or per kg per day was found, whereas the quantities of lysozyme ingested by the infants rose during that period. These data suggest that the production and secretion of these immunologic factors by the mammary gland may be linked to the ontogeny of the production or catabolism of those components at mucosal tissues of the recipient infant.     

Daily Ingestion of Immunologic Components in Human Milk during the. First Four Months of Life

ABSTRACT. The amounts of lactoferrin, lysozyme, SIgA and SIgA antibodies to E. coli somatic antigens in human milk ingested per day and per kg per day by breast-fed infants were determined during the first four months of life. A gradual decline in the amounts of lactoferrin, SIgA, and SIgA antibodies ingested per day or per kg per day was found, whereas the quantities of lysozyme ingested by the infants rose during that period. These data suggest that the production and secretion of these immunologic factors by the mammary gland may be linked to the ontogeny of the production or catabolism of those components at mucosal tissues of the recipient infant.     

Cellular Composition Including Lymphocyte Subsets in Preterm and Full Term Human Colostrum and Milk

ABSTRACT. The cellular composition of colostrum (within 72 hours post partum) and mature milk samples (5th–7th day post partum) from 20 mothers delivering preterm babies and 20 mothers delivering full term babies was examined. Lymphocyte subsets including T cells, B cells, T⁴ and T⁸ cells were quantitated by indirect immunoperoxidase staining using specific monoclonal antibodies. The mean total cell count in preterm colostrum (9 338/mm³) was significantly higher than in full term colostrum (5 594/mm³). Similarly, counts for macrophages, neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly higher in preterm colostrum and milk as compared to full term colostrum and milk. B and T lymphocytes including T⁴ and T⁸ cells were identified in both preterm and full term breast milk. The absolute count of T, B, T⁴ and T⁸ cells was significantly higher in preterm colostrum compared to term colostrum, though the relative percentage distribution of lymphocyte subsets showed no significant difference between the two groups. T and B cells constituted about 74% and 26% of total lymphocytes, respectively in preterm as well as full term colostrum and about 69% and 31% in preterm and full term milk. The mean T⁴/T⁸ ratio was higher in preterm colostrum than term colostrum, being 1.82 and 1.60 respectively. However, this difference was not significant statistically and did not change statistically in the milk sample.     

Milk from Brazilian women presents secretory IgA antibodies and neutralizes rotavirus G9P[5]

ObjectiveTo verify the presence of anti-rotavirus serotype G9P[5] SIgA and the virus neutralization capacity of milk samples from Brazilian women.MethodsSIgA antibody levels reactive to rotavirus G9 were determined in 30 maternal milk samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using purified virus suspensions. The samples’ capacity to neutralize rotavirus G9P[5] was analyzed using the MA-104 cells neutralization assay.ResultsGreat individual variations were observed regarding the SIgA levels and neutralization titers, but all samples showed some G9P[5] neutralizing ability. A highly significant positive correlation was observed between antibody levels and neutralization titers.ConclusionsThe high correlation between anti-rotavirus antibody levels and neutralizing capacity of the milk samples suggests a possible protective role of these antibodies against infection. These results also support the encouragement of the breast-feeding practice.     

The Influence of Parity, Age and Maturity of Pregnancy on Antimicrobial Proteins in Human Milk

ABSTRACT. Sequential samples of colostrum, transitional and mature milk from 47 women were investigated to determine the concentrations of US IgA, IgG, IgM, α₁, -antitrypsin, lactoferrin, lysozyme, B,A globulin (C3) and B,E globulin (C4) by single radial immunodiffusion. These were all found to be high in colostrum with a decline in concentration as lactation proceeds although a wide variation in concentration was noted between different individuals at any given post-partum time interval. For each time interval considered, parity, age and maturity of pregnancy did not appear to influence significantly the variation in protein concentrations. Statistical analyses of the results obtained from samples taken during the first four days of lactation, when protein concentrations were highest, showed that parity and age did influence the variation in antimicrobial protein concentrations when examined using an analysis of variance but significantly higher concentrations of protective proteins were not consistently seen in the milk from any one or more parity or age groups. Mean concentrations of all proteins excluding IgA were found to be greater in those women delivering before their expected date of confinement during the first four days of lactation. This was statistically signficant for C3 and C4 and approaching significance (p<0.08) for α₁-antitrypsin.     

IgG4 in Human Colostrum and Human Milk: Continued Local Production or Selective Transport from Serum

ABSTRACT. Colostrum, mature milk, and paired plasma samples were obtained from 10 postpartum women who had not been previously studied. The geometric mean concentration of IgG4 in colostrum (3.3 μg/ml) was similar to the mean concentration in mature milk (3.0 μg/ml). The arithmetic mean for the percent of IgG = IgG4 was 10.3±3.3% for colostrum, 10.3±3.1% for mature milk, 2.6±0.3% for early plasma, and 1.7±0.3% for later plasma. Local mammary production of immunoglobulin was determined by subtracting the estimated serum contribution from the measured concentration in colostrum or milk. Evidence for local mammary production of IgG4 was found in 5 of 10 colostrum samples and 8 of 10 mature milk samples. These observations indicate that the previously observed selective enrichment of IgG4 in colostrum is also true for mature milk. These are the first studies suggesting continued local production of any immunoglobulin other than IgA in mature human breast milk.     

Zinc and Copper Concentrations in Human Milk and Infant Formulas

Objective

Available accurate data on the concentrations of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in human milk throughout lactation and infant formulas is important both for formulating nutritional requirements for substances and to provide a base line for the understanding the physiology of their secretion. The objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of zinc and copper in infant formulas and human milk during prolonged lactation. Levels of these metals were examined in relation to selected parameters such as age, weight, height, education and occupation of mothers.

Methods

Thirty mothers referred to the selected clinics in Tehran entered the study. Human milk samples were collected at 2 months postpartum. Zinc and copper concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Findings

The mean values of Zn and Cu in human milk were 2.95±0.77mg/L and 0.36±0.11 mg/L. The mean values of Zn and Cu in infant formulas were 3.98±0.25 mg/L and 0.53±0.17mg/L.

Conclusion

No significant relationship was found between levels of trace elements in human milk and evaluated parameters such as age, weight, height, education and occupation of mothers. The concentrations of zinc and copper in breast milk were lower than those reported in the literature.     

Human Milk Lacto-Engineering: Growth Nitrogen Metabolism, and Energy Balance in Preterm Infants

ABSTRACT. Fourteen 3-day metabolic balance studies were carried out in 8 healthy male preterm infants (birthweight 1270±170 g, gestational age 30±2 weeks) fed 183±7 ml/kg/day of a human milk formula made of incompletely skimmed human milk enriched with lyophilized whole human milk, minerals, medium chain triglycerides and linoleate. Daily intakes per kilo bodyweight were for protein 3.5±0.3 g, fat 7.0±2.1 g, and energy 573±88 kj (137 kcal). Weight gain was 29±5 g per day and nitrogen retention was 317±52 mg/kg/day. Fat absorption was 76± 12 %. Renal acid and solute loads were low and there was no metabolic acidosis, hyperazotemia or hyperaminoacidemia, except for tyrosine. It is concluded that preterm infants fed a human milk formula have similar growth rates and nitrogen retentions as foetuses in utero or preterm infants fed their own mother's milk.     

Human Milk Lacto-Engineering: Growth Nitrogen Metabolism,and Energy Balance in Preterm Infants

ABSTRACT. Fourteen 3-day metabolic balance studies were carried out in 8 healthy male preterm infants (birthweight 1270±170 g, gestational age 30±2 weeks) fed 183±7 ml/kg/day of a human milk formula made of incompletely skimmed human milk enriched with lyophilized whole human milk, minerals, medium chain triglycerides and linoleate. Daily intakes per kilo bodyweight were for protein 3.5±0.3 g, fat 7.0±2.1 g, and energy 573±88 kj (137 kcal). Weight gain was 29±5 g per day and nitrogen retention was 317±52 mg/kg/day. Fat absorption was 76± 12 %. Renal acid and solute loads were low and there was no metabolic acidosis, hyperazotemia or hyperaminoacidemia, except for tyrosine. It is concluded that preterm infants fed a human milk formula have similar growth rates and nitrogen retentions as foetuses in utero or preterm infants fed their own mother's milk.     

Comparing the Effect of Topical Application of Human Milk and Dry Cord Care on Umbilical Cord Separation Time in Healthy Newborn Infants

Objective

Comparing the effect of topical human milk application and dry cord care on cord separation time.

Methods

This research was a randomized clinical trial study on 130 singleton and mature newborns. Newborns were placed randomly in groups of topical application of human milk and dry cord care. The umbilical separation time was compared in the two groups. Data was analyzed by SPSS software. Independent Samples t-Test, χ², Fisher were used in this study.

Findings

Median time of cord separation in human milk application group (150.95±28.68 hours) was significantly shorter than dry cord care group (180.93±37.42 hours) (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Topical application of human milk on the remaining part of the cord reduces the cord separation time and it can be used as an easy, cheap and non invasive way for cord care.     

The Human Milk Contents of Iron, Copper, Zinc, Calcium and Magnesium in a Population with a Habitually High Intake of Iron

The contents of iron, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium were determined in human milk samples from 18 Ethiopian and 23 Swedish women. The Ethiopian women belonged to two groups with different socio-economic situations, a non-privileged and a privileged group. Both groups had an excessively high dietary iron intake–20 to 30 times that of the Swedish women–from the iron-rich traditional diet. In spite of this, the mean concentrations of iron in the milk, as well as of zinc and magnesium, were similar in all three groups. The mean copper concentration, however, was significantly lower in the Ethiopian than in the Swedish milk samples, the lowest mean value occurring in the privileged group. In contrast, a significantly higher mean calcium concentration was found in milk samples from the Ethiopian women than from the Swedish, the highest mean concentration being noted in the non-privileged group. The levels of minerals in breast milk showed no correlation to the birth weight of the infants or the length of gestation. Our data suggest that an excessively high dietary iron intake does not increase the breast milk content of iron in mothers with a good iron status. The reasons for the differences in the content of copper between the Ethiopian and Swedish milk samples are unclear. The higher calcium content in milk from the Ethiopian mothers, despite a low dietary calcium intake may be a result of an increased endogenous cholecalciferol synthesis due to greater exposure to sunshine.     

A Case of Mixed-type Dysgerminoma with a High Serum Concentration of both Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and α-Fetoprotein in a Child

Dysgerminoma is divided into two types: pure and mixed. The mixed type is related to other various elements of germ cell tumors. We experienced a case of mixed type dysgerminoma with a high serum concentration of both human chorionic gonadotropin and a-fetoprotein. The patient was a 6 year old girl who was admitted to the Hamamatsu University School of Medicine with an abdominal mass. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated serum a-fetoprotein and high concentration of serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin. The tumor originated from the left ovary. The histopathological diagnosis was dysgerminoma. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin and α-fetoprotein levels were useful markers in monitoring the response to treatment in this patient.