Levels of Cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) and Trace Elements (Zn, Cu) in Breast Milk From Mothers of Preterm and Term Infants
It has been well documented that human milk contains several immunomodulator components which are important during infant period when the newborn's immune system is still under development. In this study, we aim at examining levels of cytokines, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in milk from mothers o...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2005-01-01
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| Series: | Mediators of Inflammation |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/MI.2005.331 |
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| Summary: | It has been well documented that human milk contains several
immunomodulator components which are important during infant
period when the newborn's immune system is still under
development. In this study, we aim at examining levels of
cytokines, zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in milk from
mothers of premature and mature infants, and comparing changes
during lactation periods consequently. Milk was collected from
total of 40 mothers (group M: mothers of mature infants, n=20;
group PM: mothers of premature infants, n=20) from four
lactation stages: colostrum (0–7 days), transitional (7–14
days), mature milk (21 days), and mature milk (2nd month). Levels
of cytokines (interleukin [IL]-lβ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor
necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were determined by
chemiluminesence method, whereas atomic absorption
spectrophotometer was used for the determination of Zn and
Cu levels. Cytokine levels were determined to be
high in colostrum and transient milk from mothers of full-term
infants, whereas their levels were reduced drastically in the 21st
day and the 2nd month milk (P<.01, P<.001). Similar
trends were observed in milk from mothers of premature infants,
but cytokine levels were significantly lower in colostrum compared
to colostrum from mothers of mature infants (P<.01). The
differences in cytokine levels were continuous in transient milk
(P<.05) and mature milk (21 days) (P<.05), whereas there was
no statistically significant differences between milk from both
groups of mothers in the 2nd month (P>.05). Zn levels in
milk from mothers of premature infants were significantly lower
compared to the ones from mothers of mature infants (P<.01) and
these differences continued through the 2nd month. Although
Cu levels were lower in milk from mothers of premature
infants, there was no statistically significant difference except
colostrum (P>.05). Our results clearly demonstrate that the
level of immunomodulating agents such as cytokines and trace
elements in milk from mothers of premature infants is less than
the level of the same agents in milk from mothers of full-term
infants. Although there are commercially available products for
infant feeding, human milk is still the best natural nutrient for
newborns. Therefore, when premature infants are breastfed,
necessary precautions such as supplemantary diets must be
considered for possible infections and risks related with immune
system deficiency. |
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| ISSN: | 0962-9351 1466-1861 |