Abstract
The endocannabinoid system is involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological and cognitive processes. While the endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine, AEA) have been found in breast milk, their role(s) have yet to be determined. This study determined the normal concentration ranges of endocannabinoids (2-AG and AEA) in breast milk and the influences, if any, of obesity and diurnal rhythms on their levels. Milk samples were collected from 36 breastfeeding mothers at 4–8 weeks postpartum at each feed over a 24-h period, and further stratified into three groups based on body mass index (BMI). The samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. AEA was below the limit of detection and 2-AG levels averaged 59.3 ± 18.3 ng/mL (± SD) in women with normal BMI. Wide-ranging 2-AG concentrations in the overweight (65.5 ± 41.9 ng/mL) /obese (66.1 ± 40.6 ng/mL) groups suggest BMI may be a contributing factor influencing its levels. Following a diurnal pattern, there was a significantly higher 2-AG concentration observed during the day, as compared to night time samples. In conclusion, our study clearly suggests that appropriate milk collection and storage conditions are critical. Further, body weight and diurnal rhythm appear to influence levels of 2-AG. Based on these results, future studies are underway to determine what specific roles endocannabinoids may play in human milk and how elevated levels of 2-AG may modulate infant appetite and health.
Highlights
Breastfeeding is universally recommended as the best choice of infant feeding for at least the first 6–12 months [1]
This research study was designed to explore the effects of obesity, diurnal rhythm and longitudinal breastfeeding on endocannabinoid levels in breastmilk
They were detected in both bovine and human milk as early as 1998 with 2-AG concentrations up to 1000-fold higher than apparently suppress parasympathetic synapses. Anandamide (AEA) [16,18,19]
Summary
Breastfeeding is universally recommended as the best choice of infant feeding for at least the first 6–12 months [1]. Breast milk is rich in lipids and fatty acids and provides almost all energy requirements for neonates up to 6 months of age [2]. Arachidonic acid (ARA) is the most predominant long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid in human milk and is essential for infant development [3]. Human milk ARA levels are modulated by dietary intake and vary depending on dietary habits among mothers. ARA serves as a precursor to eicosanoids and endocannabinoids that are found in human milk [4]. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been implicated in the regulation of a variety of physiological and cognitive processes including fertility [5], pregnancy [6], both pre- and postnatal development [7], appetite [8], painperception [9] and in mediating the pharmacological effects of cannabis [10]
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