Human Milk From Atopic Mothers Has Lower Levels of Short Chain Fatty Acids.

Lisa F Stinson,Melvin C L Gay,Christine C Johnson,Ganesa Wegienka,Daniel Munblit,Merete Eggesbø,Donna T Geddes,Elloise Du Toit,Dianne E Campbell,Naoki Shimojo,Susan L Prescott,Anita L Kozyrskyj,Petya T Koleva

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2020.01427

Abstract

Short chain fatty acids (SFCAs) are microbial metabolites produced in the gut upon fermentation of dietary fiber. These metabolites interact with the host immune system and can elicit epigenetic effects. There is evidence to suggest that SCFAs may play a role in the developmental programming of immune disorders and obesity, though evidence in humans remains sparse. Here we have quantified human milk (HM) SCFA levels in an international cohort of atopic and non-atopic mothers (n = 109). Our results demonstrate that human milk contains detectable levels of the SCFAs acetate, butyrate, and formate. Samples from atopic mothers had significantly lower concentrations of acetate and butyrate than those of non-atopic mothers. HM SCFA levels in atopic and non-atopic women also varied based on maternal country of residence (Australia, Japan, Norway, South Africa, USA). Reduced exposure to HM SCFA in early life may program atopy or overweight risk in breastfed infants.

Highlights

Human milk (HM) confers numerous benefits to the developing infant, an effect attributed to its many bioactive metabolites
Our study suggests that maternal atopic status may reduce the availability of human milk (HM) Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) to regulate fat metabolism in the breastfed infant
Our findings suggest that HM SCFA levels may vary by maternal atopic status and country of residence, a finding that could not be attributed to race

Summary

Introduction

Human milk (HM) confers numerous benefits to the developing infant, an effect attributed to its many bioactive metabolites. The evidence for some of the long-term health benefits of HM is inconclusive [1]. Regarding the prevention of atopic diseases through breastfeeding, this varies across countries and in particular, according to the atopic phenotype of the mother [2]. While genetics and epigenetics play a role in the inheritance of atopic disease [3, 4], the role of HM metabolites remains underexplored in this field. The study of the HM metabolome has proven valuable in identifying variability by maternal phenotype, diet, and disease state [5, 6]. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are key metabolites of microbial fermentation of fiber that have links with host health. Early-life exposure to SCFAs has been shown to protect against atopy [7]

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion