Influence of Previous COVID-19 and Mastitis Infections on the Secretion of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Human Milk.

Veronique Demers-Mathieu,Sirima Lavangnananda,Shawn Fels,Elena Medo,Dustin J Hines,Rochelle M Hines

doi:10.3390/ijms22083846

Abstract

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) play a critical role in neurodevelopment, where breast milk is a significant dietary source. The impact of previous COVID-19 infection and mastitis on the concentration of BDNF and NGF in human milk was investigated. Methods: Concentrations of BDNF and NGF were measured via ELISA in human milk samples collected from 12 mothers with a confirmed COVID-19 PCR, 13 mothers with viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and 22 unexposed mothers (pre-pandemic Ctl-2018). These neurotrophins were also determined in 12 mothers with previous mastitis and 18 mothers without mastitis. Results: The NGF concentration in human milk was lower in the COVID-19 PCR and viral symptoms groups than in the unexposed group, but BDNF did not differ significantly. Within the COVID-19 group, BDNF was higher in mothers who reported headaches or loss of smell/taste when compared with mothers without the respective symptom. BDNF was lower in mothers with mastitis than in mothers without mastitis. Conclusions: Previous COVID-19 and mastitis infections changed differently the secretion of NGF and BDNF in human milk. Whether the changes in NGF and BDNF levels in milk from mothers with infection influence their infant’s development remains to be investigated.

Highlights

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurodevelopment [1] and regulation of neuronal survival and proliferation [2,3]
This study provides the first data on BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) concentrations in human milk samples from mothers with a confirmed COVID-19 PCR test, mothers with previous viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, and unexposed mothers
The NGF and BDNF concentrations did not differ between COVID-19 PCR and viral symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 groups

Summary

Introduction

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in neurodevelopment [1] and regulation of neuronal survival and proliferation [2,3]. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is another neurotrophin (NF) that has a crucial role in the process of neuronal angiogenesis/apoptosis, brain development, and tissue proliferation and differentiation [5]. BDNF levels are positively correlated with the total behavior rating scale (TBRS), which indicates improved cognition. Serum BDNF levels are higher in mothers than in their infants and lower in preterm infants than in term infants [7]. Umbilical cord BDNF levels increased with increasing gestational age (GA) (24–28 wks < 29–35 wks < 36–40 wks) [8] These findings underline the differential degree of peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) maturity between preterm and term infants. Preterm birth represents an abrupt cessation of intrauterine growth and maturation, explaining the lower BDNF levels during early extrauterine life

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