Abstract
Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in breast milk is crucial for mucosal immune system in the neonatal period. We hypothesized that the level of exposure to TGF-β from breast milk in the first month of life is related to the development of eczema later in life. Thus, the present study investigated whether changes in TGF-β levels between colostrum and mature milk are associated with such occurrence in a birth cohort study.Methods: Colostrum and 1-month breast milk samples were collected from mothers who participated in our birth cohort study. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels in breast milk were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. The development of eczema in the first 6 months after birth was assessed based on parent's response to a questionnaire. Levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were compared in breast milk from mothers of infants with and without eczema.Results: In children with eczema, TGF-β1 levels were higher in colostrum, but lower in 1-month milk. A lower TGF-β1 ratio (1-month milk/colostrum) was related to the development of eczema during the first 6 months of life. There was no difference in TGF-β2 ratio (1-month milk/colostrum) between eczema group and control group.Conclusions: Concentration of TGF-β1 but not TGF-β2 in breast milk during the first month after birth may be associated with eczema later in life. Factors that increase TGF-β1 levels in breast milk may play a role in preventing allergic disease.
Highlights
Breast milk contains a wide variety of immune mediators, such as secretory immunoglobulin A, soluble CD14, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β [1]
We hypothesized that the amount of TGF-β received in the first month of life is important in the prevention of allergy, and in the present study we investigated whether changes in the TGF-β cytokine level in breast milk from colostrum to mature milk were related to the future development of eczema in infants
We demonstrated that principally a lower TGF-β1 ratio (1month milk/colostrum) was related to later eczema in infants
Summary
Breast milk contains a wide variety of immune mediators, such as secretory immunoglobulin A, soluble CD14, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β [1]. These mediators are crucial for mucosal immune system in the neonatal period. It has been reported to inhibit inflammation in the intestinal epithelium and systemic production of interleukin-6 and interferon-γ, reducing the incidence of Eczema and Breast Milk TGF-β necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) [3]. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in breast milk is crucial for mucosal immune system in the neonatal period. We hypothesized that the level of exposure to TGF-β from breast milk in the first month of life is related to the development of eczema later in life. The present study investigated whether changes in TGF-β levels between colostrum and mature milk are associated with such occurrence in a birth cohort study
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