Abstract
We measured concentrations of the gastrointestinal protective peptides Trefoil factors in human milk. By the use of in-house ELISA we detected high amounts of TFF3, less TFF1 and virtually no TFF2 in human breast milk obtained from 46 mothers with infants born extremely preterm (24−27 wk gestation), preterm (28−37 wk gestation), and full term (38−42 wk gestation). Samples were collected during the first, second, third to fourth weeks and more than 4 wks postpartum. Median (range) TFF1 [TFF3] concentrations in human milk were 320 (30−34000) [1500 (150−27,000)] pmol/L in wk 1, 120 (30−720) [310 (50−7100)] pmol/L in wk 2, 70 (20−670) [120 (20−650)] pmol/L in wks 3 to 4, and 60 (30−2500) [80 (20−540)] pmol/L in > 4 wks after delivery. The lowest concentrations of TFF1 and TFF3 were found later than 2 wks after birth. In conclusion, TFF was present in term and preterm human milk with rapidly declining concentrations during the first weeks post partum. The clinical significance of TFF present in human milk remains to be explored, both regarding development of the fetal gut and protection against necrotizing enterocolitis.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
