Human Colostrum Research Articles

Construction of a Synthetic Colostrum Substitute and Its Protection of Intestinal Cells against Inflammation in an In Vitro Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Colostrum provides bioactive components that are essential for the colonization of microbiota in the infant gut, while preventing infectious diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis. As colostrum is not always available from the mother, particularly for premature infants, effective and safe substitutes are keenly sought after by neonatologists. The benefits of bioactive factors in colostrum are recognized; however, there have been no accounts of human colostrum being studied during digestion of the lipid components or their self-assembly in gastrointestinal environments. Due to the weaker bile pool in infants than adults, evaluating the lipid composition of human colostrum and linking it to structural self-assembly behavior is important in these settings and thus enabling the formulation of substitutes for colostrum. This study is aimed at the rational design of an appropriate lipid component for a colostrum substitute and determining the ability of this formulation to reduce inflammation in intestinal cells. Gas chromatography was utilized to map lipid composition. The self-assembly of lipid components occurring during digestion of colostrum was monitored using small-angle X-ray scattering for comparison with substitute mixtures containing pure triglyceride lipids based on their abundance in colostrum. The digestion profiles of human colostrum and the substitute mixtures were similar. Subtle differences in lipid self-assembly were evident, with the substitute mixtures exhibiting additional non-lamellar phases, which were not seen for human colostrum. The difference is attributable to the distribution of free fatty acids released during digestion. The biological markers of necrotizing enterocolitis were modulated in cells that were treated with bifidobacteria cultured on colostrum substitute mixtures, compared to those treated with infant formula. These findings provide an insight into a colostrum substitute mixture that resembles human colostrum in terms of composition and structural behavior during digestion and potentially reduces some of the characteristics associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.

A systematic review about the possibility of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody during breastfeeding

Breastfeeding by COVID-19 positive mothers still deserves attention and care regarding the consequences for the baby. To date, studies demonstrate no risk. In view of this, there is a need to perform a systematic review and collect studies that have shown the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human milk, by measuring IgM, IgG and IgA in biological material. After searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar databases, 147 studies were identified, of which 37 at some point addressed breastfeeding and COVID-19, and 14 of which addressed antibody dosages in breast milk. Of these, one used the ELISA test for IgA detection. In the other studies, the methodology used was RT-PCR to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus in breast milk, where the presence of the virus was detected in a few samples. These studies confirmed that SARS-CoV-2 can be identified in breast milk, but could not elucidate about the validation of the method and its sensitivity. In addition, there was no description if the viral load present in the milk would be sufficient to infect the baby. Furthermore, no completed research involving serological tests for the detection of antibodies in human colostrum has been found. Thus, more serological studies on COVID-19 positive breastfeeding mothers are mandatory.

Human preterm colostrum stimulates outgrowth in neurogenic tissue

BackgroundThe olfactory bulb has a key role for nasal delivery of drugs to the brain by its access from the nasal mucosa and its connection to the subventricular zone. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuromodulatory capacity of human milk of premature infants on the olfactory bulb.MethodsOlfactory bulbs from P1 mice were embedded in a collagen I gel and incubated with DMEM supplemented with the aqueous phase of human colostrum (Col) of five mothers after very preterm birth, mature milk (Mat) of the same mothers or without supplement (Ctrl). After 7 days, the neurite outgrowth was quantified. Proteome analysis of the milk samples was performed using unlabeled mass spectrometry.ResultsOutgrowth increased significantly in bulbs exposed to Col but not when exposed to Mat. Mass spectrometry revealed profound differences in the proteome of Col versus Mat. Among 21 upregulated proteins in Col were proteins involved in neurite outgrowth, axon guidance, neuromodulation and longevity.ConclusionsA high bioactivity of human preterm colostrum on murine neonatal neurogenic tissue is demonstrated to be associated with a proteome profoundly differing from mature milk.ImpactThe hypothesis has been raised that neonatal brain damage in a preterm infant could potentially be ameliorated by intranasal application of maternal breast milk.In an in-vitro model using neonatal murine olfactory bulb explants a significant stimulatory effect by human preterm colostrum is observed.Proteomics reveals upregulated neuroactive proteins in human colostrum compared to mature milk.A confirmation of this exploratory study would indicate that preterm colostrum stimulates neurogenic tissue.Early intranasal colostrum application might attenuate perinatal loss of neurogenic tissue thereby contributing to reducing complications such as cerebral palsy.

Quantitative phospholipidomics and screening for significantly different phospholipids in human colostrum and milk, and dairy animal colostrum

Phospholipids (PLs) in milk have various physiological functions. Herein, the dynamic alterations of PLs between human colostrum, transitional and mature milk were studied by phospholipidomics. Additionally, the PL profiles of human colostrum and six dairy animal colostrum (mare, camel, goat, cow, yak, and buffalo colostrum) were characterised and compared. The difference between human colostrum, transitional and mature milk was primarily from the decrease of phosphatidylcholine content. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was the most relevant of the 27 metabolic pathways involved in lactation. Camel colostrum was the most similar to human colostrum, with respect to PLs. This study helps to understand the PL alteration mechanisms of human colostrum and milk, and provides a reference for the refined simulation of human colostrum and the selection of infant formula raw materials.

A Brief Overview: Breast Milk Colostrum Bioactives

Colostrum is the basic nutrient that is secreted after birth and meets all the needs of the newborn. Colostrum is rich in nutritional micro and macronutrients and bioactive substances such as antimicrobial and growth factors, which are necessary for the development of the newborn's digestive and immune systems. Colostrum differs from mature milk in terms of appearance, amount, and content. It has higher levels of immunoglobulin A, growth factors, and other protective components. Colostrum has a lesser energy, protein, and carbohydrate composition than mature milk, but a higher fat content. This review summarizes the available information on the composition of human colostrum. Furthermore, it provides an overview of growth factors and immune factors found in colostrum.

Success of replantation of avulsed teeth using human colostrum as an interim storage medium

ObjectivesTooth avulsion is defined as total tooth displacement from the alveolar socket; the best treatment is replantation of the tooth. Human milk influences body health, growth, and development related to the presence of micro and macro nutrient components. This study assessed the effects of human colostrum as a storage medium on the success of tooth replantation. MethodsThe upper left incisor of 30 adult male Wistar rats was extracted, and the rats were divided into three groups according to the storage medium of the extracted tooth for replantation: Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS), tap water, and colostrum groups. The MTT cell viability assay was conducted, and histological evaluation and histomorphometric analyses were performed on postoperative day 45 for identification of pulp necrosis, periodontal hyalinization, percentage of resorbed area, and the periodontal ligament attachment. ResultsThe colostrum medium showed a higher percentage of cell viability followed by HBSS with statistical significance. Histological findings of the replanted avulsed tooth that soaked in tap water as storage medium showed obvious external and internal root resorption. Pulp necrosis and periodontal ligament hyalinization and with a significant differences values in comparison to HBSS and colostrum groups (p > 0.05), whereas the colostrum group showed new well-reattached periodontal ligament with normal pulp and no evidence of root resorption. ConclusionTooth loss is minimized by using human colostrum as storage medium in replantation of an avulsed tooth after a 1 h period compared to HBSS and water.

Leptin, Adiponectin, and Melatonin Modulate Colostrum Lymphocytes in Mothers with Obesity.

Pregnancy complicated by obesity is associated with adverse triggered gestational and neonatal outcomes, with reductions in the subtypes of CD4+ T-lymphocytes representing the modulators of inflammation. It needs to be better established how maternal nutritional statuses impact the neuroendocrine-immune system's action and affect the immunological mechanisms of the maternal-infant relationship via breastfeeding. This study examined the effects of maternal obesity on human colostrum lymphocytes and the intracellular mechanisms of lymphocyte modulation in the presence of leptin, adiponectin, and melatonin via cell proliferation; the release of intracellular calcium; and apoptosis induction. This cross-sectional study analyzed colostrum samples from 52 puerperal splits and divided them into overweight and eutrophic groups. Colostrum lymphocytes underwent immunophenotyping and cell proliferation by flow cytometry and intracellular calcium release and apoptosis assays by immunofluorescence in the presence or absence of hormones. Significant differences were considered when p < 0.05 by the chi-square or t-test. Maternal obesity reduced the population of T-lymphocytes and TCD4+ in human colostrum and proliferative activities (p < 0.05). These hormones restore lymphocyte proliferation to a level similar to the eutrophic group (p < 0.05). Leptin, adiponectin, melatonin hormones, and biological actions consolidated in the scientific literature also represent maternal and infant protection mechanisms via colostrum and the modulation of human colostrum lymphocytes.

Quantitative label-free site-specific glycoproteomic analysis of the milk fat globule membrane protein in human colostrum and mature milk

Human milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins, which are N-glycosylated, play essential roles in neonatal development and physiological health. However, the profiles and landscape changes in the site-specific N-glycosylation of human MFGM proteins during lactation remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, based on an intact glycopeptide-centred strategy, 2617 unique site-specific N-glycans of 221 MFGM glycoproteins in human colostrum and 986 unique site-specific N-glycans of 200 MFGM glycoproteins in mature milk were characterised and quantified using label-free glycoproteomics. With milk maturation, 33 site-specific N-glycans on 10 N-glycoproteins increased significantly, and 113 site-specific N-glycans on 25 N-glycoproteins decreased significantly. Moreover, human MFGM glycoproteins with core-α1,6-fucosylated structures and Lewis and sialylated branching structures play a role in the biological processes of antigen processing and presentation. This study reveals the dynamic changes in human MFGM protein N-glycosylation patterns during lactation. Meanwhile, the study deepens our understanding of site-specific N-glycosylation of human MFGM glycoproteins. The results of the study provide a background reference for the development of infant formulas.

Lejeunea Cancellata as a modulating agent in breast cancer (MCF-7) tumor cell lines and human colostrum

Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease resulting from genetic, immunological, and environmental interactions. Among environmental factors, it is known that diet plays a key role in cancer etiology. In addition, there is evidence that human milk may confer long-term benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing cancer. In breast cancer, macrophages represent one of the main components of the immune infiltrate. These cells contribute to the progression and spread of tumors, but studies suggest that these cells can be reprogrammed to act as a potent antitumor immune response. In addition to the mechanisms involved in the interaction between immune system cells and tumor progression, studies have related the use of plants as an alternative for tumor immunotherapy, among which the Cerrado bryophytes stand out. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate Lejeunea cancellata extract as a modulating agent in breast cancer (MCF-7) tumor cell lines and human colostrum. Therefore, the natural extract of Lejeunea cancellata was prepared, and from this, immunophenotyping assays, cytokine dosage, and data analysis were performed. There was an increase in the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1 and IL-8 in the groups cocultured with MCF-7 in the presence of Lejeunea cancellata. Furthermore, a decrease in the expression of CD14 (macrophages), CD163, CD197+ and CD86+ (M1 macrophages), and CD197- and CD86+ (M2 macrophages) is observed in colostrum cells when they were treated with Lejeunea cancellata in coculture with MCF-7 cells. These findings indicate that colostrum macrophages differentiate into two phenotypes, M1 and M2. When cocultured with MCF-7 breast tumor cells, the bryophyte Lejeunea cancellata reduces the percentage of both macrophage phenotypes. This data suggests that the bryophyte can inhibit the formation of inflammatory infiltrates caused by M1 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment and the progression of M2 macrophages that promote tumorigenesis.

Proteomic analysis of exosomes derived from human mature milk and colostrum of mothers with term, late preterm, or very preterm delivery.

The growth and development of the human brain is a long and complex process that requires a precise sequence of genetic and molecular events. This begins in the third week of gestation with the differentiation of neural progenitor cells and extends at least until late adolescence, possibly for life. One of the defects of this development is that we know very little about the signals that modulate this sequence of events. The first 3 years of life, during breastfeeding, is one of the critical periods in brain development. In these first years of life, it is believed that neurodevelopmental problems may be the molecular causes of mental disorders. Therefore, we herein propose a new hypothesis, according to which the chemical signals that could modulate this entire complex sequence of events appear in this early period, and the molecular level study of human breast milk and colostrum of mothers who give birth to children in different gestation periods could give us information on proteins influencing this process. In this work, we collected milk and colostrum samples (term, late preterm and moderate/very preterm) and exosomes were isolated. The samples of exosomes and complete milk from each fraction were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. In this work, we describe proteins in the different fractions of mature milk and colostrum of mothers with term, late preterm, or very preterm delivery, which could be involved in the regulation of the nervous system by their functions. We describe how they differ in different types of milk, paving the way for the investigation of possible new neuroregulatory pathways as possible candidates to modulate the nervous system.

The impact on colostrum oxidative stress, cytokines, and immune cells composition after SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy.

Limited data are available regarding the differences between immunological, biochemical, and cellular contents of human colostrum following maternal infection during pregnancy with coronavirus 2 disease (COVID-19). To investigate whether maternal COVID-19 infection may affect immunological, biochemical, and cellular contents of human colostrum. Using a case-control study design, we collected colostrum from 14 lactating women with a previous diagnosis of COVID-19 during pregnancy and 12 without a clear diagnosis during September 2020 to May 2021. Colostrum samples were analysed for some enzymes and non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA, GSH, GSSG, H2O2, MPO) and for IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, protein induced by interferon gamma (IP)-10, IL-8, IFN-λ1, IL12p70, IFN-α2, IFN-λ2/3, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-β, IL-10 and IFN-γ, along with IgA and IgG for the SARS-CoV-2 S protein. We perform immunophenotyping to assess the frequency of different cell types in the colostrum. Colostrum from the COVID-19 symptomatic group in pregnancy contained reduced levels of H2O2, IFN-α2, and GM-CSF. This group had higher levels of GSH, and both NK cell subtypes CD3-CD56brightCD16-CD27+IFN-γ+ and CD3-CD56dimCD16+CD27- were also increased. The present results reinforce the protective role of colostrum even in the case of mild SARS-Cov-2 infection, in addition to demonstrating how adaptive the composition of colostrum is after infections. It also supports the recommendation to encourage lactating women to continue breastfeeding after COVID-19 illness.

Detection of CCL25 and the correlation between CCL25, CCL28, IL-7, and TSLP in human breast milk

In this study, CCL25, a chemokine that contributes to the immunological function of the thymus and intestines, was detected in human breast milk (HBM) for the first time. We then focused on the correlations of CCL25 with CCL28, TSLP, and IL-7, which were predicted to interact with CCL25 in HBM. We also compared their levels between primiparous and multiparous women. A total of 53 parturient women were recruited. Their HBM was collected during 0–5 days and at 1 month after parturition and the CCL25, CCL28, IL-7, and TSLP levels in the HBM were analyzed using ELISA. The results showed that CCL25 and TSLP levels were significantly higher in colostrum than in mature milk. Moreover, CCL28 and IL-7 levels in colostrum showed a positive correlation. These results indicate that CCL28 and IL-7 in colostrum might interact positively with each other when produced in the mammary glands during lactation. The findings also suggest that the level of parity has no effect on their levels in HBM. In conclusion, our results clarify that CCL25 is present in HBM and that the concentrations of CCL25 and TSLP are higher in colostrum than in mature milk. Moreover, the production of CCL28 and IL-7 might be closely correlated in human colostrum.

Capillary gel electrophoresis of very high molecular weight glycoproteins. Commercial and tailor-made gels for analysis of human monomeric and secretory immunoglobulin A

Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) has been widely used for analysis of proteins according to their size. However, to our knowledge, this technique has not been optimized to immunoglobulin A (IgA) analysis, a protein of current and emerging high interest in several fields. IgA is the first barrier of human body against pathogens. This protein in human milk and colostrum is essential for immune protection of newborns and treatment of milk for storage in Human Milk Banks may alter IgA. The emerging use of IgA as therapeutic treatment also encourages the development of analysis methods for this class of immunoglobulins.IgA is far more heterogeneously glycosylated and complex than the well-studied IgG molecules. IgA in serum is mainly monomeric (mIgA) with about 160 kDa, while in secretions such as saliva, milk, colostrum, etc, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is the predominant form. This is a dimer where both monomers are linked by the J-chain and the secretory component accounting all together for a MW higher than 400 kDa including the glycans. This size is far from the 225 kDa MW for which commercial CGE kits are intended.The general rules governing CGE behavior of analytes cannot be directly applied to every protein. Addressing studies directed specifically to target proteins is specially needed for the large size and highly complex target analytes of this study. In this work the effect of several factors on CGE analysis of human serum and colostrum IgA is studied. The feasibility of performing analysis of both IgA classes using a commercial CGE kit is shown. In addition, this work introduces another novelty by preparing tailor-made reproducible gel buffers and to characterize them in terms of dynamic viscosity, conductivity, and electroosmotic flow mobility in bare fused silica capillaries. The possibility of analyzing mIgA and sIgA in less than 10 min using these tailor-made gels is demonstrated. Inter-day variation (RSD) for the main peak of sIgA is 0.25% for migration time (tm) and 0.27% for percentage corrected peak area (Acorr).

Variations in Oligosaccharides and N/O-Glycans in Human Milk through the Eight-Month Lactation Period.

Oligosaccharides and N/O-glycans are abundant in human milk and have numerous biological functions (for instance sialylated glycans provide sialic acid for the growth of infant brains), but their variation trends during lactation need further exploration. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of oligosaccharides and N/O-glycans in human milk at different lactation stages (from 7 days to 8 months) were performed using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Thirty-four oligosaccharides, twenty-three N-glycans, and six O-glycans were identified. Oligosaccharides showed the highest abundance in human colostrum and decreased with the progression of lactation, and the abundance of N/O-glycans fluctuated as lactation progressed, while a high abundance of sialylated oligosaccharides and sialylated N/O-glycans was observed in human colostrum. These findings provide evidence for breastfeeding support and contribute to the development of infant formula supplemented with human milk glycans.

Lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria deliberately introduced into the agro-food chain do not significantly increase the antimicrobial resistance gene pool

ABSTRACT Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria may serve as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistance, but the risk posed by strains intentionally introduced into the agro-food chain has not yet been thoroughly investigated. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether probiotics, starter and protective cultures, and feed additives represent a risk to human health. In addition to commercial strains of LAB and bifidobacteria, isolates from human milk or colostrum, intestinal mucosa or feces, and fermented products were analyzed. Phenotypic susceptibility data of 474 strains showed that antimicrobial resistance was more common in intestinal isolates than in commercial strains. Antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were characterized in the whole genome sequences of 1114 strains using comparative genomics. Intrinsic ARGs were abundant in enterococci, bifidobacteria, and lactococci but were considered non-risky due to the absence of MGEs. The results revealed that 13.8% of commercial strains contained acquired ARGs, most frequently for tetracycline. We associated 75.5% of the acquired ARGs with known or novel MGEs, and their potential for transmission was assessed by examining metagenomic sequences. We confirmed that ARGs and MGEs were not as abundant or diverse in commercial strains as in human intestinal isolates or isolates from human milk, suggesting that strains intentionally introduced into the agro-food chain do not pose a significant threat. However, attention should be paid especially to individual probiotic strains containing elements that have been shown to have high potential for transferability in the gut microbiota. Abbreviations: ARG, antimicrobial resistance gene; ICE, integrative and conjugative element; IME, integrative and mobilizable element; LAB, lactic acid bacteria; MDR, multidrug resistance; MIC, minimum inhibitory concentration; MGE, mobile genetic element; TRRPP, tetracycline-resistant ribosomal protection protein; WGS, whole genome sequences

Dynamic change, influencing factors, and clinical impact of cellular components in human breast milk.

Numerous cellular components have been well demonstrated in human breast milk. However, little is known about their dynamic change, influencing factors, and potential clinical impacts on infants. Sixty and forty-five healthy mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the colostrum group and mature milk group, respectively. Participants' demographic and clinical information were collected by questionnaires, and the infants were followed up until 6 months after birth through telephone interview. Colostrum and mature milk were collected, and the percentage of various cell components were determined by flow cytometric analysis. The results showed that, the total cell numbers, and the percentages of some stem cells, including CD34+, CD117+, CD133+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD146+ cells, were different in colostrum and mature milk. Besides, participants' characteristics had influence on the cellular components. Finally, high-CD34+ cells in colostrum, as well as the high-CD133+ cells and low-CD105+ cells in mature milk were associated with a significantly increased risk of infantile eczema within their first 3 months after birth. Our data showed a dynamic change of cellular components, identified some of their influencing factors and their potential clinical impacts on infantile eczema, which helps to better understand the cellular components in human breast milk. Some stem cell markers were dynamically changed in human colostrum and mature milk. Different cellular components were shown to be influenced by different participants' characteristics. High percentage of CD34+ cells in colostrum, as well as high percentage of CD133+ cells and low percentage of CD105+ cells in mature milk, were associated with a significantly increased risk of infantile eczema within their first 3 months after birth. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the clinical impacts of stem cells on infantile diseases, which helps to give a better understanding of human breast milk.

Association between postpartum depression and concentrations of transforming growth factor-β in human colostrum: a nested cohort study

To explore the association between postpartum depression (PPD) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) concentrations in human colostrum. Participants were recruited from a maternal and infant cohort established in a tertiary general hospital in Guangdong Province between December, 2020 and September, 2021. In the afternoon of the second postpartum day, the women were evaluated with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for screening PPD (defined as a score of 10 or higher). The women with PPD were matched at a 1:1 ratio with women without PPD with maternal age difference within 5 years and the same mode of delivery. Colostrum samples were collected in morning on the third postpartum day for measurement of TGF-β concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the association between EPDS scores and TGF-β concentrations was analyzed in the two groups. A total of 90 women were included in the final analysis. The mean concentrations of TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 in the colostrum were 684.03 (321.22-859.25) pg/mL, 5116.50±1747.04 pg/mL and 147.84±48.68 pg/mL in women with PPD, respectively, as compared with 745.67 (596.00-964.22) pg/mL, 4912.40±1516.80 pg/mL, and 168.21±48.15 pg/mL in women without PPD, respectively. Compared with women without PPD, the women with PPD had significantly lower concentrations of TGF-β1 (P=0.026) and TGF-β3 (P=0.049) in the colostrum. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the EPDS scores were negatively associated with the concentrations of TGF-β1 (r=-0.23, P=0.03) and TGF-β3 (r=-0.25, P=0.02) in the colostrum. PPD is associated with decreased concentrations of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 in human colostrum, suggesting the need of early PPD screening and interventions during pregnancy and the perinatal period to minimize the impact of PPD on human milk compositions.

Meta-Analysis of Enteral Lactoferrin Supplementation for Reducing the Risk of Preterm Infants Sepsis

Introduction: Severe COVID-19 in pregnancy is strongly associated with preterm infant late-onset sepsis (LOS), which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in infants. Recently, Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein significantly discovered in human colostrum, shows potential effect on reducing the risk of preterm infant LOS and mortality by its immunomodulatory properties. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of Lactoferrin on reducing the risk of preterm LOS, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and mortality in preterm infants. &#x0D; Methods: This study followed the guidelines provided by PRISMA. A literature search was conducted with PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The combined effect of LOS, NEC and mortality incidence were presented as risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using a random-effects model (REM) or fixed-effects model (FEM) forest plot. Furthermore, the heterogeneity level was checked by I2 and the p-value of the chi2 test.&#x0D; Results: The incidence of LOS was significantly higher in the control than lactoferrin supplementation group [RR=0.65, 95% CI (0.56,0.77), p&lt;0.00001, I2=56%]. However, there were no significant differences in NEC [RR=0.80, 95% CI (0.63,1.02), p=0.10, I2=39%] and mortality [RR=0.94, 95% CI (0.77,1.13), p=0.49, I2=39%], despite the trends are higher in the control group.&#x0D; Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that enteral lactoferrin supplementation in preterm infants was associated with a significant reduction in LOS, but not NEC stage II or III and all-cause mortality.&#x0D; Registered Protocol: The protocol of this review was already registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with the registration number CRD42021279189.

The Entero-Mammary Pathway and Perinatal Transmission of Gut Microbiota and SARS-CoV-2.

COVID-19 is a severe respiratory disease threatening pregnant women, which increases the possibility of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Several recent studies have demonstrated the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect the mother enterocytes, disturbing the gut microbiota diversity. The aim of this study was to characterize the entero-mammary microbiota of women in the presence of the virus during delivery. Fifty mother–neonate pairs were included in a transversal descriptive work. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasopharyngeal, mother rectal swabs (MRS) and neonate rectal swabs (NRS) collected from the pairs, and human colostrum (HC) samples collected from mothers. The microbiota diversity was characterized by high-throughput DNA sequencing of V3-16S rRNA gene libraries prepared from HC, MRS, and NRS. Data were analyzed with QIIME2 and R. Our results indicate that several bacterial taxa are highly abundant in MRS positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. These bacteria mostly belong to the Firmicutes phylum; for instance, the families Bifidobacteriaceae, Oscillospiraceae, and Microbacteriaceae have been previously associated with anti-inflammatory effects, which could explain the capability of women to overcome the infection. All samples, both positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2, featured a high abundance of the Firmicutes phylum. Further data analysis showed that nearly 20% of the bacterial diversity found in HC was also identified in MRS. Spearman correlation analysis highlighted that some genera of the Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria phyla were negatively correlated with MRS and NRS (p < 0.005). This study provides new insights into the gut microbiota of pregnant women and their potential association with a better outcome during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Nutritional Parameters in Colostrum of Different Mammalian Species

Colostrum (or first milk) is the food produced by all the mothers in all specific mammalian species, ruminants, monogastric and marine mammalians for their newborns during the first 24–48 h post-partum. Colostrum provides to the neonate all essential nutrients necessary for the first week of life, but the effect of colostrum shows a long-term effect not limited to these first days. Colostrum is considered to be a safe and essential food for human consumption. Some young children can show at the beginning of their colostrum-based diet some side effects, such as nausea and flatulence, but they disappear quickly. In human colostrum, the immunoglobulins and lactoferrin determined show the ability to create natural immunity in newborns, reducing greatly the mortality rate in children. Recent studies suggest that bovine colostrum (BC) may be an interesting nutraceutical food, due to its ability in preventing and/or mitigating several diseases in newborns and adults. This review aims to show the nutraceutical and functional properties of colostrum produced by several mammalian species, describing the different colostrum bio-active molecules and reporting the clinical trials aimed to determine colostrum nutraceutical and therapeutic characteristics in human nutrition.