Breast Milk Levels Research Articles

Determination of PAH Contamination in Breast Milk Samples from Hungarian Volunteering Mothers, Using HPLC–FLD

(1) The evidence is mounting that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of hazardous organic compounds with established carcinogenic and toxic properties. Humans may be exposed to PAHs through several different routes, including diet, inhalation, and dermal contact. There is also a possibility that they could transfer into breast milk following maternal exposure, which could potentially endanger breastfeeding infants. (2) The objective of this study was to ascertain the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in breast milk samples from 50 Hungarian mothers, employing high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC–FLD). An Incremental Life Risk Calculation (IRCL) model estimated the carcinogenic risk to infants. (3) Total PAH concentrations ranged from 0 to 78 ng/mL, with fluorene (5.3 ng/mL), phenanthrene (3.2 ng/mL), and pyrene (2.5 ng/mL) being the most abundant. PAHs were detected in 48 of the 50 samples, with phenanthrene present in 92% of samples. Dibenzo (a,h)anthracene was not detected. (4) According to the model measurements, most of the samples were within acceptable risk levels; however, 2 samples out of 50 posed a higher risk. Statistical analysis of questionnaires completed by the mothers indicated that factors such as diet, residence, and education may influence PAH levels in breast milk.

Association of healthy eating index (HEI), alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) with antioxidant capacity of maternal breast milk and infant’s urine: a cross-sectional study

Maternal dietary quality may alter the nutrient content of breast milk. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the healthy eating index (HEI) and alternative healthy eating index (AHEI) of a breastfeeding mother’s diet with the antioxidant profile of her breast milk and her infant’s urine. This study included 300 healthy mother-infant pairs. The participants’ dietary intake was estimated using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The diet quality of participants was assessed using the HEI and AHEI. The total antioxidant content of the breast milk and infant’s urine was evaluated using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and Thiol quantification assays. After adjusting for confounding factors, the odds of a low malondialdehyde (MDA) content of breast milk were significantly higher in the highest quartile of HEI than in the lowest quartile. The odds of low DPPH and FRAP in infant urine decreased in the highest quartile of HEI compared to the lowest quartile. No significant relationship was found between AHEI and antioxidant levels of breast milk and the infant’s urine. Our findings demonstrate that a high quality diet of breastfeeding mothers, identified by a higher HEI, can affect the oxidant-antioxidant balance of a mother’s breast milk and her infant’s urine.

Fatty acids from nutrition sources for preterm infants and their effect on plasma fatty acid profiles

BackgroundIn preterm infants, IV administration of fat is less well tolerated compared to intake via the enteral route, often resulting in hypertriglyceridemia. It is therefore recommended that parenteral fat intake should not exceed 3.5 to 4.0 g/kg/d whereas human milk can provide up to 8 g/kg/d. It is unknown whether such hypertriglyceridemic conditions are caused by a uniform increase of all fatty acids or it is linked to an elevation of distinct fatty acids due to an unbalanced intake. Obviously, both scenarios could potentially influence the formulation of novel lipid solutions for preterm infants. Objective of this exploratory study was to compare fatty acid profiles between a) different nutritional sources and corresponding plasma samples, b) plasma of infants fed breast milk versus those receiving lipid emulsion, and c) plasma of infants with normal versus elevated triglyceride levels.MethodsForty-seven preterm infants < 36 weeks of gestation were included; fatty acid profiles were measured in serum samples and corresponding nutritional sources (breast milk and lipid emulsion) using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.ResultsCompared to breast milk levels, plasma contained significantly lower C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C19:1n9, C18:3n3 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, relative abundance of C16:0, C18:0 and C20:4n6 was higher in plasma than in corresponding breast milk samples (p < 0.001) and lipid emulsion (p < 0.01). Compared to the corresponding lipid emulsion, the abundance of C18:2n6 and C18:3n3 was significantly lower in plasma (p < 0.001). Fatty acid profiles in plasma of infants fed breast milk compared to lipid emulsion were not markedly different. Hypertriglyceridemic samples showed elevated levels for C18:1n9 and C16:0 when compared with normotriglyceridemic samples.ConclusionsOur study reveals that lipid levels in plasma show both depletion and enrichment of distinct fatty acids which do not seem to be closely related to dietary intake. A more detailed understanding of fatty acid flux rates is needed, like the understanding of amino acid metabolism and is supported by the finding that hypertriglyceridemia might be a state of selective fatty acid accumulation. This would allow to develop more balanced diets for intensive care and potentially improve clinical outcomes.

Diet covering the needs for polyunsaturated fatty acids (pufa) omega-3 (N-3) in pregnant and lactating women allows to increase their levels in breast milk: An open prospective randomized study

Diet covering the needs for polyunsaturated fatty acids (pufa) omega-3 (N-3) in pregnant and lactating women allows to increase their levels in breast milk: An open prospective randomized study

Exposure and potential risks of thirteen endocrine- disrupting chemicals in pharmaceuticals and personal care products for breastfed infants in China

Ingestion of breast milk represents the primary exposure pathway for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in newborns. To elucidate the associated risks, it is essential to quantify EDC levels in both breast milk and infant urine. This study measured the concentrations of 13 EDCs, including parabens (methyl paraben (MP), ethyl paraben (EP), propyl paraben (PP), iso-propyl paraben, butyl paraben, and iso-butyl paraben), bisphenols (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F, bisphenol S, bisphenol AF, and bisphenol Z), triclosan (TCS), and triclocarban, in breast milk and infant urine to assess their potential health effects and endocrine disruption risks. In total, 1 014 breast milk samples were collected from 20 cities across China, along with 144 breast milk samples and 134 urine samples from a mother-infant cohort in Hangzhou. The EDCs were detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Endocrine-disrupting potency was evaluated using a predictive method based on EDC affinity for 15 hormone receptor proteins. The toxicological priority index (ToxPi), incorporating population exposure data, was employed to assess health risks associated with exposure to multiple EDCs. Among the 13 EDCs, MP, EP, PP, BPA, and TCS were detected in over 50 % of breast milk samples, with the highest median concentrations observed for MP (0.37 ng/mL), EP (0.29 ng/mL), and BPA (0.17 ng/mL). Across the 20 cities, 0 %–40 % of infants had a hazard index (HI) exceeding 1. Based on affinity prediction analysis and estimated exposure, cumulative endocrine disruption risk intensity was ranked as MP > TCS > BPA > EP > PP. This research highlights the extensive exposure of Chinese infants to EDCs, offering a detailed analysis of their varying endocrine disruption potencies and underscoring the significant health risks associated with EDCs in breast milk.

Reassuring Quantitative Analysis of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid Levels in Breast Milk Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.

Purpose: The World Health Organization's International Agency on Research for Cancer has determined that glyphosate is "probably carcinogenic to humans." There is a great public interest to investigate whether glyphosate are detected in breast milk. Thus, the goal of this study was to assess the concentration of glyphosate and its main metabolite in breast milk. Materials and Methods: Liquid chromatography was performed at 25°C using a Luna NH2, 50 × 2 mm, 3⎛ m (Phenomenex) analytical column. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was collected using negative ionization mode. The calibration curve for glyphosate ranged from 10 to 250 ng/mL. The detection limit was 1 ng/mL. Results: Breast milk samples were collected from 74 women, which included vegans (n = 26), vegetarians (n = 22), and nonvegetarians (n = 26). One of the 74 milk samples contained a detectable concentration of glyphosate and an additional 7 were found to contain aminomethylphosphonic acid. Conclusions: In breast milk samples collected mainly from women residing in urban regions of the United States, glyphosate detection was rare. Consistently, breastfed infants have a low or minimal risk of being exposed to glyphosate through ingestion of mother's milk. It is possible that the presence/absence and/or level of concentration of milk glyphosate depend on a place of residency and time of breastfeeding vis-à-vis time of its agricultural application.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in paired dust-breast milk samples: Levels, predictors of contamination, and health risk assessment for infants and mothers

An integrated study on the levels of 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in house dust and breast milk samples from women (N = 30) living in these households was conducted. ∑PBDEs ranged from <LOD to 523 ng g−1 dust (median 4.9 ng g−1 dust), and from 0.16 to 6.3 ng g−1 lipid weight (lw) (median 0.49 ng g−1 lw), in house dust and breast milk samples, respectively. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the mass fractions of BDE-153 from breast milk, and BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-100 from house dust, congeners that all originate from the “penta” formulation, indicating its dominance as PBDE exposure source in the examined household dusts. The number of electronic and electrical devices, and age of the building were positive, and the number of upholstered furniture and household area were negative predictors of PBDE dust levels. Mothers age was negative predictor of the PBDE levels in breast milk, possibly due to dilution of PBDEs in total body fat accumulated over the years. The results of health risk assessment suggest that detected PBDE levels don’t pose non-carcinogenic risk to the study population.

PIJAT LAKTASI UNTUK MELANCARKAN ASI PADA IBU POST PARTUM

The care provided by midwives throughout the life cycle, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and family planning, is known as comprehensive midwifery. Midwives provide this care to their patients to carry out their duties as midwives. Lactation massage targets several areas, including the breasts, back, shoulders, and neck. The basic idea behind lactation massage is to induce a state of relaxation in the mother, which in turn increases breast milk production by the hormone oxytocin. Since most women do not produce enough breast milk after giving birth, lactation massage aims to stimulate breast milk production. This is due to the fact that a woman's energy levels will be very different after giving birth compared to when she was pregnant, when her milk supply was more stable and the breastfeeding mother felt calmer. This research uses case study methodology, which is a type of descriptive research. By utilizing trackers. There will be a decrease in calcium levels in breast milk when a postpartum mother uses lactation massage to stimulate breast milk production for thirty minutes, twice a day. After giving new mothers a 30-minute lactation massage, researchers found that their breast milk production increased. In short: Women who have recently given birth can benefit from lactation massage by increasing the amount of breast milk they produce.

Microplastics in dairy products and human breast milk: Contamination status and greenness analysis of available analytical methods

The prevalence of microplastics (MPs) in food items is of significant concern due to their potential to cause various human health issues when ingested. Milk and dairy products are widely consumed for their nutritional value and have been found to contain MPs, as evidenced by numerous research studies. This review paper examines the current contamination levels of MPs in dairy products and breast milk, as well as evaluates the environmental impact of the analytical methods used for MPs analysis. The highest contamination levels in dairy products and human breast milk have been found up to 2590 MPs/L. Hence policymakers should enforce stringent regulations to ensure food quality. Additionally, it has been noted that existing analytical methods for detecting MPs in dairy products often fail to adhere to the principles of green analytical chemistry, with many scorings below 0.58 on the AGREE scale. These findings emphasize the urgent necessity for the development of rapid and green analysis methods for detecting MPs in dairy products and breast milk.

Aflatoxin M1 levels in urine and breast milk of lactating mothers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Aflatoxins are carcinogens that can contaminate food and affect various body organs especially liver and kidney. When consumed, aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is partially metabolised into aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), which is excreted in the urine. Breast milk may also contain AFM1 due to maternal dietary intake from contaminated food. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the levels of AFM1 in both urine and breast milk among breastfeeding mothers (n = 256). The mother’s demographic information was collected during recruitment. Mothers were then scheduled for an appointment to provide a morning urine sample along with five to ten mL samples of breast milk. AFM1 levels in both samples were analysed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Spearman’s rho and Chi-square were used to determine the associations between mean levels of AFM1 in urine and breast milk. Findings show 68.0% of urine samples were contaminated with AFM1 (mean levels = 0.08 ± 0.04 ng/mL), while 14.8% of breast milk samples had AFM1 (mean levels = 5.94 ± 1.81 ng/kg). Urine AFM1 levels were not significantly associated with AFM1 levels in breast milk (p > 0.05). This study can act as a baseline for future research examining long-term aflatoxin exposure among both mothers and infants.

The association between maternal factors and milk hormone concentrations: a systematic review.

Breast milk is the gold standard for infant feeding. It is a dynamic biological fluid rich in numerous bioactive components. Emerging research suggests that these components, including hormones, may serve as signals between mother and offspring. From an evolutionary perspective, maternal hormonal signals could allow co-adaptation of maternal and offspring phenotype, with implications for their Darwinian fitness. However, a series of steps need to be considered to establish the role of a component as a signal and this systematic review focuses on one step: 'Do maternal factors influence the concentration of milk hormones?' To systematically review human studies which analyze the association between maternal factors and the concentration of hormones in breast milk. Three databases were searched for studies reporting the association of maternal factors including body mass index (BMI), weight, fat mass, age, ethnicity, smoking with hormones such as adiponectin, leptin, insulin, ghrelin, and cortisol in breast milk. Thirty-three studies were eligible for inclusion. Maternal BMI was positively associated with milk leptin (20/21 studies) and with milk insulin (4/6 studies). Maternal weight also displayed a positive correlation with milk leptin levels, and maternal diabetes status was positively associated with milk insulin concentrations. Conversely, evidence for associations between maternal fat mass, smoking, ethnicity and other maternal factors and hormone levels in breast milk was inconclusive or lacking. Current evidence is consistent with a signaling role for leptin and insulin in breast milk, however other steps need to be investigated to understand the role of these components as definitive signals. This review represents a first step in establishing the role of signaling components in human milk and highlights other issues that need to be considered going forward.

Study of Microplastic Abundance in Animal Fish (Stolephorus Sp) With Microplastic Content in Stunting Clown's Breast Milk

This study, conducted in Kragan District, investigated the prevalence of microplastics in Stolephorus sp. and their occurrence in the breast milk of stunted infants. Microplastics, emerging as a global oceanic pollutant, pose significant challenges due to their small size and potential impacts on marine and human health. The study focused on their possible transfer to infants via breast milk, raising concerns about associated health risks, including toxicity and infection. Stunting, a critical health issue affecting 14% of Rembang Regency's population, provided the backdrop for this research. The study included all Stolephorus Sp. Sold in Kragan Subdistrict and collected breast milk samples from 11 stunted infants. Employing a descriptive quantitative approach with a case study design, the researchers utilized total sampling based on predefined criteria. Analysis revealed microplastics in both Stolephorus Sp. and breast milk, predominantly as fibers and filaments in black and blue colors. Particle sizes varied widely, with Stolephorus sp. containing 1.00–2.13 particles per specimen and breast milk containing 0.20–3.00 per milliliter. The study identified a correlation between microplastic abundance in Stolephorus sp. and its presence in breast milk among stunted infants. However, no correlation was found between Stolephorus sp. Consumption frequency and microplastic levels in breast milk. These findings underscore the potential pathways of microplastic exposure to infants and highlight the need for further investigation into their health impacts, particularly among vulnerable populations. Future research should continue exploring these dynamics to understand better and mitigate the risks associated with microplastic contamination in food chains and human health.

Effects of Caffeine on Breastfeeding Mothers and Infants: A Scoping Review

Objectives:Breastfeeding mothers often consume caffeine in varied quantities. The common dietary sources of caffeine include tea, coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and sodas. Over time, caffeine has become a widely accepted substance to use throughout pregnancy and lactation. As the range of volumes of caffeine is variable in various beverages, it is essential to explore the positive and negative effects of caffeine on breastfeeding mothers and their babies.Methods:A scoping review of evidence-based literature was undertaken to examine the effects of caffeine on breastfeeding mothers and their babies. We searched major databases using the key terms “caffeine,” “breast milk,” “newborns,” “infants,” “mothers,” and “breastfeeding.” Altogether, 21 articles were shortlisted for this review based on their relevance to the topic.Results:Caffeine travels in small amounts from the mother to the infant, and the infant is typically unaffected in amounts less than 300 mg/d. Caffeine is reported to reduce postnatal depression and fatigue among breastfeeding and has been found useful in treating acute morbidities in neonates like apnea of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A high intake of caffeine (450 mg or more of caffeine per day) in a short time is reported to have detrimental biochemical and neurodevelopmental effects in breastfed infants, anemia, and low iron level in breast milk. Controversy exists surrounding the effects of caffeine on breastfeeding duration of mothers. Recommendations include education and counselling for breastfeeding mothers on the dangers of caffeine consumption, avoidance of frequent and high intake of caffeine during lactation, and monitoring caffeine levels in various beverages/products.Conclusion:The use of caffeine has shown both positive and negative effects on breastfeeding mothers and infants. As a high intake of caffeine (450 mg or more of caffeine per day) is reported to have negative effects, breastfeeding mothers and infants must be protected from the detrimental effects of caffeine through increased education, counselling, and psychosocial support. Clinical practice guidelines are needed on the safe consumption of caffeine by breastfeeding mothers. Future research must examine the effects of varied levels of caffeine found in different products on breast milk composition, duration, health status, and breastfeeding outcomes of term and preterm newborns.

The content of lactoferrin and interleukin-8 in breast milk of patients with lactational mastitis

Introduction and aim. Information concerning lactoferrin and interleukin-8 (IL-8) local levels in breast milk are not numerous and requires further research. The aim of this study was to determine the content of lactoferrin and interleukin-8 in the breast milk of patients with lactational mastitis, and to identify new potential markers for assessing the activity of the inflammatory process in the mammary gland. Material and methods. This study analyzed the breast milk of 30 women with lactostasis (group I), 37 women with lactational mastitis (group II) and 30 healthy lactating women (age 26±5 years old). The milk content of lactoferrin and interleukin-8 (IL-8) was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The average value of lactoferrin in breast milk of healthy women was 4.78±0.47 mg/mL, exceeding levels in group I 1.8 times (p&lt;0.05). The level of lactoferrin in group II exceeds the control values 3.1 times (p&lt;0.05). The content of IL-8 in breast milk of women in group I was 7.3 times higher than the control (3.63±0.12 pg/mL, p&lt;0.05). In lactational mastitis, the concentration of IL-8 in breast milk exceeded the group I 13.9 times (p&lt;0.05) and was 1.9 times higher than group I (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion. The analysis has revealed an increase of lactoferrin and IL-8 in breast milk of the test groups, which indicates the activation of non-specific protection.

Short-chain fatty acids in breast milk and their relationship with the infant gut microbiota.

The short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) contained in breast milk play a key role in infant growth, affecting metabolism and enhancing intestinal immunity by regulating inflammation. In order to examine the associations between the microbiota and SCFA levels in breast milk, and explore the roles of SCFAs in regulating the infant gut microbiota, we enrolled 50 paired mothers and infants and collected both breast milk and infant fecal samples. Breast milk SCFA contents were determined by UPLC-MS, and whole genome shotgun sequencing was applied to determine the microbial composition of breast milk and infant feces. The SCFA levels in breast milk were grouped into tertiles as high, medium, or low, and the differences of intestinal microbiota and KEGG pathways were compared among groups. The results demonstrated that breast milk butyric acid (C4) is significantly associated with Clostridium leptum richness in breastmilk. Additionally, the specific Bifidobacterium may have an interactive symbiosis with the main species of C4-producing bacteria in human milk. Women with a low breast milk C4 tertile are associated with a high abundance of Salmonella and Salmonella enterica in their infants' feces. KEGG pathway analysis further showed that the content of C4 in breast milk is significantly correlated with the infants' metabolic pathways of lysine and arginine biosynthesis. This study suggests that interactive symbiosis of the microbiota exists in breast milk. Certain breast milk microbes could be beneficial by producing C4 and further influence the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, playing an important role in early immune and metabolic development.

Contamination levels of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl compounds in breast milk and assessment of their exposure risk to infants

The purposes of this study are to explore the contamination levels of perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in breast milk and assess their exposure risk to infants. Based on data from a birth cohort study conducted in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, from 2018 to 2021, the contents of 23 types of PFASs in the breast milk of 324 pregnant women were determined using isotope dilution-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression was then performed to analyze the effects of various demographic characteristics and eating habits on the concentration of PFASs in breast milk. The daily PFASs intake of infants through breast milk was estimated, and the exposure risk of infants was also assessed. The results revealed that 23 types of PFASs in breast milk had good linear relationships in the range of 0.2-100 ng/mL, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.992. The limits of detection were 5-42 pg/mL, the limits of quantification were 15-126 pg/mL, the recoveries were 65.6%-108.1%, and the relative standard deviations were 1.6%-12.8%. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), with median concentrations of 200.7, 63.5, and 25.2 pg/mL, respectively, were the main PFASs found in breast milk. The detection rates of these three contaminants were higher than 80%, whereas the detection rates of other compounds were lower than 45%. The results of multiple linear regression showed that older pregnant women and a higher frequency of pickled food intake may be related to increased PFAS levels in breast milk whereas a higher frequency of legume intake may be related to decreased PFAS levels in breast milk. The median estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS for infants were 25.1, 7.9, and 3.2 ng/(kg·d), respectively. In summary, this study found notable PFAS levels in breast milk in Yingcheng, Hubei Province. Among these PFASs, PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS were the main contaminants. Maternal age as well as pickled food and legume intake may affect the PFAS level in breast milk. The health risk of PFAS intake through breast milk to some infants is worthy of attention and further study.

COMPARISON OF HOLISTIC CARE HYPNOLACTATION MODEL BY SELF-TALK FOR BREASTMILK PRODUCTION IN POSTPARTUM WOMEN

Breast milk production is crucial for mothers to provide exclusive breast milk to their babies. Holistic care in midwifery offers an alternative or complementary approach to conventional medical treatment. It aimed to enhance the health of postpartum mothers through education and various health services, recognizing that health issues are not solely physical and can be addressed through non-medical interventions. This study investigated the impact of Hypnolactation and self-talk on breast milk production in postpartum mothers. The research utilized a quasi-experimental design, specifically, a pretest-posttest with a control group. The holistic care model implemented communication science techniques to promote relaxation, deep breathing, positive suggestions, and confidence building in postpartum mothers. The study was conducted in the Meteseh Boja Kendal village area from June to August 2023. The analysis employed paired testing, with a sample of 35 out of 42 postpartum mothers selected through purposive sampling. The results revealed that 100% of mothers who received Hypnolactation achieved sufficient breast milk levels, whereas 66.7% of those who practiced self-talk achieved the same, with 33.3% having inadequate levels. Hypnolactation demonstrated greater efficacy in enhancing breast milk production in the Meteseh Boja Kendal area. Applying hypnolactation and self-talk increased the secretion of endorphins, prolactin, and oxytocin, potentially influencing the mother's breastfeeding ability and the body's capacity to produce breast milk. Future research should consider using action research methods, expanding sample coverage over an extended period, and examining additional factors such as postpartum mothers' dietary intake.

VEDOLIZUMAB DOES NOT ALTER IMMUNOGLOBULIN LEVELS IN BREASTMILK OF MOTHERS WITH IBD

Abstract Diarrheal diseases are a major cause of infant mortality worldwide. Breastfeeding helps prevent such diseases by passive transfer of maternal antibodies against gastrointestinal pathogens previously encountered by the mother. The antibody secreting cells (ASC) that populate the lactating mammary gland (LMG) are educated in gastrointestinal lymphoid tissues, thus they express integrin a4b7. To recruit these ASC, the LMG expresses MAdCAM-1 and CCL28. Vedolizumab (vedo) blocks a combinatorial epitope on integrin a4b7, interfering with lymphocyte recruitment to the gut. Given the shared homing determinants between the gut and LMG, we investigated whether vedo might interfere with ASC trafficking to the LMG, therefore decreasing immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in breast milk. We measured Ig levels by ELISA in cryopreserved breast milk from mothers enrolled in Mommy’s Milk biorepository at the University of California, San Diego without and with Ulcerative Colitis(UC) or Crohn’s Disease(CD) and lactating mothers with UC and CD treated with vedo for more than 18 months. Milk samples were collected between 1 month and 15.45 months after childbirth. The levels of secretory IgA (SIgA) in breast milk of mothers without IBD (n=45) was not different from those of mothers with CD not on vedo (n=15) (301 ± 147 ug/mL vs. 322 ± 207 ug/mL). However, milk SIgA from mothers with UC not on vedo (n=7) were lower than non-IBD controls (213 ± 149 ug/mL vs. 301 ± 147ug/mL, p&amp;lt;0.01). We then compared milk SIgA from patients with CD and UC treated with vedo (CD: n= 9; 256 ± 80ug/mL, UC: n=10; 283 ± 87 ug/mL) with those from non-IBD controls (n=45; 301 ± 147ug/mL) and found no differences. Similarly, SIgA levels were not different between CD with or without vedo (256 ± 80 ug/mL vs. 322 ± 207 ug/mL) and as compared with non-IBD controls SIgA in patients with UC with vedo were unexpectedly higher than UC without vedo (283 ±87 ug/mL vs 213 ± 149 ug/mL, p&amp;lt;0.05). The levels of secretory IgM (SIgM) in milk were not different between mothers with UC or CD treated with vedo compared with non-IBD controls (65 ± 34 ug/mL, 69 ± 32 ug/mL, and 56 ± 37 ug/mL, respectively). Similarly, no significant difference was seen between patients with UC or CD not treated with vedo compared with the non-IBD controls (58±26 ug/mL, and 46 ± 24 ug/mL respectively). We conclude that vedo does not reduce SIgA nor SIgM levels in lactating mothers with IBD. We speculate that the higher SIgA in patients with UC treated with vedo is due to the small sample size. Vedo does not interfere with passive immunity during the lactation period, thus ASC must be able to use another integrin to arrest on microvessels of the LMG during the final stages of pregnancy.

Dioxins and furans maternal transfer: A study of breast milk and cord serum levels among Lebanese mothers and associations with newborn anthropometric measurements

Dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) are anthropogenic pollutants that persist in the environment for long years, bioaccumulating in food & contaminating humans. In pregnancy, they can transfer through the placenta and reach the fetus, which negatively affects fetal growth. They can also reach newborns through breastfeeding. In this study, we focused on this critical subpopulation and identified the presence of PCDD/Fs among pregnant women in breast milk (n = 41) and cord serum (n = 49); we assessed the correlation between different matrices, evaluated the predictors and associations with newborn anthropometric measurements. Over 70.7 % of PCDD/Fs were detected in breast milk and 46.9–55.1 % in cord serum. Cord/maternal serum and breast milk to maternal serum ratios were > 1 with a significant positive Spearman correlation (0.669–0.729). Breast milk & maternal serum PCDD/Fs were associated inversely with age and positively with red meat intake. Cord serum PCDD/Fs were inversely associated with pre-pregnancy weight loss and passive smoking. Parity and gestational weight gain showed positive associations with Z-scores at birth. Z-score differences showed negative and positive associations with passive smoking and pre-pregnancy BMI respectively.

Transfer of celiac disease-associated immunogenic gluten peptides in breast milk: variability in kinetics of secretion.

Exposure to antigens is crucial for child immune system development, aiding disease prevention and promoting infant health. Some common food antigen proteins are found in human breast milk. However, it is unclear whether gluten antigens linked to celiac disease (CD) are transmitted through breast milk, potentially impacting the development of the infant's immune system. This study aimed to analyze the passage of gluten immunogenic peptides (GIP) into human breast milk. We evaluated the dynamics of GIP secretion after lactating mothers adopted a controlled gluten-rich diet. We prospectively enrolled 96 non-CD and 23 CD lactating mothers, assessing total proteins and casein in breast milk, and GIP levels in breast milk and urine. Subsequently, a longitudinal study was conducted in a subgroup of 12 non-CD lactating mothers who adopted a controlled gluten-rich diet. GIP levels in breast milk and urine samples were assayed by multiple sample collections over 96 hours. Analysis of a single sample revealed that 24% of non-CD lactating mothers on a regular unrestricted diet tested positive for GIP in breast milk, and 90% tested positive in urine, with significantly lower concentrations in breast milk. Nevertheless, on a controlled gluten-rich diet and the collection of multiple samples, GIP were detected in 75% and 100% of non-CD participants in breast milk and urine, respectively. The transfer dynamics in breast milk samples were long-enduring and GIP secretion persisted from 0 to 72h. In contrast, GIP secretion in urine samples was limited to the first 24h, with inter-individual variations. In the cohort of CD mothers, 82.6% and 87% tested negative for GIP in breast milk and urine, respectively. This study definitively established the presence of GIP in breast milk, with substantial inter-individual variations in secretion dynamics. Our findings provide insights into distinct GIP kinetics observed in sequentially collected breast milk and urine samples, suggesting differential gluten metabolism patterns depending on the organ or system involved. Future research is essential to understand whether GIP functions as sensitizing or tolerogenic agents in the immune system of breastfed infants.