Colostrum Levels Research Articles

Changes in Antisecretory Factor in Human Milk During the Postpartum and Length of Gestation.

BackgroundPreterm infants are more susceptible to inflammatory complications than term infants. Human milk contains numerous bioactive components protecting the newborn infant. Antisecretory factor, a protein regulating secretory and inflammatory processes by complex binding with complement factors, is present in human milk.Research AimsTo describe antisecretory factor (1) in mother’s own milk in term and preterm infants; and (2) in donor milk before and after Holder pasteurization.MethodsThe study was prospective, longitudinal, explorative, and descriptive. Antisecretory factor-compleasome was determined using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in longitudinal human milk samples over 12 weeks from mothers (N = 87) of term (n = 41) and of preterm (n = 46) infants and 20 anonymized donor human milk samples before and after Holder pasteurization.ResultsAntisecretory factor-compleasome was overall higher in colostrum versus mature milk (p < .001) and no difference was found in term or preterm colostrum (p = .82). In mature milk, compleasome was higher and more variable in the preterm group (p = .01). After Holder pasteurization, compleasome levels increased (p < .001).ConclusionAntisecretory factor followed the pattern of other immunological factors with high levels in colostrum. After preterm birth, levels of antisecretory factor were higher and more variable in mature milk. Holder pasteurization did not degrade antisecretory factor, indicating preserved anti-inflammatory properties in donor human milk.

Oral Meloxicam Administration in Sows at Farrowing and Its Effects on Piglet Immunity Transfer and Growth.

Many factors can lead to an inadequate development of piglets during their first days of life, including poor maternal behavior, which can be due to pain caused by farrowing, and reduced colostrum ingestion. This study investigates the action of meloxicam administered orally at farrowing on piglet weight gain and immunity transfer. Thirty-five multiparous sows were divided into two groups and treated with 0.4 mg/kg of oral meloxicam (oral meloxicam group; n = 18) or with a mock administration (control group; n = 17). A total of 382 piglets were individually weighed on the farrowing day (day 0), as well as on days +9 and +20. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) and A (IgA) concentrations in piglet serum and in sow's saliva, colostrum and milk were measured. Additionally, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interferon gamma (IFN-⋎) in serum of piglets and in sow's milk or colostrum were studied. All samples were obtained on days +1, +9, and +20. Piglets from sows in the oral meloxicam group tended to grow faster from day +9 to day +20 than did piglets from control sows (p = 0.059), and this difference was also observed in piglets with low body weight (BW) at birth (p = 0.056). The oral meloxicam group sows tended to increase the colostrum levels of IgA and IgG, as compared with control sows on day +1 (p = 0.068 and p = 0.072, respectively). IgA levels in piglet serum from the oral meloxicam group were significantly higher than in the control group on day +1 and +9 (p = 0.019 and p = 0.011 respectively). Furthermore, IL-2 and IL-4 levels in the serum of piglets from sows in the oral meloxicam group tended to be higher than that in the control group on day +9 (p = 0.078 and 0.056, respectively). The administration of meloxicam orally at the beginning of farrowing in multiparous sows increased immunoglobin and cytokine concentrations in colostrum, improving both humoral and cellular immune response of piglets. Pre-weaning growth of piglets born with a low BW improved in the meloxicam-treated group.

Supplementation with beta-1,3-glucan improves productivity, immunity and antioxidative status in transition Holstein cows

Dairy cows undergo dramatic physiological changes during the transition from late pregnancy to early lactation, which make them vulnerable to metabolic stress and immune dysfunction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial beta-1,3-glucan product (Aleta™, containing 50% beta-1,3-glucan) on productivity, immunity and antioxidative status in transition cows. Fifty-four multiparous Holstein cows received a control diet or a diet supplemented with 5 or 10 g of beta-1,3-glucan per cow per day from 21 days before expected calving to 21 days after parturition. Blood samples were collected at day −21, 1, and 21 relative to calving. Colostrum and milk were collected at day 1 and 21 after calving, respectively. Data showed that supplementation with beta-1,3-glucan had no effect on milk composition, but increased milk production. Beta-1,3-glucan treatment also improved the milk quality, as shown by reduced milk somatic cell count and increased immunoglobulin levels in colostrum. Notably, beta-1,3-glucan markedly reduced serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein, while elevated serum immunoglobulin levels, indicating its immunity enhancement in transition cows. Moreover, beta-1,3-glucan addition reduced the serum malondialdehyde level and enhanced the activities of serum superoxide dismutase and catalase, which enhanced the antioxidative capacity in transition cows. In summary, supplementation with beta-1,3-glucan improves productivity, immunity and antioxidative status in transition dairy cows.

Pre- and Probiotics to Increase the Immune Power of Colostrum in Dogs.

Wide differences in Ig concentration in canine colostrum have been reported. Thus, some litters can be at risk of passive immune transfer failure. Present study evaluated if supplementation with MOS, FOS, E. faecium and L. acidophilus along pregnancy increases colostrum quality. Twenty Great Dane bitches were divided into 4 groups. Control group (CG) received standard diet, only. Diet was supplemented with pre- and probiotics in other 3 study groups during: the last (1WG), last 2 (2WG), and last 4 (4WG) weeks of pregnancy, until parturition. Serum samples were collected at estrous (T0), supplementation beginning (T1), and parturition (T2). Colostrum was collected at C-section end. The IgG, IgM, and IgA were assayed on both matrices. In serum, IgG were higher at T0 than at parturition in all study groups and they significantly lowered from T0 to T1 in all groups. In colostrum, IgG and IgM were significantly higher in 4WG, while IgA already increased in 2WG group. Four-week pre- and probiotic supplementation resulted in the best immune properties of colostrum, as by the higher IgG, IgM, and IgA colostrum levels found in 4WG. Further studies would verify the exact mechanisms involved: pre-partum IgG mammary accumulation and B-cells GALT proliferation and mammary transfer. Further trials would verify whether these beneficial effects of pre- and probiotics on colostrum also lead to improved clinical conditions and immunological functions of newborns and puppies.

Investigation of total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody levels, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in female camels and their newborn calves.

Camels belong to a group of animals, where the structure of placenta does not allow intrauterine transfer of maternal immunoglobulins to the fetus and maternal immunity is exclusively transferred by colostrum to the newborn calf. There are few studies on the passive transfer of maternal immunity in the dromedary camel. This study determined total immunoglobulin G concentration, heavy chain antibody (HCAbs) levels, and neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio (NLR) in female camels and their newborn calves. For this, samples were collected from nine she-camels (blood and colostrum) and their calves (blood). IgG concentration and HCAb level were determined in mother serum and colostrum as well as in calf serum using ELISA. The NLR was calculated after the estimation of relative fractions of neutrophils and lymphocytes in collected blood samples using a blood cell analyzer. Both IgG and HCAbs were higher concentrated in camel colostrum than in mother serum. At parturition and before the first colostrum intake, calf serum did not contain any measurable concentration of IgG and only low levels of HCAbs. After colostrum consumption, a rise in IgG and HCAb levels was observed in calf serum. For total IgG, a minimum was reached on day 30 postnatum. While a significant increase in IgG concentration was seen on day 60 postnatum, no significant rise was measured in HCAbs at that age. Only post-colostrum IgG levels in calf serum correlated positively with IgG levels in mother colostrum. Directly after birth, newborn calves showed significantly higher NLR than their mothers. This indicates a pro-inflammatory nature of the calf immune response. The decrease of the NLR on day 60 postnatum may argue for the maturation of the calf immune response at this age.

Efficacy of a stabilized liquid potassium sorbate preservative to reduce bacterial proliferation in colostrum or tank milk stored by refrigeration or at room temperature

Though critical to calf health and growth, colostrum exposure of dairy calves to infectious agents, potentially resulting in calfhood illness and/or reduced absorption of colostral antibodies. While FDA-approved preservatives such as potassium sorbate may represent 1 approach to reduce bacterial proliferation in stored colostrum or milk, efficacy studies are relatively limited. Objectives of this study were to describe the effect of a stabilized liquid potassium sorbate preservative product (Dam Fresh™, Solution BioSciences, Inc (SBS), Inc. Morristown, NJ) on 1) bacterial proliferation in bovine colostrum and milk when stored by refrigeration and at room temperature, and 2) immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in colostrum. We hypothesized that the preservative would reduce bacterial proliferation in stored milk and colostrum while having no negative effect on colostrum IgG levels.

Effects of maternal supplementation with fully oxidised β-carotene on the reproductive performance and immune response of sows, as well as the growth performance of nursing piglets.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary fully oxidised β-carotene (OxBC, C40H60O15) supplementation during the perinatal period on immune status and productivity in a sow model. At day 85 of pregnancy, 150 sows were allocated to one of three dietary treatments with fifty sows per treatment. The three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 4 or 8 mg/kg OxBC in the basal diet. The feeding trial was conducted from gestation day 85 until day 21 of lactation. Dietary OxBC supplementation greatly enhanced colostrum IgM, IgA and IgG levels, and the IgM and IgG content of 14-d milk. Dietary OxBC supplementation decreased the TNF-α and IL-8 levels in colostrum, as well as the TNF-α and IL-18 levels in 14-d milk. There was also a tendency towards an increase in the soluble CD14 level in 14-d milk. Although dietary treatments did not affect average daily feed intake nor backfat thickness loss during lactation, dietary OxBC supplementation tended to enhance litter weight and individual piglet weight at weaning. There was a trend towards increased lactose concentration in 14-d milk with increasing dietary OxBC. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with OxBC during the perinatal period enhances the lactose concentration of sow milk and the immune status of sows, which is reflected by improved cytokine status and immunoglobulin concentrations in colostrum and milk, and thus tending to increase litter weight and individual piglet weight at weaning. The results also provide a scientific nutritional reference for perinatal mothers due to the biological similarity between pigs and humans.

Profile of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colostrum of nursing mothers at the extremes of reproductive age.

Gestations at the extremes of reproductive age are characterized as high-risk pregnancies, conditions that might influence colostrum composition. This first milk secretion contains nutrients necessary for the development and immunity of the newborn; therefore, this study aims to compare adolescent and advanced maternal age mothers regarding sociodemographic, gestational, and perinatal characteristics and the colostrum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these groups of study. This cross-sectional study has compared sociodemographic, gestational and perinatal data from adolescent mothers (between 10 and 24 years old) (n = 117), advanced maternal age mothers (over 35 years of age) (n = 39) and mothers considered a control group (25 to 34 years old) (n = 58). Additionally, colostrum samples were obtained from the studied and control group subjects by manual milking, between 48 and 72 hours postpartum, and the samples were analyzed for cytokine concentrations by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The majority of the studied mothers reported living a stable union, and 81.2% of the adolescent mothers did not carry out any paid activity. Mothers with advanced maternal age mainly delivered by cesarean section and presented a higher body mass index (BMI). Neonatal weight and Apgar score were not different between the groups. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 were higher in the colostrum of mothers with advanced age compared to adolescent mothers, but did not differ from the control group. The concentrations of IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha did not differ between the three groups. Therefore, our data demonstrated that maternal age influenced the sociodemographic and gestational characteristics as well as the composition of colostrum cytokines.

Association between fetal growth restriction and maternal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

Humans are exposed to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) via ingestion of food, dust inhalation, and dermal absorption. Exposure to PBDEs via the placenta and breast milk is a special and important pathway in infants. This nested case-control study aimed to investigate the levels of PBDEs in maternal serum and colostrum, and to assess the association between the occurrence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and prenatal exposure to PBDEs. We recruited 293 mother-newborn pairs, including 98 FGR cases and 195 healthy controls in Wenzhou, China. Maternal serum and colostrum samples were collected during pregnancy and after delivery, respectively, and the levels of PBDEs were measured by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The total levels of PBDEs in maternal serum and colostrum were found to be in equilibrium, but congener profiles of PBDEs in these matrices were different. Increased BDE-207, BDE-209, ∑BDE196-209 and ∑PBDEs levels in maternal serum and BDE-99, ∑BDE17-154 and ∑PBDEs levels in colostrum were correlated with decreased birth weight Z score. Increased concentrations of higher brominated BDEs in maternal serum (odds ratio (OR)=1.010, 95%CI=1.003-1.018) and low-to moderately brominated BDEs in colostrum (OR=1.004, 95%CI=1.000-1.009) were associated with increased risk of FGR, which showed an exposure-response relationship. In addition, infants with FGR were more exposed to PBDEs in colostrum after birth than healthy infants. Longitudinal birth cohort studies are needed to determine the prolonged effect of PBDEs exposure on the growth of FGR infants in the future.

Importance of colostrum IgG antibodies level for prevention of infection with Cryptosporidium parvum in neonatal dairy calves

Cryptosporidiosis is one of the most common zoonosis worldwide, causing intestinal infection to both humans and livestock. The purpose of this study was to assess whether the level of anti-C. parvum IgG antibodies transferred through colostrum from dams to newborn calves impacts the susceptibility to cryptosporidiosis. A number of 50 dams and their healthy newborns were included in the study. Colostrum samples were collected within 12 h after birth and anti-C. parvum IgG antibody levels were determined by single radial immunodiffusion. The health condition of the newborns was daily monitored, and fecal samples were collected at first diarrheic episode of a calf. In all dams, the anti-C. parvum IgG antibody concentration in colostrum varied between 570 and 4070 mg/dl; in dams who gave birth to calves with diarrhea and were C. parvum-positive, the antibody concentration in colostrum varied between 680 and 3680 mg/dl (Table 1). The point-biserial correlation showed a negative correlation between the levels of anti-C. parvum antibodies and manifestation of clinical cryptosporidiosis (r=-0.425). Our findings highlight the importance of IgG levels in colostrum received by neonatal calves during their first day of life for prevention of C. parvum infection.

Determination of immunoglobulin levels in colostrum by using an online milk analyzer

Colostrum samples of first, second, and third milking were collected from 72 cows. Immunoglobulins were determined by colostrometer, Brix refractometer, online Afilab spectrometer, and ELISA. Correlation of immunoglobulin G level measured by ELISA and colostrometer was 0.79, for Brix 0.76, and for Afilab 0.70. Assuming a dichotomic cutoff at 50 mg mL−1, sensitivity was 88.2% and specificity was 87.9%. Afilab can provide measures of colostrum quality in real time and all the herd data are stored on the computer automatically, therefore it could be used for further analyses for management decisions and genetic evaluation.

Relationship among Some Colostral Immune Parameters and Hepcidin in Neonatal Calves

This study was designed to determine hepcidin, IgG, Lactoferrin, IL-6 and iron levels in blood serum, colostrum, milk of healthy cows and the healthy calves on different days of the neonatal period. The study included 20 pregnant cows and 20 calves born to them. Blood samples were taken from pregnant animals 15 days before the birth and immediately after the birth for measurements. Blood samples were also obtained from the calves at birth before colostrum intake and 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after birth for measurements. Colostrum samples were collected from mothers immediately after birth and milk samples were taken postpartum on days 1, 3 and 7. After parturition, serum hepcidin levels were higher than pregnant cows (P&amp;gt;0.05). Hepcidin levels in colostrum were found significantly higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) when compared with milk samples Following the intake of colostrum, serum hepcidin level of calves of day 1 was similar to that of day 3 (P&amp;gt;0.05) but significantly higher than the values of day 7, 14 and 28 days of life in calves (P&amp;lt;0.001). Serum hepcidin levels similar pattern of changes to those of IgG, Lf and IL-6 after colostrum intake in calves. As a result; It was concluded that hepcidin may be an important component in terms of calf health, given that it shows similar changes with the immune parameters.

Hexachlorocyclohexane exposure alters the microbiome of colostrum in Chinese breastfeeding mothers

Breast milk, especially colostrum, is not just a source of nutrients and immune factors for the newborn, but also accumulates environmental persistent pollutants and its diverse microbes affect the early colonization of the newborn's gut. Little is known about associations between environmental pollutants and the microbial composition of human colostrum. We assessed the influence of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), a persistent organic pollutant (POP), in colostrums on the microbial composition of human colostrum samples. HCH concentrations in 89 colostrum samples collected from a population living on the easternmost island of China were measured via gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometer (GC-MS), HCH exposure risks for infants via dietary intake of breast milk were assessed, and for 29 colostrum samples the microbiota were profiled using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing to assess the association with HCH exposure levels. Our study confirmed high colostrum exposure levels of total HCHs (12.19 ± 13.68 μg L−1) in this Chinese population. We predominantly identified Proteobacteria (67.6%) and Firmicutes (25.1%) in colostrum and microbial diversity at the genus level differed between samples with different HCH levels; e.g., Pseudomonas which contains several HCH degrading strains was found in significantly higher abundance in γ-HCH rich samples. Also, microbes that were statistically significantly associated with HCH levels were also highly correlated with each other (false discovery rate (FDR)＜0.01) and clustered in network analysis. Microbial diversity is associated with HCH levels in human colostrum and these associations might be attributable to their HCH degrading ability. These finding provide first insights into the role that environmental persistent pollutants may play in the microbial composition of human colostrum and the colonization of the infant gut.

Infectious episodes during pregnancy, at particular mucosal sites, increase specific IgA1 or IgA2 subtype levels in human colostrum

BackgroundColostrum is the primary source of maternal immunoglobulin A (IgA) for the newborn. IgA participates in protection and regulation mechanisms of the immune response at the neonate’s mucosa. Several studies have evaluated infectious diseases and vaccine protocols effects during pregnancy on maternal milk IgA levels, with the aim to understand lactation protecting effect on newborn. However, most of their results demonstrated that there were no differences in the total IgA levels. In humans, IgA has two subclasses (IgA1 and IgA2), they have an anatomical distribution among mucosal compartments, their levels vary after antigen stimulation and are also seen to describe differential affinities in colostrum. Although there are differences between IgA subclasses in several compartments, these studies have excluded specific colostrum IgA1 and IgA2 determination.MethodsWe analyzed data from 900 women in Mexico City. With Pearson correlation, we compared the number of infectious episodes during their pregnancy that was associated with mucosal compartments (skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts) and colostrum IgA subclasses.ResultsWe show a correlation between increased colostrum IgA1 levels and the number of infectious episodes at respiratory tract and the skin. In contrast, infections at the gastrointestinal tract correlated with increased IgA2 amounts.ConclusionsInfections present during pregnancy at certain mucosal site increase specific IgA subclasses levels in human colostrum. These results will help in understanding infections and immunizations effects on maternal IgA at the mammary gland, and their impact on the development and protection of the newborn.

Primiparous and Multiparous Sows Have Largely Similar Colostrum and Milk Composition Profiles Throughout Lactation.

Simple summaryProgeny born to primiparous sows (gilt progeny) are born lighter, grow slower, and have higher rates of mortality than piglets born to multiparous sows. An understanding of why this might be the case is necessary to implement management strategies that improve the health and welfare of first-litter piglets and increase their production efficiency. Differences in the composition of colostrum and milk between primiparous and multiparous sows might be a contributing factor. Results from this study suggest that primiparous and multiparous sows (parities 3 and 4) have similar levels of immunoglobulin G and energetic components (net energy, fat, protein, and lactose) in colostrum and milk throughout the course of lactation. However, lower lactose levels from day 14 onwards in milk from primiparous sows compared to milk from multiparous sows may indicate that there is a reduction of lactose uptake into the mammary gland in primiparous sows during late lactation, which may reduce milk volume. Lower growth rates and higher rates of mortality in gilt progeny are therefore likely to be as a result of lower colostrum and milk production in primiparous sows and (or) an inability of their piglets to digest these nutritional components effectively.It is important to understand the biological factors influencing the poorer lifetime performance of gilt progeny in comparison to sow progeny and determine whether this may be partially due to differences in lactation performance between primiparous and multiparous sows. It was hypothesized that primiparous sows would have lower levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in colostrum and milk compared to multiparous sows, and lower levels of other energetic components. Differences in colostrum and milk composition between ten primiparous and ten multiparous sows (parities 3 and 4) from a commercial herd were examined throughout lactation (day 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21). Overall, there were no (p ≥ 0.05) parity differences in total IgG, fat, protein, lactose, and net energy (NE) concentrations. Primiparous sows had higher lactose levels at day 2 (parity by timepoint interaction; p = 0.036) and lower NE at day 3 (p = 0.091), and multiparous sows had higher lactose levels at days 14 and 21. Results suggest that shortcomings of gilt progeny are unlikely due to insufficient nutrient levels in colostrum and milk, and more likely to reduced colostrum and milk intake and their capacity to digest and absorb each component.

Increasing selenium supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows improves piglet preweaning survival, colostrum and milk composition, as well as maternal selenium, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin transfer

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing selenium (Se) supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows on sow productivity, colostrum and milk composition, as well as the selenium and antioxidant status and immunoglobulin levels of sows and nursing piglets. The study was a 2 × 2 factorial design, where the first factor was farrowing environment [heat stress vs. actively cooling, temperature: 29.61 ± 0.19 ℃ (27.70–31.60 ℃) vs. 27.90 ± 0.15 ℃ (26.90–30.20 ℃); temperature-humidity index: 72.91 ± 0.26 (70.30–75.70) vs. 70.81 ± 0.22 (69.30–73.80)], and the second factor was dietary Se level during late gestation and lactation [(0.3 vs. 1.2 mg/kg Se as Se-yeast, the basal diet was corn-soybean meal diet formulated according to NRC (2012) except for Se level]. Forty multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments (10 sows and following 90 piglets per treatment, respectively). The results show that: (1) There were no interactions of farrowing environment with Se treatments with the exceptions of nutrient content of 7-d milk; (2) As for zootechnical measures, piglets of sows receiving increasing Se tended to have greater preweaning survival compared with those of sows receiving control diet without interactions of environment and Se treatments; (3) As to colostrum and milk composition, greater concentrations of protein, lactose, solids-not-fat in colostrum, and greater fat concentration in 7-d and 14-d milk were found for sows fed increasing Se; (4) Regarding Se and antioxidant status, increasing Se supply for sows increased Se content in colostrum and 21-d milk, as well as in plasma of 1-day-old and 21-day-old piglets. Meanwhile, increasing Se supply for sows improved antioxidant status in colostrum (MDA content) and 21-d milk (T-AOC and MDA content), as well as in plasma of 1-day-old and 21-day-old piglets (GSH-Px activity and MDA content); (5) With regard to immunoglobulins, sows fed increasing Se had higher IgM levels in colostrum, and higher IgA in 21-d milk. Also, piglets from sows fed increasing Se had higher plasma IgA at 1 d of age, and higher IgA and IgG levels at 21 d of age. Collectively, increasing selenium supply for heat-stressed or actively cooled sows improved piglet preweaning survival, colostrum and milk composition, as well as maternal selenium, antioxidant status and immunoglobulin transfer irrespective of the climatic conditions, which indicates that Se requirements for sows should be urgently reassessed.

Association of peripartum plasma insulin concentration with milk production, colostrum insulin levels, and plasma metabolites of Holstein cows

The main objective of this study was to assess associations between plasma insulin concentration around parturition and production in Holstein cows. Primiparous and multiparous cows (n = 267) were enrolled. Blood samples were collected within 12 h after parturition (d 0), and on d 3 and 10 after calving. In addition, blood samples were collected 7 d before (-7 d) the expected date of parturition and colostrum samples were collected within 8 h after parturition from a subset of cows to measure insulin concentration (n = 47). All samples were harvested from 0630 to 1100 h and were used to quantify insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate. The plasma concentrations of insulin on d -7 and 0 were not correlated with insulin levels in colostrum. Cows were grouped according to plasma insulin concentration based on the median as low insulin (L-INS) or high insulin (H-INS) on d 0 (median = 0.35 ng/mL; range 0.2 to 1.2), 3 (median = 0.32 ng/mL; range 0.2 to 1.6), and 10 (median = 0.30 ng/mL; range 0.2 to 0.8). We detected that cows in the L-INS group on d 0 (L-INS = 0.57 ± 0.02; H-INS = 0.49 ± 0.02 mmol/L), d 3 (L-INS = 0.56 ± 0.02; H-INS = 0.49 ± 0.02 mmol/L), and d 10 (L-INS = 0.61 ± 0.03; H-INS = 0.55 ± 0.03 mmol/L) had higher NEFA concentrations compared with cows in the H-INS group. Compared with H-INS cows, milk yield was higher for cows classified as L-INS on d 0 (L-INS = 40.75 ± 0.69; H-INS = 38.41 ± 0.64 kg) and d 10 (L-INS = 40.95 ± 0.74; H-INS = 38.66 ± 0.64 kg). Moreover, fat-corrected milk was higher for cows classified as L-INS on d 0 (L-INS = 40.59 ± 2.36; H-INS = 37.73 ± 2.31 kg) and d 10 (L-INS = 41.00 ± 2.42; H-INS = 38.65 ± 2.28 kg) compared with H-INS cows, and energy-corrected milk was higher for L-INS cows compared with H-INS cows regardless of the day (d 0, L-INS = 44.50 ± 0.70 vs. H-INS = 41.67 ± 0.64 kg; d 3, L-INS = 43.65 ± 0.74 vs. H-INS = 40.88 ± 0.72 kg; d 10, L-INS = 44.09 ± 0.73 vs. H-INS = 40.55 ± 0.68 kg). We conclude that low plasma insulin concentration during early lactation is associated with higher milk yield in the long term.

Altered O- and N-linked glycosylation profiles in carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) protein variants involved in chronic pancreatitis and MODY8 syndrome

Breast milk is a complex mixture containing underexplored bioactive lipids. We performed an observational case-control study to compare the impact of delivery mode: caesarean section (CS) and vaginal birth (VB); and term (preterm and term delivery) on the levels of lipokines in human milk at different stages of lactation. Metabolomic analysis of the milk identified triacylglycerol estolides as a metabolic reservoir of the anti-inflammatory lipid mediator 5-palmitic acid ester of hydroxystearic acid (5-PAHSA). We found that triacylglycerol estolides were substrates of carboxyl ester lipase and 5-PAHSA-containing lipids were the least preferred substrates among tested triacylglycerol estolide isomers. This explained exceptionally high colostrum levels of 5-PAHSA in the VB group. CS and preterm birth negatively affected colostrum lipidome, including 5-PAHSA levels, but the lipidomic profiles normalized in mature milk. Mothers delivering term babies vaginally produce colostrum rich in 5-PAHSA, which could contribute to the prevention of intestinal inflammation in newborns.

Dietary supplementation with yeast hydrolysate in pregnancy influences colostrum yield and gut microbiota of sows and piglets after birth.

Dietary supplementation with yeast derivatives (YD) contributes to the health and physiology of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on how it influences gut health and performance of sows and piglets. The goal was therefore to examine whether YD, based on brewer’s yeast hydrolysate added to pregnancy diet, would affect colostrum composition, yield (CY) and gut microbiota of sows and piglets. Sows were allocated to either a control diet (n = 19) or a control diet supplemented with 2g YD/kg (n = 18) during the pregnancy. Piglets suckling belonging to the control sows (n = 114) and supplemented sows (n = 108) were also included in the study. Gut microbiota populations of sows at farrowing and piglets at one and four weeks of age were assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Colostrum samples were examined for nutritional composition and immunoglobulin (Ig) content. All piglets were individually weighed at birth and 24 hours later in order to calculate CY, and later at four weeks to calculate average daily gain (ADG). Protein, lactose and dry matter content of colostrum did not significantly differ between the two groups, while sows fed YD had higher levels of fat in their colostrum (P < 0.05). Immunoglobulin A, IgM and IgG levels in colostrum did not differ between the two groups (P >0.05). Colostrum yield was lower in the control than that in YD group (3701g vs. 4581 g; P <0.05). Although the YD supplementation did not change fecal bacteria diversity in sow, more beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Roseburia, Paraprevotella, Eubacterium) were found in the YD fed group (P <0.01) while, some opportunistic pathogens, including Proteobacteria, especially the genera Desulfovibrio, Escherichia/Shigella and Helicobacter, were suppressed. Piglets at one week of age from sows fed YD had more beneficial microbial populations with significant diversity and fewer opportunistic pathogens. Additionally, we established a Pearson’s correlations between CY, colostrum components, piglet birth weight and fecal microbiota. Therefore, YD added to the sow diet during pregnancy increases colostrum availability and its energy content for neonate piglets, also promoting beneficial maternal microbial sources for neonate.

Colostrum and mature breast milk analysis of serum irisin and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c in gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: We aimed to evaluate irisin and SREBP-1c levels in serum, colostrum and mature breast milk in women with and without gestational diabetes (GDM); and to relate them with maternal glucose, lipid profile and weight status of babies.Methods: GDM positive women (n = 33) and normal glucose tolerant women (NGT) (n = 33) were recruited. Maternal blood samples were collected at 28th week of gestation and later at 6-week post-partum while breast milk samples of the lactating mothers were collected within 72 hours of birth (colostrum) and at 6 weeks post-partum (mature milk). Irisin and SREBP-1c levels were analyzed by commercially available ELISA kits for all maternal samples.Results: Lower levels of irisin were seen in serum, colostrum and mature breast milk of GDM females (p < .01). SREBP-1c profile showed a similar trend of low serum levels in GDM, however, they were undetectable in colostrum and mature breast milk. Weak to moderate correlations of serum irisin with BMI (r = 0.439; p < .001), GTT 0 hours (r = 0.403; p = .01), HbA1c (r = −0.312; p = .011), Fasting blood glucose (r = 0.992; p = .008), and baby weight at birth (r = 0.486; p < .001). Colostrum and mature breast milk irisin showed positive associations with baby weight at 6 weeks (r = 0.325; p = .017; r = 0.296; p = .022, respectively). Serum SREBP-1c at 6 weeks correlated with random blood glucose (r = 0.318; p = .009), and HbA1c (r= −0.292; p = .011). All correlations were lost once we adjusted for maternal BMI.Conclusions: Low irisin and SREBP1-c levels may favor development of GDM in pregnant subjects. Further, low mature breast milk levels may act as a continued stressor from fetal to infant life as long as breast-feeding is continued. Further studies are required to identify the mechanistic relationship between these biomarkers and GDM.