The relationship between maternal postpartum psychological state and breast milk secretory immunoglobulin A level.

BACKGROUND: Maternal psychological state may influence the passive transfer of immune factors (e.g., immunoglobulin) via the mother's breast milk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between mothers' postpartum psychological state and their breast milk secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-one mothers who delivered at an urban general hospital were included in our analysis. Two weeks after delivery, we measured their breast milk SIgA levels and simultaneously documented their psychological state using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) scales. RESULTS: Breast milk SIgA levels were negatively correlated with negative POMS states (tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, fatigue, and confusion). A negative correlation was also observed between SIgA levels and GHQ mental health (r = -.625, P = .000), and a similar negative correlation was observed with STAI trait and state anxieties. However, no correlation existed between breast milk SIgA levels and the positive POMS state (vigor). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the maternal psychological state may affect the immune properties of breast milk.

Changes in maternal secretory immunoglobulin a levels in human milk during 12 weeks after parturition.

BACKGROUND: Immune factors in human milk change in concentration after delivery. However, this concentration change during the early postpartum period has not yet been investigated in detail. METHODS: We measured Secretory IgA (SIgA) levels in the human milk of 91 postpartum mothers (after vaginal delivery) by using an enzyme immunoassay, in postpartum day 3, and weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12. RESULTS: The SIgA concentration gradually declined over the 12-week period, with the highest level recorded in day 3. At week 4, the SIgA levels decreased to half the initial levels. Although the difference in concentration from one week to the next was remarkable, the decrease in concentration was rapid in the first 4 weeks but gradual from week 4 to week 12. CONCLUSIONS: The SIgA levels gradually decreased up to week 12. However, the concentration of SIgA in breast milk did not change constantly. It changed relatively rapid until 4 weeks after childbirth, and because the concentration from the third day to the eighth week became 50%, it was understood that the change was temporal.

Association between stress-related substances in saliva and immune substances in breast milk in puerperae.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the association between biochemical parameters of stress in puerperae and immune substances in breast milk. METHODS: The participants were 22 mothers 2 weeks after delivery, with normal pregnancy/delivery and a normal puerperal course. We measured the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and cortisol in saliva and the level of SIgA and the leukocyte count in breast milk and investigated their association. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the salivary and breast milk levels of SIgA (r = .536, p < .05). However, there were no correlations among the salivary level of cortisol and the level of SIgA and leukocyte count in breast milk. CONCLUSIONS: The only association found in our study was between the salivary and breast milk SIgA. The lack of association among SIgA and cortisol may be related to a variety of factors such as production site, diurnal rhythms, and the interval between stress stimulation in mothers and the response of the biomarker.

Experience of sexual violence among sexually experienced Japanese teenage girls and influencing factors.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to identify influencing factors for sexual violence in sexually experienced teenage girls. Methods: Eighty sexually experienced teenage girls aged between 14 and 19 attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics in suburban Tokyo were selected as subjects. After completing a simple questionnaire on sexual behavior and lifestyle the subjects were interviewed using a semistructured interview technique. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with sexual violence. Results: Police and government statistics for rape, sexual and domestic violence in Japan are extremely low. However, the present study showed that 52.5% of subjects had been victims of sexual violence. Furthermore, of these, 69.0% had been forced to have sex with a partner and 64.3% had been raped by someone other than a partner. Factors influencing the risk of sexual violence were sexual behavior and attitudes towards sexuality and lifestyle. Having a sexually transmitted infection was not an influencing factor. Conclusions: It is important to identify teenage girls attending obstetrics and gynecology clinics at risk of sexual violence and to teach them about the risks of sexual behavior associated with imbalances of power. Furthermore, it is essential to support victims of sexual violence to protect them from the recurrence of such abuse. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 181-187).