Factors affecting total protein and lactoferrin in human milk.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors affecting total, true protein and lactoferrin (Lf) concentrations in human milk (HM) and to evaluate the changes in protein concentrations over the course of lactation (first to sixth month postpartum). HM samples were collected from exclusively breastfeeding mothers during six time periods (1-6 months postpartum); 198 breast milk samples were collected in total. The concentrations of total and true protein in HM were determined using the MIRIS human milk analyzer (HMA). The assessment of HM protein content was also performed in skim HM samples and quantified by bicinchoninic methods with the Bicinchoninic Acid Protein Assay Kit. In turn, Lf content in skim HM samples was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in accordance with a slightly modified procedure. In the first month of lactation total protein concentration was negatively correlated with maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (r = - 0.397; p = 0.022), whereas in the third month postpartum, positive correlation with maternal age was found (r = 0.399; p = 0.021). Considering Lf concentration, in the first month of lactation, it was positively correlated with baby's birth weight (r = 0.514; p = 0.002). In the next months (from second to sixth) no relationships between Lf concentration and maternal and infants' factors were observed. The concentration of protein and Lf in HM changes dynamically throughout lactation. Maternal and infant characteristics may impact the HM protein and Lf content, especially in the first month postpartum.

Impact of gestational diabetes and other maternal factors on neonatal body composition in the first week of life: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Newborns of diabetic mothers are at increased risk of abnormal nutritional status at birth, thus developing metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anthropometric measurements and body composition of newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes in comparison to newborns born to mothers with normal glucose tolerance in pregnancy, in the first week of their life. Maternal factors affecting the gestational period were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 70 participants: neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes (GDM) and neonates born to healthy mothers (non-GDM). A set of statistical methods (e.g., ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square test, regression, cluster analysis) was used to compare data between the study groups and to find their association with maternal factors. RESULTS: Our approach resulted in statistically significant classification (p < 0.05) by maternal history of hypothyroidism, weight gain during pregnancy and diagnosis of GDM. Newborns of mothers diagnosed with both GDM and hypothyroidism had lower birth weight and fat mass than newborns of mothers without GDM nor hypothyroidism (p < 0.05), however this finding might be associated with high incidence of excessive gestational weight gain among healthy mothers. No differences in body composition were found between the study groups on account of maternal GDM only (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, well-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus as an individual factor does not significantly affect neonatal anthropometric measurements and body composition.

Changes in Human Milk Immunoglobulin Profile During Prolonged Lactation.

Mother's milk immunoglobulins (Igs) delivered to infants during breastfeeding are crucial in shaping and modulating immature infants' immune system and provide efficient protection against pathogens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunoglobulin concentrations in milk of 116 lactating mothers over prolonged lactation from the 1st to the 48th month using the ELISA method. The concentration of proteins, SIgA and IgG, but not IgM, showed a positive correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.005; r = 0.54, p < 0.05; and r = 0.27, p < 0.05, respectively) with lactation from the 1st to the 48th month. The lowest concentrations of SIgA and IgG were observed for the first year (2.12 ± 0.62 g/L and 14.71 ± 6.18 mg/L, respectively) and the highest after the 2nd year of lactation (7.55 ± 7.16 g/L and 18.95 ± 6.76 mg/L, respectively). The IgM concentration remained stable during 2 years (2.81 ± 2.74 mg/L), but after 24 months it was higher (3.82 ± 3.05 mg/L), although not significantly. Moreover, negative correlations of protein (r = -0.24, p < 0.05) and SIgA (r = -0.47, p < 0.05) concentrations with the number of feedings were found. Human milk after the 2nd year of lactation contains significantly higher concentrations of protein, SIgA, and IgG. High concentration of immunoglobulins and protein during prolonged lactation is an additional argument to support breastfeeding even after introducing solid foods and should be one of the overarching goals in the protection of children's health.

Lactoferrin in Human Milk of Prolonged Lactation.

Among the immunologically important bioactive factors present in human milk, lactoferrin (Lf) has emerged as a key player with wide-ranging features that directly and indirectly protect the neonate against infection caused by a variety of pathogens. The concentration of Lf in human milk is lactation-stage related; colostrum contains more than 5 g/L, which then significantly decreases to 2-3 g/L in mature milk. The milk of mothers who are breastfeeding for more than one year is of a standard value, containing macronutrients in a composition similar to that of human milk at later stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate lactoferrin concentration in prolonged lactation from the first to the 48th month postpartum. Lactating women (n = 120) up to 48 months postpartum were recruited to the study. The mean value of lactoferrin concentration was the lowest in the group of 1-12 months of lactation (3.39 ± 1.43 g/L), significantly increasing in the 13-18 months group (5.55 ± 4.00 g/L; p < 0.006), and remaining at a comparable level in the groups of 19-24 month and over 24 months (5.02 ± 2.97 and 4.90 ± 3.18 g/L, respectively). The concentration of lactoferrin in mother's milk also showed a positive correlation with protein concentration over lactation from the first to the 48th month (r = 0.3374; p = 0.0002). Our results demonstrate the high immunology potential of human milk during prolonged lactation and that Lf concentration is close to the Lf concentration in colostrum. Evidence of stable or rising immunoprotein levels during prolonged lactation provides an argument for foregoing weaning; however, breastfeeding must be combined with solid foods meet the new requirements of a rapidly growing six-month or older baby.

Donor human milk in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - to whom, how much and how long?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to present the variability of patients who received donor human milk (DHM) duringNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalization, including time of its usage and volume of portions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data was conducted for all infants admitted to the NICU at the UniversityHospital during the first year of the Human Milk Bank operation. One-way analysis of variance in the intergroup scheme,Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis with the Jonckheere-Tepstra test, correlation analysis using Pearson's r and Spearmann'srho, frequency analysis using the Fisher's exact test were used to conduct analyses. RESULTS: 133 newborns received DHM. 3 groups of neonates were identified: < 32 0/7 weeks, 32 0/7-36 6/7 weeksand > 37 0/7 weeks of gestational age (GA). Time of DHM supplementation was similar in all groups and does not differdepending on the GA but preterm infants received the smallest total volume of DHM. However, infants > 37 weeks ofGA had almost a threefold greater chance of abandoning breastfeeding than the others (odds ratio (OR) = 2.89, 95% CI:0.69-12.20). There was a statistically significant, weak negative correlation between period of total parenteral nutrition andthe volume of milk from the bank: rho = -0.194; p = 0.026. CONCLUSIONS: The DHM supply did not have a negative impact on lactation and breastfeeding. Stimulation of lactation wasnecessary for 5-7 days. The time of DHM supply was the same regardless of GA. The majority of infants were breastfed orreceived only MOM on the day of discharge from the hospital.

Breast Milk Macronutrient Components in Prolonged Lactation.

Human milk (HM) is the first dietary exposure in infancy and the best nutritional option for growth and healthy development of the newborn and infant. The concentrations of macronutrients, namely proteins, carbohydrates and lipids, change during lactation stages. HM has been studied extensively in the first 6 months of lactation, but there are limited data regarding milk composition beyond 1 or 2 years postpartum. The aim of our study was to describe longitudinal changes in HM macronutrient concentrations during the prolonged lactation of healthy mothers from the 1st to the 48th month. For the macronutrient content of milk of mothers breastfeeding for longer than 18 months, fat and protein increased and carbohydrates decreased significantly, compared with milk expressed by women breastfeeding up to 12 months. Moreover, the concentration of fat, protein and carbohydrates in HM over 2 years of lactation from the 24th to the 48th month remained at a stable level. However, analyzed macronutrients were positively (carbohydrate, r = 0.51) or negatively (fat, r = -0.36 and protein, r = -0.58) correlated with the amount of feeding. Our results create a greater potential for understanding the nutritional contribution of HM over 2 years of lactation and showed that the source of calories in breast milk for older children is mainly fat, while carbohydrates play a greater role in infant nutrition in the early stage. The observed changes of macronutrient concentrations from the 1st to the 48th month of lactation are probably related to the adaptation of milk composition to the increased energy demand of the intensively growing child.

DNA profiling of oaks (Quercus spp.)

AIM OF THE STUDY: Forensic botany demands tools to verify the value of plant-origin evidence brought into the process of criminal investigation. Molecular biology provides techniques for comparing material from the crime scene with other biological material of evidence. In this paper, we propose a set of seven markers based on Short Tandem Repeats (STRs) loci for DNA profiling of Quercus spp. STR markers of the highest observed heterozygosity were selected, according to available literature. Oaks were chosen due to their wide dissemination in the northern hemisphere. They served as an object of study to develop a method for obtaining comparable genetic profiles of plant evidence material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study, we verified the specificity of primers towards selected species of oaks. Twenty-three species, including most of those previously studied, were investigated for the presence of selected loci. After DNA extraction, STR sequences were amplified using multiplex PCR, and amplification products were then analysed with capillary electrophoresis. The frequency of genotypes was tested with the χ2 test. RESULTS: Out of 23 investigated species of oak, full genetic profiles were obtained for 13 species. CONCLUSIONS: An incomplete genetic profile may result from DNA degradation or lower homology in primer binding sites. Full profiles were successfully obtained for most of the species tested; however, deficient profiles were yielded in species for which a full profile was expected. This may be due to the loss in DNA quality caused by ageing processes of plant material and inappropriate storage conditions or method of preservation.