Effect of 1human milk prostaglandins and lactoferrin on respiratory syncytial virus and rotavirus

Abstract

The effect of lactoferrin and prostaglandins E and F2 alpha on the growth of rotavirus and respiratory syncytial virus in cell culture was investigated. Lactoferrin inhibited the growth of respiratory syncytial virus at a concentration tenfold lower than that normally present in human milk. The prostaglandins had no effect on either virus growth, even at a concentration of 100-fold more than that found in human milk. Lactoferrin may have some antiviral properties in human milk in addition to its known antibacterial functions.

Effect of antimicrobial factors in human milk on rhinoviruses and milk-borne cytomegalovirus in vitro

“…Earlier studies showed that not only lactoferrin, but also ganglioside GM2 and chondroitin sulphate B, inhibited the growth of RSV but lactoferrin was the only compound that inhibited RSV (and CMV) at concentrations less than that present in human milk [4,8]. Still other milk factors with potential antiviral activity remain to be determined, as demonstrated recently when human milk lysozyme was found to possess the ability to inhibit growth of HIV [34].…”

“…The viruses were then allowed to absorb on to the cells for 1 h before addition of the overlay medium. Prostaglandins were incorporated into the overlay medium after the absorption of the virus for 1 h [8]. Monolaurin, vitamin A and human milk (50% v=v) were added to a virus solution and pre-treated for 1 h at 378C before absorption on to the cells and the application of overlay medium.…”

“…Not all prostaglandins enhanced CMV growth, as PGA1 inhibited growth. While the prostaglandins may be present in low concentrations in human milk [8], the total intake of prostaglandins by an infant fed 200 ml of milk is considerable. Furthermore, if these prostaglandins are localised on particular cell receptors, they may be able to exert some in¯uence on CMV infection.…”

“…Rhinoviruses also cause middle ear problems in adults [7]. Unlike RSV, with which various factors present in human milk are known to inhibit growth in vitro [1,4,8], no human milk components have been tested on rhinovirus growth. Bovine milk was reported to have a negligible effect on rhinovirus growth in vitro [9].…”

“…One lipid, monolaurin, also has strong antibacterial activity [23]. Prostaglandins PGE2 and PGF2á inhibit the growth of parain¯uenza 3, a respiratory virus of infants [8]. These compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit both CMV and rhinovirus growth in vitro.…”