Lactoferrin in Human Milk of Prolonged Lactation

Abstract

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.

Changes in Human Milk Immunoglobulin Profile During Prolonged Lactation

“…Taking into account a previous study on prolonged lactation, after 24 months, lactation changes significantly (35,36). After the 2nd year of lactation, the SIgA, IgM, and protein concentrations were negatively correlated with the number of feedings, and their concentrations were rising in comparison to those during the earlier period of lactation.…”

“…One hundred sixteen breastfeeding mothers participated in the study. The characteristics of breastfeeding mothers, as well as the method of collecting and storing milk samples, have been described previously (35,36). The mother's age, socioeconomic status, race, health status, concomitant medications, parity, mode of delivery, and frequency of breastfeeding were recorded.…”

Combined chemo-magnetic field-photothermal breast cancer therapy based on porous magnetite nanospheres

“…Since Lf is found in exocrine secretions such as saliva, milk, and gastrointestinal secretions 21 , its application may increase the presence of this compound in the ducts. Also, the use of Lf as a coating agent due to its accumulation in breast tissue can be effective in targeting breast cancer 22 . In several studies, the anti-cancer activity of Lf is associated with the capacity of apoptosis through down-regulation of Bcl-2 mRNA 23 , along with up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bax and Caspase 3 mRNA 24 .…”

Identification of regulatory networks and hub genes controlling mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats during the late lactation, dry period, and late gestation stages

“…It is widely present in the milk of humans and other mammals and has antibacterial activity. It is an important part of the nonspeci c immune system [60]. In addition, humoral immune responses, B cell-mediated immunity, and T cellmediated immunity also play important roles in the mammary gland.…”