Proteins of human milk involved in immunological processes

Abstract

Human milk contains a lot of components (i.e. proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, inorganic elements) which provide basic nutrients for infants during the first period of their lives. Qualitative composition of milk components of healthy mothers is similar, but their levels change during lactation stages. Colostrum is the fluid secreted during the first days postpartum by mammary epithelial cells. Colostrum is replaced by transitional milk during 5-15 days postpartum and from 15 days postpartum mature milk is produced. Human milk, apart from nutritional components, is a source of biologically active molecules, i.e. immunoglobulins, growth factors, cytokines, acute phase proteins, antiviral and antibacterial proteins. Such components of human milk are responsible for specific biological activities of human milk. This secretion plays an important role in growth and development of newborns. Bioactive molecules present in the milk support the immature immune system of the newborn and also protect against the development of infection. In this article we describe the pathways involved in the production and secretion of human milk, the state of knowledge on the proteome of human milk, and the contents of components of milk during lactation. Moreover, some growth factors and proteins involved in innate and specific immunity, intercellular communication, immunomodulation, and inflammatory processes have been characterized.

Breastfeeding and autoimmunity: Programing health from the beginning

“…Milk is a complex fluid, the composition of which gradually changes according to the stage of lactation, infant feeding, health status (mother and newborn), maternal diet, environment, and genetics . Colostrum is the first milk produced and is characterized for containing over 250 potentially immunologically active proteins, including enzymes (lactoferrin, lysozyme, etc.…”

The diagnostic usefulness of fecal lactoferrin in the assessment of Crohn's disease activity

“…It also has antiviral and antifungal properties. It is also interesting that lactoferrin has an anti-neoplastic function [23,24]. As an easily accessible and stable fecal marker, lactoferrin can be a good indicator of CD activity.…”

“…It takes part in the innate immune system response. In numerous in vivo and in vitro studies its bacteriostatic and bactericidal functions have been proven [23,24]. It also has antiviral and antifungal properties.…”

“…Its presence is also observed in secondary and tertiary granulation from which it is released directly to the bloodstream or inflammatory areas. Lactoferrin is characterized by extremely high stability [23,24]. It does not get digested in the gastrointestinal tract.…”

Maternal Behavior Their Adjustments and Implicated Factors

“…In colostrum, the lacteal fluid contains antibodies of immunoglobulin, these proteins are complete and biologically active and growth factors that promote pup developmental [11] [12]. In the other hand, the altricial mammal's species depend from the mother rat to provide warm and protection of predators, the onset of maternal aggression in rodents seems to require both the hormonal changes occurring at the end of pregnancy and the presence of the pups [13].…”