Suppressive effects of breast milk on oxidative DNA damage in very low birthweight infants

Abstract

Background: Human milk contains many kinds of antioxidant and is considered to prevent diseases mediated by oxygen free radicals in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. Aims: To examine the antioxidant effects of breast milk in VLBW infants by determining urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion, which is known to be a non-invasive marker for in vivo oxidative DNA damage. Methods: Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were measured in 15 breast fed and 14 formula fed VLBW infants at 2, 7, 14, and 28 days of age. Results: Urinary 8-OHdG excretion at 14 and 28 days of age was significantly lower than at 2 and 7 days of age in the breast fed group, and significantly lower than in the formula fed group. Conclusion: This is the first direct evidence of the antioxidant action of human milk in VLBW infants.

Effects of exclusive formula or breast milk feeding on oxidative stress in healthy preterm infants

“…It has been reported recently 19 that compared to formula, breast milk can suppress the oxidative DNA damage in premature (approx 29 weeks of gestation) and very low birth weight infants (VLBW, less than 1500 g). Human milk contains various bioactive compounds, including enzymes, numerous immunological factors, hormones, growth factors, and various antioxidants.…”

Stress oxydant chez l’enfant prématuré : causes, biomarqueurs et possibilités thérapeutiques

“…En effet, une augmentation de biomarqueurs du SO, tels que les peroxydes, a été observée à 3 et 6 mois de vie chez des enfants alimentés par une formule infantile artificielle [35]. L'allaitement maternel a permis, chez des enfants de très faible poids de naissance, de diminuer l'excrétion urinaire du 8-OHdG [36], et celle du radical OH chez des nouveau-nés prématurés d'AG de 35-36 semaines, indiquant soit qu'une faible quantité de ce radical avait été formée ou que ces enfants étaient dotés d'un système de défense antioxydant plus efficace grâce à l'allaitement maternel [37]. Par ailleurs, les enfants nourris au lait maternel auraient des concentrations en lutéine plus élevées que ceux consommant une formule infantile artificielle, même enrichie en lutéine.…”

Effect of Vitamin C and E Supplementation on Total Antioxidant Content of Human Breastmilk and Infant Urine

“…Enzymatic antioxidant ingredients, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and nonenzymatic ingredients, such as vitamins E and C, retinol, b-carotene, lactoferrin, and glutathione, present in human breastmilk play a protective role against reactive oxygen species. 2,7,8 It appears that the antioxidant content of breastmilk is affected by maternal antioxidant status and can influence the antioxidant status of breastfed infants. 9 The present study evaluated the effect of consumption of vitamin C and E supplements by the mother on the antioxidant content of breastmilk and evidence of antioxidant activity in the urine of breastfed infants.…”

“…[4][5][6] Human breastmilk contains defense mechanisms that can suppress oxidative stress. 7 The antioxidant capacity of human milk derives from numerous bioactive components having varying capacities for antioxidant activity. Enzymatic antioxidant ingredients, such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase, and nonenzymatic ingredients, such as vitamins E and C, retinol, b-carotene, lactoferrin, and glutathione, present in human breastmilk play a protective role against reactive oxygen species.…”