TGF-β Concentration in Breast Milk is Associated With the Development of Eczema in Infants

Abstract

Background: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in breast milk is crucial for mucosal immune system in the neonatal period. We hypothesized that the level of exposure to TGF-β from breast milk in the first month of life is related to the development of eczema later in life. Thus, the present study investigated whether changes in TGF-β levels between colostrum and mature milk are associated with such occurrence in a birth cohort study.Methods: Colostrum and 1-month breast milk samples were collected from mothers who participated in our birth cohort study. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 levels in breast milk were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. The development of eczema in the first 6 months after birth was assessed based on parent's response to a questionnaire. Levels of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were compared in breast milk from mothers of infants with and without eczema.Results: In children with eczema, TGF-β1 levels were higher in colostrum, but lower in 1-month milk. A lower TGF-β1 ratio (1-month milk/colostrum) was related to the development of eczema during the first 6 months of life. There was no difference in TGF-β2 ratio (1-month milk/colostrum) between eczema group and control group.Conclusions: Concentration of TGF-β1 but not TGF-β2 in breast milk during the first month after birth may be associated with eczema later in life. Factors that increase TGF-β1 levels in breast milk may play a role in preventing allergic disease.

Novel approach to visualize the inter-dependencies between maternal sensitization, breast milk immune components and human milk oligosaccharides in the LIFE Child cohort

“…Our data draw the attention on the inter-dependency between IgE in the mother plasma and the immune marker TGF-β2 and indirectly with IgA and TGF-ß1 in the breast milk. This finding partially validates our model as it identified a cluster of interactions (IgA, TGF-ß1, and TFG-ß2) that was already suggested in other studies [9][10][11]. Yet most studies, have looked at the influence of breast milk on the offspring allergy rather than the influence maternal sensitization could have on breast milk composition.…”

“…Currently, the literature has yet to reach a consensus on whether any breast milk component or a specific profile for breast milk composition is associated with allergy risk, allergic sensitization, or allergic disease in the infant [7,8]. Numerous studies have associated breast milk levels of transforming growth factors (TGF) such as TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2 and/or levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) A with allergy in infants or mothers [9][10][11], yet a recent review suggests that the data were not robust enough to reach a conclusion on TGF-ß1 and 2 [12]. Similarly, breast milk fatty acids such as polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) levels or ratio have been found inversely associated with allergy risk in the infants while others did not found any association [13].…”

Does Caesarean Section or Preterm Delivery Influence TGF-β2 Concentrations in Human Colostrum?

“…Human colostrum contains an immune system that compensates for the developmental delays in the infant's immune system. The cytokine has the propensity to promote an immunological pathway that promotes the development of atopic dermatitis [24] and autoimmunity in later life [25]. TGF-β is highly regulated due to its important function in the body.…”

A Nationwide Antenatal Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type-1 Antibody Screening in Japan

“…It has been proposed that an infant can ingest a total of 10 8 HTLV-1 infected cells before weaning (Yamanouchi et al, 1985). In contrast, substances contained in breastmilk such as tumor growth factor-β and lactoferrin, which are rich in colostrum (Albenzio et al, 2016;Morita et al, 2018), and prostagrandin E 2 have a promoting effect on HTLV-I replication Moriuchi, 2001, 2002;). If STBF could be effective to prevent postnatal MTCT, the antibodies transferred to the fetus in utero may overcome the enhanced viral replication during the first few months of life.…”