Upregulation of the endogenous peptide antisecretory factor enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation and promotes learning in wistar rats

Antisecretory factor in breastmilk is associated with reduced incidence of sepsis in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Antisecretory Factor (AF) is a protein present in breastmilk that regulates inflammatory processes. We aimed to investigate the level of AF in mothers' own milk (MOM) in relation to sepsis and other neonatal morbidities in preterm infants.

METHODS

Samples of breastmilk and infant plasma were collected at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after birth from 38 mothers and their 49 infants born before 30 weeks gestation. AF-compleasome in MOM was determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inflammatory markers in infant plasma by a panel of 92 inflammatory proteins. Neonatal treatments and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

The level of AF in MOM week 1 was lower for infants with later sepsis compared to no sepsis (p = 0.005). Corrected for nutritional intake of MOM, higher levels of AF decreased the risk for sepsis, OR 0.24. AF in MOM week 1 was negatively correlated to inflammatory proteins in infant plasma week 4, markedly IL-8, which was also associated with infant sepsis. Overall, higher AF levels in MOM was associated with fewer major morbidities of prematurity.

CONCLUSION

Mother's milk containing high levels of antisecretory factor is associated with reduced risk for sepsis and inflammation in preterm infants.

IMPACT

High level of antisecretory factor (AF) in mothers' own milk is associated with less risk for later sepsis in preterm infants. Receiving mothers' milk with low AF levels during the first week after birth is correlated with more inflammatory proteins in infant's plasma 2-4 weeks later. Human breastmilk has anti-inflammatory properties, and antisecretory factor in mothers' own milk is a component of potential importance for infants born preterm. The findings suggest that food supplementation with AF to mothers of preterm infants to increase AF-levels in breastmilk may be a means to decrease the risk of inflammatory morbidities of prematurity.

Anserine/Carnosine-Rich Extract from Thai Native Chicken Suppresses Melanogenesis via Activation of ERK Signaling Pathway

Skin hyperpigmentation is an aesthetic problem that leads to psychosocial issues. Thus, skin whitening agents from agro- and poultry-industrial co-products are considered high economic value ingredients of interest for sustainable application. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the cosmeceutical potential of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract (ACCE) from the Thai native chicken Pradu Hang Dam Mor Kor 55 (PD) meat. The chemical composition was identified and quantified using the HPLC-UV method. Then, the antioxidation potential of the extract was compared to that of L-anserine and L-carnosine, using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and shikonin-induced production of reactive oxygen species in CCD-986Sk cell models, and the anti-melanogenesis effect in the MNT-1 melanoma cell line model was investigated. Furthermore, related mechanisms were identified using colorimetric tyrosinase assay and the Western blot technique. The ACCE was composed of L-anserine and L-carnosine as two major constituents. In a dose-dependent manner, ACCE, L-anserine, and L-carnosine manifested significant antioxidation potential and significant reduction of melanin production. Activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and inhibition of tyrosinase activity of ACCE were demonstrated as the mechanisms of the anti-melanogenesis effect. In conclusion, ACCE has been revealed as a potential cosmeceutical agent due to its antioxidation and anti-melanogenic activity in association with L-anserine and L-carnosine composition and biomolecular regulating ability. Therefore, further studies and development should be considered to support the utilization of anserine/carnosine-rich chicken extract in the cosmetic industry for economic value creation and sustainability.