Colostrum immunoglobulins and oxidative capacity may be affected by infant sex and maternal age and parity

Infant respiratory infections modulate lymphocyte homing to breast milk

Introduction

Chemokines and their receptors are essential for leukocyte migration to several tissues, including human milk. Here, we evaluated the homing of T and B lymphocyte subsets to breast milk in response to ongoing respiratory infections in the nursing infant.

Methods

Blood and mature milk were collected from healthy mothers of nurslings with respiratory infections (Group I) and from healthy mothers of healthy nurslings (Group C). Total lymphocyte, T and B cells, their subset numbers, and the expression of the homing receptors CCR5, CCR6, CCR10, and CXCR3 in these cells were evaluated in milk. Maternal serum and milk chemokine, cytokine, and IgA and IgG antibody levels were also quantified.

Results

All milk lymphocyte numbers were greater in Group I than in Group C. All CD4 T-cell subsets expressing CCR5, CCR6, and CXCR3 were higher in Group I. Within the CD8 T-cell subsets, only CCR6 and CXCR3 were higher in Group I, while CCR5 expression was higher in Group I exclusively for activated CD8 T cells. Group I showed greater numbers of all CCR6+ B-cell subsets and CXCR3+ naive B cells and plasma cells than did Group C. Infection of the nurslings promoted increased CCL20, CXCL10, IL-6, IL-8, total IgA, and IgG levels in the milk.

Conclusion

Respiratory infections in nursing infants stimulate an increase in cytokines and chemokines in breast milk, facilitating the recruitment and activation of lymphocytes. This process may promote immunological tolerance and help in the maturation of the infant's immune system, providing an additional strategy for passive maternal-infant protection.

Breastfeeding Measurement - Teleological Considerations: Human Milk Collection for Research

We discuss the evolution and composition of breast milk and briefly describe how mammalian evolution resulted in lactation, which played a crucial role in infant growth and development. We focus on three teleological factors that significantly contribute to breast milk composition: (1) biological sex at birth, (2) gestational age, and (3) circadian rhythms. We also explain how these factors lead to variability in human milk composition. We emphasize the importance of standardizing the definitions of "preterm" and "term" to accurately study the effects of gestational age on milk composition. Finally, we discuss the role of the circadian clock in regulating lactation and the impact of breast milk on fetal and infant sleep. Investigators may integrate these critical factors when designing a research study that involves the collection of breast milk samples. Teleological factors greatly influence milk composition, and these factors may be considered when designing a study that requires breast milk. We provide both the rationale and application of solutions to address these factors.

The Breast Milk Immunoglobulinome

Breast milk components contribute to the infant’s immune development and protection, and among other immune factors, immunoglobulins (Igs) are the most studied. The presence of IgA in milk has been known for a long time; however, less information is available about the presence of other Igs such as IgM, IgG, and their subtypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4) or even IgE or IgD. The total Ig concentration and profile will change during the course of lactation; however, there is a great variability among studies due to several variables that limit establishing a clear pattern. In this context, the aim of this review was firstly to shed light on the Ig concentration in breast milk based on scientific evidence and secondly to study the main factors contributing to such variability. A search strategy provided only 75 studies with the prespecified eligibility criteria. The concentrations and proportions found have been established based on the intrinsic factors of the study—such as the sampling time and quantification technique—as well as participant-dependent factors, such as lifestyle and environment. All these factors contribute to the variability of the immunoglobulinome described in the literature and should be carefully addressed for further well-designed studies and data interpretation.