Italian Journal of Pediatrics (Jan 2013)

Human milk glycosaminoglycans: the state of the art and future perspectives

  • Coppa Giovanni Valentino,
  • Gabrielli Orazio,
  • Bertino Enrico,
  • Zampini Lucia,
  • Galeazzi Tiziana,
  • Padella Lucia,
  • Santoro Lucia,
  • Marchesiello Rita Lucia,
  • Galeotti Fabio,
  • Maccari Francesca,
  • Volpi Nicola

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1824-7288-39-2
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 39, no. 1
p. 2

Abstract

Read online

Abstract Recently, a complete characterization and detailed evaluation of the glycosaminoglycans of human milk were performed. The total glycosaminoglycans content in milk from healthy mothers having delivered term or preterm newborns showed a constant pattern which was essentially composed of two main polysaccharides: chondroitin sulfate (60-70%) and heparin (30-40%). Moreover, considerable variations of glycosaminoglycans concentration were found during the first month of lactation, the highest values being present in colostrum compared to mature milk. Metabolism and potential biological functions of human milk glycosaminoglycans are hypothesized and future studies are encouraged.