Frontiers in Pediatrics (Jun 2018)

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

  • Yoshinori Morita,
  • Eduardo Campos-Alberto,
  • Fumiya Yamaide,
  • Taiji Nakano,
  • Hidenori Ohnisi,
  • Minako Kawamoto,
  • Norio Kawamoto,
  • Eiko Matsui,
  • Naomi Kondo,
  • Yoichi Kohno,
  • Naoki Shimojo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2018.00162
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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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.

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