Variation and Interdependencies of Human Milk Macronutrients, Fatty Acids, Adiponectin, Insulin, and IGF-II in the European PreventCD Cohort

Human milk composition is variable. The identification of influencing factors and interdependencies of components may help to understand the physiology of lactation. In this study, we analyzed linear trends in human milk composition over time, the variation across different European countries and the influence of maternal celiac disease. Within a multicenter European study exploring potential prevention of celiac disease in a high-risk population (PreventCD), 569 human milk samples were donated by women from five European countries between 16 and 163 days postpartum. Some 202 mothers provided two samples at different time points. Protein, carbohydrates, fat and fatty acids, insulin, adiponectin, and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) were analyzed. Milk protein and n-6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased during the first three months of lactation. Fatty acid composition was significantly influenced by the country of residence. IGF-II and adiponectin concentrations correlated with protein content (r = 0.24 and r = 0.35), and IGF-II also correlated with fat content (r = 0.36), suggesting a possible regulatory role of IGF in milk macronutrient synthesis. Regarding the impact of celiac disease, only the level in palmitic acid was influenced by this disease, suggesting that breastfeeding by celiac disease mothers should not be discouraged.

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Dietary Patterns of Breastfeeding Mothers and Human Milk Composition: Data from the Italian MEDIDIET Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051722 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1722

Author(s):

Francesca Bravi ◽

Matteo Di Maso ◽

Simone R. B. M. Eussen ◽

Carlo Agostoni ◽

Guglielmo Salvatori ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Human Milk ◽

Dietary Patterns ◽

Maternal Nutrition ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Maternal Diet ◽

Principal Component ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Principal Component Factor Analysis

(1) Background: Several studies have reported associations between maternal diet in terms of single foods or nutrients and human milk compounds, while the overall role of maternal diet and related dietary patterns has rarely been investigated. (2) Methods: Between 2012 and 2014, we enrolled 300 healthy Italian mothers, who exclusively breastfed their infant. During a hospital visit at 6 weeks postpartum, a sample of freshly expressed foremilk was collected and information on maternal dietary habits in the postpartum period was obtained through an interviewer-administered food frequency questionnaire. We applied principal component factor analysis to selected nutrients in order to identify maternal dietary patterns, and assessed correlations in human milk macronutrients and fatty acids across levels of dietary patterns. (3) Results: Five dietary patterns were identified, named “Vitamins, minerals and fibre”, “Proteins and fatty acids with legs”, “Fatty acids with fins”, “Fatty acids with leaves”, “Starch and vegetable proteins”. These dietary patterns were correlated with some milk components, namely fatty acids, and in particular ω-3 and its subcomponents. (4) Conclusions: This study showed that overall maternal dietary habits during breastfeeding may influence human milk composition, suggesting the importance of adequate maternal nutrition during lactation not only for the mother herself but also to provide the infant with milk containing adequate amount and quality of nutrients for a balanced nutrition.

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The Effect of Fusarium verticillioides Fumonisins on Fatty Acids, Sphingolipids, and Oxylipins in Maize Germlings

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22052435 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (5) ◽

pp. 2435

Author(s):

Marzia Beccaccioli ◽

Manuel Salustri ◽

Valeria Scala ◽

Matteo Ludovici ◽

Andrea Cacciotti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Fusarium Verticillioides ◽

Fungal Growth ◽

Defense Responses ◽

Ceramide Synthase ◽

Ear Rot ◽

In Planta ◽

Disease Symptoms ◽

The Impact

Fusarium verticillioides causes multiple diseases of Zea mays (maize) including ear and seedling rots, contaminates seeds and seed products worldwide with toxic chemicals called fumonisins. The role of fumonisins in disease is unclear because, although they are not required for ear rot, they are required for seedling diseases. Disease symptoms may be due to the ability of fumonisins to inhibit ceramide synthase activity, the expected cause of lipids (fatty acids, oxylipins, and sphingolipids) alteration in infected plants. In this study, we explored the impact of fumonisins on fatty acid, oxylipin, and sphingolipid levels in planta and how these changes affect F. verticillioides growth in maize. The identity and levels of principal fatty acids, oxylipins, and over 50 sphingolipids were evaluated by chromatography followed by mass spectrometry in maize infected with an F. verticillioides fumonisin-producing wild-type strain and a fumonisin-deficient mutant, after different periods of growth. Plant hormones associated with defense responses, i.e., salicylic and jasmonic acid, were also evaluated. We suggest that fumonisins produced by F. verticillioides alter maize lipid metabolism, which help switch fungal growth from a relatively harmless endophyte to a destructive necrotroph.

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Human Milk Composition and Dietary Intakes of Breastfeeding Women of Different Ethnicity from the Manawatu-Wanganui Region of New Zealand

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10091231 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1231 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

Author(s):

Christine Butts ◽

Duncan Hedderley ◽

Thanuja Herath ◽

Gunaranjan Paturi ◽

Sarah Glyn-Jones ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

New Zealand ◽

Breast Milk ◽

Human Milk ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Pacific Island ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Food Diary ◽

Milk Samples

Human milk is nutrient rich, complex in its composition, and is key to a baby’s health through its role in nutrition, gastrointestinal tract and immune development. Seventy-eight mothers (19–42 years of age) of Asian, Māori, Pacific Island, or of European ethnicity living in Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand (NZ) completed the study. The women provided three breast milk samples over a one-week period (6–8 weeks postpartum), completed a three-day food diary and provided information regarding their pregnancy and lactation experiences. The breast milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, fatty acid profile, ash, selected minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc), and carbohydrates. Breast milk nutrient profiles showed no significant differences between the mothers of different ethnicities in their macronutrient (protein, fat, carbohydrate, and moisture) content. The breast milk of Asian mothers contained significantly higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and linoleic acids. Arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the breast milk of Māori and Pacific Island women. Dietary intakes of protein, total energy, saturated and polyunsaturated fat, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iodine, vitamin A equivalents, and folate differed between the ethnic groups, as well as the number of serves of dairy foods, chicken, and legumes. No strong correlations between dietary nutrients and breast milk components were found.

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The Role of Micronutrients in Support of the Immune Response against Viral Infections

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103198 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3198 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Francesco Pecora ◽

Federica Persico ◽

Alberto Argentiero ◽

Cosimo Neglia ◽

Susanna Esposito

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Viral Infections ◽

Omega 3 Fatty Acids ◽

Omega 3 ◽

Optimal Function ◽

The Impact

Viral infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the importance of public health practices including handwashing and vaccinations in reducing their spread is well established. Furthermore, it is well known that proper nutrition can help support optimal immune function, reducing the impact of infections. Several vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting the cells of the immune system, thus increasing the resistance to infections. Other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, help sustain optimal function of the immune system. The main aim of this manuscript is to discuss of the potential role of micronutrients supplementation in supporting immunity, particularly against respiratory virus infections. Literature analysis showed that in vitro and observational studies, and clinical trials, highlight the important role of vitamins A, C, and D, omega-3 fatty acids, and zinc in modulating the immune response. Supplementation with vitamins, omega 3 fatty acids and zinc appears to be a safe and low-cost way to support optimal function of the immune system, with the potential to reduce the risk and consequences of infection, including viral respiratory infections. Supplementation should be in addition to a healthy diet and fall within recommended upper safety limits set by scientific expert bodies. Therefore, implementing an optimal nutrition, with micronutrients and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation, might be a cost-effective, underestimated strategy to help reduce the burden of infectious diseases worldwide, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

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FINANCIAL PROVISION OF THE PENSION SYSTEM IN THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND UKRAINE UNDER GLOBALIZATION

Science and Studies of Accounting and Finance Problems and Perspectives ◽

10.15544/ssaf.2012.10 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 73-80

Author(s):

Tetiana Ivashchenko

Keyword(s):

Pension System ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Financial Economic ◽

European Countries ◽

Pension Insurance ◽

Pension Systems ◽

The Social ◽

System Functioning ◽

The Impact

The most contradictions arise today over the pension system reforming. Each year the states spent significant resources to finance social and economic needs of the population. The positive effect of the nominal growth of the social and economic guarantees in Ukraine leveled nowadays in terms of financial, economic and political instability. Also the processes of depopulation have a very negative impact on the financial viability of the PAYG pension system. Given this, the research aim was to study and discuss tendencies in financial provision of the pension systems in the European countries and Ukraine under globalization. As a result in the process of research the main features of functioning and providing of the pension insurance systems in European countries and Ukraine were examined; the impact of the depopulation processes on the financial provision of the pension systems was determined; problems, related to introduction of the funded system of pension insurance were analyzed; the role of the minimum pension institute in provision of the effective pension system functioning was disclosed and recommendations in relation to optimization of pension insurance and providing сo-operation under globalization were developed.

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Mitochondrial-Targeted Antioxidant MitoQ Prevents E. coli Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Accumulation of Triacylglycerol and Lipid Droplets Biogenesis in Epithelial Cells

Journal of Lipids ◽

10.1155/2018/5745790 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Ekaterina Fock ◽

Vera Bachteeva ◽

Elena Lavrova ◽

Rimma Parnova

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Epithelial Cells ◽

Lipid Droplets ◽

Cellular Respiration ◽

Mitochondrial Activity ◽

Energy Regulation ◽

Metabolic Shift ◽

Functional Connections ◽

The Impact

The effect of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on eukaryotic cell could be accompanied by a significant metabolic shift that includes accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in lipid droplets (LD), ubiquitous organelles associated with fatty acid storage, energy regulation and demonstrated tight spatial and functional connections with mitochondria. The impairment of mitochondrial activity under pathological stimuli has been shown to provoke TAG storage and LD biogenesis. However the potential mechanisms that link mitochondrial disturbances and TAG accumulation are not completely understood. We hypothesize that mitochondrial ROS (mROS) may play a role of a trigger leading to subsequent accumulation of intracellular TAG and LD in response to a bacterial stimulus. Using isolated epithelial cells from the frog urinary bladder, we showed that LPS decreased fatty acids oxidation, enhanced TAG deposition, and promoted LD formation. LPS treatment did not affect the mitochondrial membrane potential but increased cellular ROS production and led to impairment of mitochondrial function as revealed by decreased ATP production and a reduced maximal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and OCR directed at ATP turnover. The mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant MitoQ at a dose of 25 nM did not prevent LPS-induced alterations in cellular respiration, but, in contrast to nonmitochondrial antioxidant α-tocopherol, reduced the effect of LPS on the generation of ROS, restored the LPS-induced decline of fatty acids oxidation, and prevented accumulation of TAG and LD biogenesis. The data obtained indicate the key signaling role of mROS in the lipid metabolic shift that occurs under the impact of a bacterial pathogen in epithelial cells.

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New strategies for profiling and characterization of human milk oligosaccharides

Glycobiology ◽

10.1093/glycob/cwaa028 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (10) ◽

pp. 774-786 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sara Porfirio ◽

Stephanie Archer-Hartmann ◽

G Brett Moreau ◽

Girija Ramakrishnan ◽

Rashidul Haque ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Human Milk ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Human Breast Milk ◽

Human Milk Oligosaccharides ◽

Bacterial Strains ◽

Milk Oligosaccharides ◽

Vast Number ◽

The Impact

Abstract Human breast milk is an incredibly rich and complex biofluid composed of proteins, lipids and complex carbohydrates, including a diverse repertoire of free human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Strikingly, HMOs are not digested by the infant but function as prebiotics for bacterial strains associated with numerous benefits. Considering the broad variety of beneficial effects of HMOs, and the vast number of factors that affect breast milk composition, the analysis of HMO diversity and complexity is of utmost relevance. Using human milk samples from a cohort of Bangladeshi mothers participating in a study on malnutrition and stunting in children, we have characterized breast milk oligosaccharide composition by means of permethylation followed by liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. This approach identified over 100 different glycoforms and showed a wide diversity of milk composition, with a predominance of fucosylated and sialylated HMOs over nonmodified HMOs. We observed that these samples contain on average 80 HMOs, with the highest permethylated masses detected being >5000 mass units. Here we report an easily implemented method developed for the separation, characterization and relative quantitation of large arrays of HMOs, including higher molecular weight sialylated HMOs. Our ultimate goal is to create a simple, high-throughput method, which can be used for full characterization of sialylated and/or fucosylated HMOs. These results demonstrate how current analytical techniques can be applied to characterize human milk composition, providing new tools to help the scientific community shed new light on the impact of HMOs during infant development.

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Human milk composition differs in healthy mothers and mothers with celiac disease

European Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1007/s00394-014-0692-1 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 54 (1) ◽

pp. 119-128 ◽

Cited By ~ 54

Author(s):

Marta Olivares ◽

Simone Albrecht ◽

Giada De Palma ◽

María Desamparados Ferrer ◽

Gemma Castillejo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

Human Milk ◽

Milk Composition

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Effect of unrefined crude glycerol composition on the properties of polyurethane foams

Journal of Cellular Plastics ◽

10.1177/0021955x17732304 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 54 (3) ◽

pp. 633-649 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Nuno V Gama ◽

Belinda Soares ◽

Carmen SR Freire ◽

Rui Silva ◽

Artur Ferreira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Crude Glycerol ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Methyl Esters ◽

Thermomechanical Properties ◽

Polyurethane Foams ◽

Raw Material ◽

Two Samples ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

The Impact

The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of using unrefined crude glycerol (CG), a byproduct of the biodiesel industry, in the production of polyurethane foams. In order to assess the suitability of this raw material for the production of polyurethane foams, two samples of crude glycerol with different compositions in glycerol, fatty acids, and methyl esters were used directly, without any pretreatment or purification. Additionally, one of these samples was also submitted to a pre-treatment step in order to evaluate the advantage of purifying the raw material and, for comparison, pure glycerol was also used to prepare polyurethane foams. Both chemical and structural characterizations of the produced foams, as well as the thermomechanical properties determined, showed that unrefined crude glycerol is a suitable ecopolyol for the production of polyurethane foams. Although the presence of fatty acids and esters affects their mechanical performance, this issue can be explored to tune the properties of the ensuing polyurethane foams. Furthermore, the evaluation of the impact of using unrefined CG on the sustainability of polyurethane foams production yielded promising results.

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