The human milk microbiome changes over lactation and is shaped by maternal weight and mode of delivery

Herein, we report the abundance and prevalence of HMO-metabolizing genes, specifically those of Bifidobacterium infantis, in fecal samples from human infants. Forty dyads were enrolled, and each mother collected a fecal sample from her infant at six months of age. Genomic DNA was extracted, and quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine gene abundance. The mode of delivery was not associated with gene abundance. Several gene regions, Sia (a sialidase), B. inf (16S), and GH750 (a glycoside hydrolase), were more abundant in the feces of human milk-fed infants (p < 0.05). Others, Sia and HC bin (16S), tended to be less abundant when a larger percentage of an infant’s diet consisted of solids (p < 0.10). When accounting for solid food intake, human milk exposure was positively associated with Sia and B. inf (p < 0.05) and tended to be related to the abundance of the GH750 and HC bin (p < 0.10) gene regions. With further development and validation in additional populations of infants, these assays could be used to group samples by dietary exposure even where no record of dietary intake exists. Thus, these assays would provide a method by which infant human milk intake can be assessed quickly in any well-equipped molecular biology laboratory.

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Longitudinal Changes in the Concentration of Major Human Milk Proteins in the First Six Months of Lactation and Their Effects on Infant Growth

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1476

Author(s):

Jian Zhang ◽

Ai Zhao ◽

Shiyun Lai ◽

Qingbin Yuan ◽

Xiaojiang Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Milk Proteins ◽

Protein Composition ◽

Infant Growth ◽

Term Infants ◽

Longitudinal Changes ◽

Milk Samples ◽

The Impact

Our knowledge related to human milk proteins is still limited. The present study determined the changes in multiple human milk proteins during the first six months of lactation, investigated the influencing factors of milk proteins, and explored the impact of milk proteins on infant growth. A total of 105 lactating women and their full-term infants from China were prospectively surveyed in this research. Milk samples were collected at 1–5 days, 8–14 days, 1 month, and 6 months postpartum. Concentrations of total protein and α-lactalbumin were measured in all milk samples, and concentrations of lactoferrin, osteopontin, total casein, β-casein, αs−1 casein, and κ-casein were measured in milk from 51 individuals using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The concentration of measured proteins in the milk decreased during the first six months of postpartum (p-trend < 0.001). Maternal age, mode of delivery, maternal education, and income impacted the longitudinal changes in milk proteins (p-interaction < 0.05). Concentrations of αs−1 casein in milk were inversely associated with the weight-for-age Z-scores of the infants (1 m: r −0.29, p 0.038; 6 m: r −0.33, p 0.020). In conclusion, the concentration of proteins in milk decreased over the first six months postpartum, potentially influenced by maternal demographic and delivery factors. Milk protein composition may influence infant weights.

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Melatonin Content of Human Milk: The Effect of Mode of Delivery

Breastfeeding Medicine ◽

10.1089/bfm.2020.0157 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 589-594

Author(s):

Sonia Aparici-Gonzalo ◽

Álvaro Carrasco-García ◽

Marie Gombert ◽

Joaquín Carrasco-Luna ◽

Gonzalo Pin-Arboledas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Mode Of Delivery

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The levels of human milk microRNAs and their association with maternal weight characteristics

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition ◽

10.1038/ejcn.2015.168 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 70 (4) ◽

pp. 445-449 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Y Xi ◽

X Jiang ◽

R Li ◽

M Chen ◽

W Song ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Maternal Weight

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The Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides and Probiotics on the Neonatal Microbiome and Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12103052 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (10) ◽

pp. 3052

Author(s):

Lila S. Nolan ◽

Jamie M. Rimer ◽

Misty Good

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Necrotizing Enterocolitis ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Intestinal Barrier ◽

Vulnerable Population ◽

Human Milk Oligosaccharides ◽

Milk Oligosaccharides ◽

Intestinal Homeostasis

Preterm infants are a vulnerable population at risk of intestinal dysbiosis. The newborn microbiome is dominated by Bifidobacterium species, though abnormal microbial colonization can occur by exogenous factors such as mode of delivery, formula feeding, and exposure to antibiotics. Therefore, preterm infants are predisposed to sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a fatal gastrointestinal disorder, due to an impaired intestinal barrier, immature immunity, and a dysbiotic gut microbiome. Properties of human milk serve as protection in the prevention of NEC. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the microbiome of breast milk are immunomodulatory components that provide intestinal homeostasis through regulation of the microbiome and protection of the intestinal barrier. Enteral probiotic supplements have been trialed to evaluate their impact on establishing intestinal homeostasis. Here, we review the protective role of HMOs, probiotics, and synbiotic combinations in protecting a vulnerable population from the pathogenic features associated with necrotizing enterocolitis.

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Maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum

International Journal of Reproduction Contraception Obstetrics and Gynecology ◽

10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20190854 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 901

Author(s):

Sangeeta Parihar ◽

Swatantar Singh

Keyword(s):

Gestational Diabetes ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Apgar Score ◽

Gestational Hypertension ◽

Hyperemesis Gravidarum ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Multiple Pregnancy ◽

Nutritional Deficiencies ◽

P Value ◽

Maternal Weight

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is associated with maternal weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, which may lead to adverse fetal and maternal outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of hyperemesis gravidarum to maternal and foetal outcomes.Methods: A hospital-based prospective observational study was carried out. All patients with singleton pregnancy diagnosed as / history of hyperemesis gravidarum the current pregnancy was included in the study. The pregnant women with multiple pregnancy, molar pregnancy, presence of pre-gestational diabetes, pre-gestational hypertension, and other causes of nausea such as appendicitis and pyelonephritis were excluded from the study.Results: 36 pregnant women with prevalence rate of 3.28% have been found to be suffering from HG. Almost half (17, 47.22%) of the pregnant women with HG had age less than 25 years. The significant association (p-value: 0.0099) has been found between parity and smoking with HG. HG was significantly associated with low birth weight (p-value: 0.0133); small for gestational age (SGA) (p-value: 0.0316); APGAR score < 7 after 1 minute (p-value: 0.0060); and APGAR score <7 after 5 minutes (p-value: 0.0006). There is no association found between mode of delivery, gestational diabetes, and pregnancy-induced hypertension with HG.Conclusions: HG can adversely affect fetal as well as maternal, though not significant, pregnancy outcomes.

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The gut microbiome of extremely preterm infants randomized to the early progression of enteral feeding

Pediatric Research ◽

10.1038/s41390-021-01831-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ariel A. Salas ◽

Kent A. Willis ◽

Waldemar A. Carlo ◽

Nengjun Yi ◽

Li Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Microbial Diversity ◽

Preterm Infants ◽

Enteral Feeding ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Early Feeding ◽

Extremely Preterm ◽

Extremely Preterm Infants ◽

Early Progression

Abstract Background Early progression of feeding could influence the development of the gut microbiome. Methods We collected fecal samples from extremely preterm infants randomized to receive either early (feeding day 2) or delayed (feeding day 5) feeding progression. After study completion, we compared samples obtained at three different time points (week 1, week 2, and week 3) to determine longitudinal differences in specific taxa between the study groups using unadjusted and adjusted negative binomial and zero-inflated mixed models. Analyses were adjusted for a mode of delivery, breastmilk intake, and exposure to antibiotics. Results We analyzed 137 fecal samples from 51 infants. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, we did not observe an early transition to higher microbial diversity within samples (i.e., alpha diversity) or significant differences in microbial diversity between samples (i.e., beta diversity) in the early feeding group. Our longitudinal, single-taxon analysis found consistent differences in the genera Lactococcus, Veillonella, and Bilophila between groups. Conclusions Differences in single-taxon analyses independent of the mode of delivery, exposure to antibiotics, and breastmilk feeding suggest potential benefits of early progression of enteral feeding volumes. However, this dietary intervention does not appear to increase the diversity of the gut microbiome in the first 28 days after birth. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02915549. Impact Early progression of enteral feeding volumes with human milk reduces the duration of parenteral nutrition and the need for central venous access among extremely preterm infants. Early progression of enteral feeding leads to single-taxon differences in longitudinal analyses of the gut microbiome, but it does not appear to increase the diversity of the gut microbiome in the first 28 days after birth. Randomization in enteral feeding trials creates appealing opportunities to evaluate the effects of human milk diets on the gut microbiome.

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Maternal insecurity in breastfeeding women served at a human milk bank

Revista Brasileira de Saúde Materno Infantil ◽

10.1590/1806-93042021000100013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 251-259

Author(s):

Waleska Lima Alves Simas ◽

Jaiza Sousa Penha ◽

Liane Batista da Cruz Soares ◽

Poliana Pereira Costa Rabêlo ◽

Bruno Luciano Carneiro Alves de Oliveira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Care ◽

Human Milk ◽

Family Income ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

University Hospital ◽

P Value ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Lactating Women ◽

Milk Bank ◽

Human Milk Bank

Abstract Objectives: to verify the prevalence and factors associated with maternal insecurity in breastfeeding with lactating women treated at a milk bank. Methods: cross-sectional study with secondary record data from January 2017 to December 2018 at the Human Milk Bank of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão. Results: a total of 891 lactating women were analyzed, of which 23.4% had maternal insecurity, being the second most prevalent complication. Most were young adults, married (68%), with complete higher education (64.9%) and family income above five minimum wages (32.5%). Regarding the obstetric history, the highest frequency was ofprimigravida (63.7%o), primiparous (70%), who had had seven or more prenatal appointments (91 %) in private health services (76.5%) where most births also occurred (78.6%), with cesarean section being the most prevalent mode of delivery (86.5%), 47.2% reported never having received guidance on breastfeeding and 80.7% were breastfeeding for the first time. There was a statistically significant relationship (p-value < 0.05) of maternal insecurity with the place where the prenatal care was performed and the place and mode of delivery. Conclusion: maternal insecurity was the second most prevalent breast complication among lactating women in the service. It stands out the need for adequate guidance and counseling on the subject, especially during prenatal care, contributing to avoid early weaning

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Human Milk Casein and Whey Protein and Infant Body Composition over the First 12 Months of Lactation

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu10091332 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1332 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Zoya Gridneva ◽

Wan J. Tie ◽

Alethea Rea ◽

Ching Tat Lai ◽

Leigh C. Ward ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Composition ◽

Human Milk ◽

Whey Protein ◽

Fat Mass ◽

Total Protein ◽

Fat Free Mass ◽

Maternal Weight ◽

Fat Mass Index ◽

Milk Casein ◽

Daily Intakes

Human milk (HM) influences infant feeding patterns and body composition (BC). This small proof-of concept longitudinal study investigated relationships between infant/maternal BC and HM casein, whey and total protein during the first 12 months of lactation. BC of breastfeeding dyads (n = 20) was measured at 2 (n = 15), 5 (n = 20), 9 (n = 19), and/or 12 (n = 18) months postpartum with ultrasound skinfolds (infants) and bioimpedance spectroscopy (infants/mothers). Proteins concentrations and 24-h milk intake were measured and calculated daily intakes (CDI) determined. Higher maternal weight, body mass index, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, and fat mass index were associated with higher concentration of whey protein (p ≤ 0.034, n = 20). There were no associations between infant BC and concentrations of all proteins, and CDI of whey and total protein. Higher CDI of casein were associated with lower infant fat-free mass (p = 0.003, n = 18) and higher fat mass (p < 0.001), fat mass index (p = 0.001, n = 18), and % fat mass (p < 0.001, n = 18) measured with ultrasound skinfolds. These results show a differential effect of HM casein on development of infant BC during the first year of life, suggesting that there is a potential to improve outcome for the infant through interventions, such as continuation of breastfeeding during the first 12 months of life and beyond, which may facilitate favourable developmental programming that could reduce risk of non-communicable diseases later in life.

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Characterization of Stem Cells and Immune Cells in Preterm and Term Mother’s Milk

Journal of Human Lactation ◽

10.1177/0890334419838986 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 528-534 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Shujuan Li ◽

Lan Zhang ◽

Qi Zhou ◽

Siyuan Jiang ◽

Yi Yang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Human Milk ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Immune Cells ◽

Immune Cell ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Maternal Body Mass Index ◽

Hemopoietic Stem Cells ◽

Mature Milk ◽

Cellular Components

Background: Human milk is known to be rich in cellular components, including stem cells and immune cells. However, the dynamics of these cellular components at different lactation stages, and the differences between milk for preterm and term infants, are poorly understood. Research aim: To identify changes in the cellular components of human milk at different lactation stages, and to explore the associations of these changes with maternal and infant characteristics. Methods: Forty mothers of newborns of different gestational ages were enrolled. Colostrum, transitional, and mature milk samples were collected. Stem cell and immune cell molecule markers were detected using flow cytometry. Pluripotent genes (SOX2, NANOG, OCT4, and KLF4) were detected via quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Human milk contained some stem cells but more immune cells. The percentages of hemopoietic stem cells were significantly higher in mature milk than in colostrum, and the percentages of total immune cells were lower in mature milk than in colostrum. The percentages of hemopoietic stem cells in colostrum and transitional milk were influenced by gestational age. Some minor differences in the cell composition of human milk could be explained by maternal body mass index, the mode of delivery, and parity. Conclusion: Our results again confirmed that human milk contains stem cells. Additionally, the percentages of hemopoietic stem cells and major immune cells changed dynamically at different lactation stages and were associated with gestational age at delivery.

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