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Anti-complement activities of human breast-milk
1Department of Immunology, Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany. mogundel@yahoo.com
Summary
Human milk components inhibit serum complement activity, offering anti-inflammatory protection. This effect is stronger in mature milk and highest in colostrum, crucial for infant gut health.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human milk composition
- Complement system
Background:
- Human milk is known for anti-inflammatory and pathogen-protective properties.
- The extent of human milk's anti-inflammatory activity, specifically its effect on the complement system, is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the inhibitory effects of various human milk fractions on serum complement activity.
- To quantify the anti-inflammatory potential of human milk components.
Main Methods:
- Human milk samples (colostrum, transitional, mature) from lactating donors were analyzed.
- Modified CH50 assays and hemolytic assays were used to measure complement inhibition.
- Complement activity inherent to human milk was assessed via C3 fragment deposition on bacteria.
Main Results:
- Whole and defatted human milk samples demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of serum complement activity.
- Inhibition was more pronounced in mature milk than transitional milk.
- Inherent complement activity was highest in colostrum and decreased with lactation progression.
Conclusions:
- Human milk contains natural inhibitors of complement activation, primarily in its fluid phase.
- These inhibitors likely prevent inflammatory tissue damage in the infant's gastrointestinal tract and mammary gland.