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Changes in the mannan binding lectin (MBL) concentration in human milk during lactation
Virginie Trégoat1, Paul Montagne, Marie-Christine Béné
1Groupe de Recherche en Immuno Pathologie, Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France.
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis
|November 9, 2002
Summary
Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is present in human milk, with levels decreasing significantly from colostrum to mature milk. This innate immune molecule likely protects newborns by preventing pathogen colonization in the gut.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human milk composition
- Neonatal immunity
Background:
- Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system via the lectin pathway.
- MBL recognition targets microbial surface saccharides.
- MBL is typically quantified in human serum using ELISA or microparticle immunonephelometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify MBL levels in human milk samples.
- To investigate MBL concentration changes during lactation stages.
Main Methods:
- Microparticle immunonephelometric assay used for MBL quantification.
- Analysis of 76 human milk samples, including colostrum, transitional, and mature milk.
- Skim-milk samples were diluted 20-fold with a calibration range of 0.07–4.82 mg/L.
Main Results:
- MBL is present in human milk.
- MBL concentration significantly decreases from colostrum (0.55±0.09 mg/L) to transitional (0.18±0.02 mg/L) and mature milk (0.17±0.02 mg/L).
Conclusions:
- MBL in human milk may contribute to the innate defense of the mammary gland and neonate.
- High early lactation MBL levels suggest a role in limiting neonatal gut pathogen colonization.