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ELR+ CXC chemokines in human milk
Akhil Maheshwari1, Robert D Christensen, Darlene A Calhoun
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Florida College of Medicine and All Children's Hospital, Saint Petersburg, FL, USA. amaheshw@hsc.usf.edu
Cytokine
|October 29, 2003
Summary
All seven ELR(+) CXC chemokines are present in human milk, secreted by mammary epithelial cells. Their concentrations vary with lactation stage and may support infant gut development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
- Human Biology
Background:
- ELR(+) CXC chemokines mediate acute inflammation.
- Interleukin-8/CXCL8 is found in human milk, potentially aiding infant intestinal maturation.
- Six other ELR(+) CXC chemokines share similar functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure concentrations of seven ELR(+) CXC chemokines in human milk.
- To identify the presence of these chemokines in mammary tissue.
- To confirm their expression in cultured human mammary epithelial cells.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of seven ELR(+) CXC chemokines in human milk samples.
- Immunohistochemistry to detect chemokines in human mammary tissue.
- Culture of human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) to assess chemokine secretion.
Main Results:
- All seven ELR(+) CXC chemokines were detected in human milk at concentrations higher than serum (except NAP-2/CXCL7).
- Concentrations were higher in colostrum and decreased over time postpartum; some were elevated in preterm milk.
- Mammary epithelial cells showed intense immunoreactivity for all chemokines, particularly during lactation.
Conclusions:
- Mammary epithelial cells actively secrete all seven ELR(+) CXC chemokines into human milk.
- These chemokines are present in significant amounts, suggesting a role beyond inflammation.
- Further research is needed to explore their protective effects on infant intestinal cells.