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gamma-Glutamyltransferase in breast milk
1MRC Reproduction and Growth Unit, Princess Mary Maternity Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 3BD.
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|March 1, 1975
Summary
Human breast milk contains significant gamma-glutamyltransferase activity, which decreases substantially in the first week postpartum. This enzyme
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Human Lactation Studies
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is an enzyme present in various biological fluids.
- Human breast milk composition changes dynamically during early lactation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in early human breast milk.
- To investigate the changes in GGT levels during the first week postpartum.
- To explore the relationship between GGT activity and breast milk protein content.
Main Methods:
- Collection of human breast milk samples during the first week after birth.
- Assay of gamma-glutamyltransferase activity in all collected samples.
- Statistical analysis to determine trends and correlations.
Main Results:
- All analyzed breast milk samples exhibited considerable gamma-glutamyltransferase activity.
- Mean GGT levels decreased significantly from 28.8 U/ml to 3.9 U/ml within seven days.
- A highly significant positive correlation was observed between GGT activity and breast milk protein content.
Conclusions:
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase is a prominent component of early human breast milk.
- GGT activity undergoes a rapid decline in the initial postpartum week.
- The findings suggest a potential link between GGT and protein metabolism in human milk.
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