Trefoil factors in human milk.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neonatology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Trefoil factors (TFF) are gastrointestinal protective peptides.
• Human milk composition is crucial for infant development, particularly for preterm infants.
• The presence and role of TFF in human milk are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure concentrations of TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3 in human milk from mothers of term and preterm infants.
• To analyze the changes in TFF concentrations during the postpartum period.
• To explore the potential clinical significance of TFF in human milk.

Main Methods:

• Human milk samples were collected from 46 mothers at various postpartum time points (weeks 1, 2, 3-4, >4).
• In-house ELISA was used to quantify concentrations of TFF1, TFF2, and TFF3.
• Infant gestational ages ranged from extremely preterm (24-27 wk) to full term (38-42 wk).

Main Results:

• TFF3 and TFF1 were detected in high and moderate amounts, respectively, while TFF2 was virtually absent.
• TFF1 and TFF3 concentrations were highest in the first week postpartum and declined significantly by week 2 and beyond.
• Median TFF1 concentrations ranged from 320 pmol/L in week 1 to 60 pmol/L after 4 weeks.
• Median TFF3 concentrations ranged from 1500 pmol/L in week 1 to 80 pmol/L after 4 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Trefoil factors (TFF) are present in both term and preterm human milk.
• TFF concentrations decrease rapidly during the initial weeks postpartum.
• The clinical significance of TFF in human milk for fetal gut development and protection against necrotizing enterocolitis requires further investigation.