Characteristics and potential functions of human milk adiponectin

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Human Lactation Biology

Background:

• Adiponectin, a protein hormone from adipose tissue, regulates adiposity, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity.
• Adiponectin exists in various oligomeric forms, with high-molecular-weight forms exhibiting potent metabolic activities.
• Human milk contains adiponectin, predominantly in its active high-molecular-weight form.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence and potential role of adiponectin in human milk.
• To explore the transfer and metabolic impact of milk-derived adiponectin on breast-fed infants.
• To examine the relationship between milk adiponectin levels and infant adiposity.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of adiponectin concentrations and oligomeric forms in human milk.
• Administration of human adiponectin to infant mice to assess intestinal transport.
• Correlation analysis between maternal milk adiponectin levels and infant body mass index (weight-for-height).

Main Results:

• Human milk contains significantly higher concentrations of adiponectin compared to leptin, primarily as high-molecular-weight oligomers.
• Oral administration of human adiponectin to infant mice resulted in its transfer into the serum.
• A notable inverse correlation was observed between adiponectin levels in breast milk and the adiposity of breast-fed infants.

Conclusions:

• Human milk adiponectin, particularly the high-molecular-weight form, is bioavailable to infants.
• Milk adiponectin may play a crucial role in modulating infant metabolism, contributing to the protective effects of breastfeeding against obesity.
• Human milk serves as a conduit for maternal hormonal signaling, influencing infant metabolic programming and adaptation.