Related Experiment Videos
CA 125 in human milk and serum.
L C Fuith1, G Daxenbichler, C Marth
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Postpartum, elevated CA 125 serum levels are observed, decreasing over six weeks. CA 125 is also present in breast milk, suggesting placental transfer and potential synthesis by the lactating breast.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- CA 125 is a tumor marker often elevated in gynecological cancers.
- Postpartum physiological changes can affect various serum markers.
- Understanding CA 125 dynamics after delivery is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal changes in serum and milk CA 125 levels after parturition.
- To explore the potential sources of elevated CA 125 in the postpartum period.
Main Methods:
- Serum and human milk samples were collected from postpartum women at different time points (immediately after delivery, 1 week, and 6 weeks postpartum).
- CA 125 concentrations were measured using standard immunoassays.
Main Results:
- Serum CA 125 levels were significantly elevated immediately postpartum (median 276 U/ml), decreasing to 45 U/ml at 1 week and 12 U/ml at 6 weeks.
- Human milk showed considerable CA 125 levels (median 208 U/ml at 1 week, 153 U/ml at 6 weeks).
Conclusions:
- Elevated postpartum serum CA 125 likely results from antigen transfer during placental separation.
- The presence of CA 125 in breast milk suggests potential synthesis by the lactating mammary gland.