Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in Human Breast Milk and Its Correlation with Infants' Parameters

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition and health protection for the infant; it contains many anti-inflammatory factors, including transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Our study aimed to measure the level of TGF-β1 in human milk and to find its correlation with some infant anthropometric characteristics. A milk sample was collected from 84 mothers and the level of TGF-β1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TGF-β1 was significantly higher in vegetarian mothers compared with nonvegetarian mothers (p = 0.044). Additionally, the mean value of breast milk TGF-β1 was significantly higher in mothers using contraceptive pills compared with those who do not (p = 0.021). Also, the mean value of TGF-β1 was significantly higher in infants 3-6 months than those <3 months (p = 0.010); also there was a significant difference regarding infants' weight and length with average weight and length (p = 0.042) and (p = 0.009), respectively. TGF-β1 in human milk may play a role in infants' growth and development; mothers' diet is known to influence TGF-β1 level and its relation to infants' age and weight. Contraceptive method could have an influence on TGF-β1 levels during breastfeeding.