Human Milk Retains Important Immunologic Properties After Defatting

Area of Science:

• Neonatal immunology
• Human milk composition
• Lymphatic disorders

Background:

• Neonatal chylothorax impairs lymphatic drainage, causing effusions and immune component loss.
• Management involves low-fat feedings to reduce lymph production.
• The study investigates immune profiles and antibacterial effects of full-fat vs. defatted human milk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the immunological profile of full-fat and defatted human milk.
• To assess the antibacterial efficacy of full-fat and defatted human milk.
• To determine if defatting human milk impacts its immune components and antibacterial properties.

Main Methods:

• Human milk was separated into full-fat (control) and defatted aliquots.
• Macronutrient analysis using mid-infrared spectroscopy.
• Immune cell populations quantified by flow cytometry; specific immune factors (IgA, IgG, lactoferrin, lysozyme) measured by ELISA.
• Antibacterial activity tested against E. coli and S. pneumoniae.

Main Results:

• Defatted milk had lower energy and fat, higher carbohydrates.
• Significant reduction in immune cell populations in defatted milk.
• IgA, IgG, lysozyme, and lactoferrin concentrations were comparable between groups.
• Both milk types showed equivalent inhibition of E. coli and S. pneumoniae growth.

Conclusions:

• Defatted human milk has significantly fewer leukocytes but retains key immune factors (IgA, IgG, lysozyme, lactoferrin).
• Antibacterial properties against E. coli and S. pneumoniae are preserved after defatting.
• While antibacterial benefits remain, the clinical impact of reduced leukocytes in defatted milk requires further study.