Does Caesarean Section or Preterm Delivery Influence TGF-β2 Concentrations in Human Colostrum?

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Neonatology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Human colostrum (HC) is vital for infant immunity, containing immune mediators like transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β).
• TGF-β isoforms regulate immune responses, intestinal cell apoptosis, and macrophage cytokine expression.
• TGF-β2 plays a critical role in immune defense and gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify TGF-β2 concentrations in HC from mothers delivering vaginally (VD) versus by caesarean section (CS).
• To compare TGF-β2 levels in HC from mothers delivering at term (TB) versus preterm (PB).
• To investigate the association between delivery mode, gestational age, and HC TGF-β2 levels.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a Quantikine ELISA Kit was employed to measure TGF-β2 levels.
• HC samples were collected from 299 women within 5 days postpartum.
• Statistical analysis, including the Student t-test, was performed to compare TGF-β2 concentrations between different delivery groups.

Main Results:

• Mean TGF-β2 concentrations in HC were comparable between term and preterm births (4648 vs. 3899 ng/mL, p=0.1244).
• HC from mothers who delivered preterm showed higher TGF-β2 levels than those delivering at term.
• Significantly higher TGF-β2 levels were observed in HC after CS compared to VD (7429 vs. 5240 ng/mL, p=0.0017).

Conclusions:

• Caesarean section delivery is associated with elevated TGF-β2 concentrations in human colostrum.
• Increased TGF-β2 levels in HC following preterm birth warrant further investigation.
• High TGF-β2 in HC may offer protective benefits for infants born via CS or prematurely, potentially reducing pathogen colonization and chronic disease risk.