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Plasma fibronectin concentrations in breast fed and formula fed neonates
Insights
Neonatal plasma fibronectin concentrations are higher in breastfed infants compared to formula-fed infants. Breast milk may contain factors influencing neonatal fibronectin levels.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Plasma fibronectin plays a crucial role in neonatal development and immune function.
- Understanding factors influencing neonatal fibronectin levels is important for infant health.
- Breast milk composition can impact infant physiological parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma fibronectin concentrations in breastfed versus formula-fed neonates.
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of fibronectin in human colostrum and breast milk.
- To explore potential mechanisms by which breast milk might influence neonatal fibronectin levels.
Main Methods:
- Plasma fibronectin levels were quantified in neonates aged 2-5 days using biochemical assays.
- Fibronectin in colostrum and breast milk samples was detected and characterized.
- Gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting were employed to compare fibronectin from different sources.
Main Results:
- Breastfed neonates exhibited significantly higher plasma fibronectin concentrations (237 ± 117 mg/l) than formula-fed neonates (171 ± 91 mg/l).
- Fibronectin was detected in colostrum samples, with a mean concentration of 13.4 mg/l.
- Fibronectin from breast milk showed similarities to purified adult plasma fibronectin upon analysis.
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding is associated with elevated plasma fibronectin levels in neonates.
- Colostrum and breast milk may contain fibronectin or regulatory factors that influence neonatal fibronectin concentrations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved in fibronectin regulation by breast milk.
Abstract:
Plasma fibronectin concentration was measured in neonates of 2 to 5 days of age. Although breast fed and formula fed infants were similar in demographic characteristics, the mean (SD) plasma concentration of fibronectin in 26 breast fed infants, 237 (117) mg/l, was significantly higher than in 27 formula fed infants (171 (91) mg/l). Fibronectin was detected in five colostrum specimens (mean concentration 13.4 mg/l). Similar bands were detected after gel electrophoresis of purified adult plasma fibronectin and whole plasma from breast fed and formula fed neonates after staining or immunoblotting. Fibronectin isolated from breast milk also appeared similar to purified plasma fibronectin. It is possible, although unlikely, that fibronectin is absorbed intact from ingested colostrum. Alternatively, a factor(s) might be present in colostrum that contributes to the regulation of plasma fibronectin concentration.