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Changes in Antisecretory Factor in Human Milk During the Postpartum and Length of Gestation

Anna Gustafsson1,2, Ewa Johansson3,4, Ewa Henckel1,2

  • 127106 Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|June 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Antisecretory factor (AF) levels are higher and more variable in preterm infant mature milk. Holder pasteurization increases AF levels, preserving anti-inflammatory properties in donor milk for infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal immunology
  • Human milk bioactive components
  • Infant nutrition

Background:

  • Preterm infants face higher inflammatory risks.
  • Human milk contains protective bioactive components.
  • Antisecretory factor (AF) regulates inflammation and is found in human milk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Quantify AF in mother's own milk for term and preterm infants.
  • Assess AF levels in donor milk before and after Holder pasteurization.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study.
  • Sandwich ELISA used to measure AF-compleasome in milk samples.
  • Samples collected from 87 mothers and 20 donor milk batches.

Main Results:

  • AF-compleasome higher in colostrum than mature milk.
  • Mature milk showed higher, more variable AF in preterm infants.
  • Holder pasteurization increased AF-compleasome levels.

Conclusions:

  • AF follows immunological factor patterns, high in colostrum.
  • Elevated and variable AF in preterm mature milk suggests altered immune properties.
  • Donor milk retains anti-inflammatory AF properties post-pasteurization.
Abstract

Keywords:
Antisecretory Factorbreastfeedingcolostrumhuman milklactationmilk bankmilk compositionneonatologyprematurity

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