Effect of breastfeeding on children's health and its relationship to NRAMP1 expression: A cross-sectional study
Fatimah1, Muhammad Nasrum Massi2, A Dwi Bahagia Febriani2
1Faculty of Medicine and Health, Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Indonesia.
Insights
Exclusive breastfeeding boosts toddler immunity against infections like Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI) by influencing Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) expression. This study highlights breastfeeding
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Exclusive breastfeeding is crucial for enhancing infant immunity against infectious diseases, particularly Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI).
- Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) plays a significant role in the body's defense against intercellular infections, including ARI.
- Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding practices and NRAMP1 expression is vital for optimizing infant health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on children's health.
- To determine the relationship between breastfeeding status and NRAMP1 gene mRNA and protein expression in toddlers.
- To identify factors influencing NRAMP1 expression in relation to infant health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 124 toddlers, divided into exclusive breastfeeding and non-exclusive breastfeeding groups.
- Data collection included questionnaires, medical records, and blood sample analysis for NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression (real-time PCR) and serum NRAMP1 protein levels (ELISA).
- Statistical analysis employed t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Non-exclusively breastfed toddlers exhibited significantly lower NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression (6.88 fold change) and protein levels (315.02 pg/ml) compared to exclusively breastfed toddlers (11.36 fold change and 1087.74 pg/ml).
- Parity, immunization history, exclusive breastfeeding status, and ARI frequency were significantly associated with NRAMP1 expression (P < 0.05).
- Exclusive breastfeeding emerged as the dominant factor influencing NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression (OR: 4268) and protein content (OR: 737,362).
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding significantly enhances NRAMP1 expression, contributing to robust infant immunity against ARI.
- NRAMP1 acts synergistically with antibodies from exclusive breastfeeding to bolster the body's defense mechanisms in infants.
- Findings underscore the critical role of exclusive breastfeeding in pediatric health and infectious disease prevention through modulation of NRAMP1.
Abstract:
Toddlers with exclusive breastfeeding can increase immunity in preventing infectious diseases such as Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (ARI). The body's resistance to disease is controlled by Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1). NRAMP1 contributes to the pathophysiology of several intercellular infections, including ARI. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of breastfeeding on children's health and its relationship to NRAMP1 expression. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 124 toddlers in October 2020-June 2021. Toddlers were selected purposively from three Community Health Centers in Central Jakarta. The first group (n = 62) was exclusive breastfeeding and the second group (n = 62) was not exclusive breastfeeding. The characteristics of mothers and toddlers were collected using a structured questionnaire supported by medical record data. Meanwhile, NRAMP1 expression and NRAMP1 protein levels were obtained from the examination of blood samples. Examination of NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression by real-time PCR method and serum NRAMP1 protein levels by ELISA method. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The results obtained that the average mRNA expression of NRAMP1 gene and protein levels of NRAMP1 in infants who were not exclusive breastfeeding were 6.88 fold change (FC) and 315.02 pg/ml compared to those who received exclusive breastfeeding of 11.36 FC and 1087.74 pg./ml. Parity, immunization history, exclusive breastfeeding, and frequency of ARI were significantly associated with NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression and NRAMP1 protein levels (P < 0.05). Maternal and under-five age, gender, and nutritional status were not significantly related (P > 0.05). Exclusive breastfeeding was the dominant factor influencing NRAMP1 gene mRNA expression (OR: 4268) and NRAMP1 protein content (OR: 737,362). Antibodies obtained from exclusive breastfeeding in synergy with the NRAMP1 gene form the body's immunity in infants suffering from ARI.
