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Alpha-1-antitrypsin concentration in human milk.

K M McGilligan1, D W Thomas, C D Eckhert

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, California 90027.

Pediatric Research
|September 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary

Human milk contains alpha-1-antitrypsin, an antiprotease. This protein may protect infants by inhibiting the absorption of harmful proteases from the gut during early development.

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Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Human Physiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human milk is known to contain various bioactive components crucial for infant development.
  • Early infancy is characterized by enhanced absorption of intact proteins and macromolecules.
  • Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) is a key antiprotease found in human bodily fluids.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) concentrations in human colostrum and mature milk.
  • To investigate potential variations in AAT levels based on lactation duration.
  • To explore the implications of milk-borne AAT in the context of infant protein absorption.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoelectrophoresis was used to analyze AAT concentration.
  • Samples included human colostrum (n=3) and mature milk (n=39) from mothers at various postpartum stages.
  • AAT levels were correlated with lactation duration and maternal AAT (Pi) type.

Main Results:

  • All tested milk samples contained AAT, with colostrum showing higher concentrations (140-520 mg/L) than mature milk.
  • Mature milk AAT levels were significantly higher in women lactating <6 months (7.2 mg/L) compared to those lactating 6-12 months (4.8 mg/L).
  • Maternal Pi type did not appear to significantly alter milk AAT levels within the observed range.

Conclusions:

  • Human colostrum and mature milk are sources of alpha-1-antitrypsin.
  • Lactation duration influences milk AAT concentration, with higher levels in early lactation.
  • Milkborne AAT may play a protective role by inhibiting the absorption of proteases in the infant gut, thereby limiting portal circulation entry.

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