Serum proteomics of mother-infant dyads carrying HLA-conferred type 1 diabetes risk

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Early life factors, including in-utero environment and diet, significantly influence child health and development.
• Serum proteomics in infants can offer valuable insights into childhood diseases.
• Perinatal and infant proteomes may reveal crucial biological perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze serum proteomic differences between feeding groups in infants.
• To identify changes in infant serum proteomes during the first year of life.
• To explore correlations between infant feeding, perinatal factors, and intestinal permeability in a cohort at risk for type 1 diabetes.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from mother-infant dyads (n=22) at multiple time points (third trimester, delivery, postpartum, cord blood, and infant ages 3-12 months) were analyzed.
• Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed for serum proteomics.
• Correlations between protein intensities within dyads and with intestinal permeability data were assessed.

Main Results:

• Proteomic profiles showed distinct changes related to infant feeding (extensively hydrolyzed vs. regular cow's milk formula) and age.
• Significant correlations were observed between serum protein levels within mother-infant dyads.
• Several protein correlations were significantly associated with intestinal permeability measurements.

Conclusions:

• Serum proteomics can track developmental changes influenced by infant feeding and perinatal factors.
• The identified proteomic signatures may provide biomarkers for early childhood health and disease risk.
• Further research into the link between infant gut health, diet, and proteomic profiles is warranted.