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Presepsin in Human Milk Is Delivery Mode and Gender Dependent
Ebe D'Adamo1, Chiara Peila2, Mariachiara Strozzi3
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, "G. D'Annunzio" University, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
Nutrients
|August 10, 2024
Summary
Presepsin (PSEP) is measurable in human breast milk (BM) and is higher in preterm infant milk and colostrum. These findings suggest PSEP may have antimicrobial functions in breast milk for both preterm and term infants.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal research
- Immunology
Background:
- Breast milk (BM) is a vital source of nutrition and possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
- Presepsin (PSEP) is recognized as a sensitive biomarker for early sepsis detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and levels of PSEP in human breast milk.
- To analyze PSEP concentrations across different milk maturation stages (colostrum, transitional, mature).
- To investigate the influence of infant delivery mode and infant gender on PSEP levels.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter prospective case-control study involving 44 human milk samples from mothers of term (T) and preterm (PT) infants.
- Human milk samples were analyzed for PSEP concentrations using a chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare PSEP levels based on infant prematurity, milk maturation stage, delivery mode, and gender.
Main Results:
- PSEP was detected in all analyzed human milk samples.
- Significantly higher PSEP concentrations were found in milk from mothers of preterm infants compared to term infants.
- Colostrum exhibited higher PSEP levels than transitional and mature milk.
- Milk maturation stages were influenced by delivery mode and infant gender.
Conclusions:
- PSEP is present in human breast milk and its concentration varies with milk maturation and infant gestational status.
- Elevated PSEP levels in breast milk, particularly in colostrum and preterm milk, may indicate a role in antimicrobial defense.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific functions and implications of PSEP in human milk.
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