Influence of Lactation Stage on Content of Neurotrophic Factors, Leptin, and Insulin in Human Milk
Elena Sinkiewicz-Darol1,2, Katarzyna Łubiech1, Iwona Adamczyk1,2
1Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki University, Chodkiewicza 30 St., 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Abstract:
Human milk comprehensively meets the nutritional needs of a child, providing not only structural and energy components but also various bioactive factors. Among these, neurotrophic factors and hormones involved in metabolic processes deserve special attention. Studies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays compared the content of neurotrophic factors-CNTF, NT-3, and NGF-and hormones, leptin and insulin, in two groups of breast milk samples: early lactation (1-3 months) and extended lactation (>6 months, up to 12 months). The results indicated changes in leptin and insulin levels as the lactation period extended. NGF, leptin, and insulin were present in milk samples from both study groups, with leptin and insulin levels being higher in the early lactation group. CNTF and NT-3 were not detected in any of the samples from either study group. The analyses confirmed that human milk from women who breastfeed for extended periods remains a source of biologically active components and macronutrients that support a child's development and health.
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