Hepatocyte growth factor in human breast milk

Area of Science:

• Neonatal nutrition
• Gastroenterology
• Cell biology

Background:

• Human milk is a complex biological fluid crucial for infant development.
• Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a key regulator of cell growth and tissue repair.
• The role of HGF in human milk and its impact on neonates remain areas for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the presence and quantify Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) in human milk.
• To identify the specific cell types within human milk responsible for HGF production.
• To assess the contribution of HGF in human milk to the growth and development of neonates, particularly intestinal cells.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis were used to quantify and confirm HGF in milk whey.
• Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) identified HGF-producing cells and HGF mRNA in human milk.
• In vitro studies using the IEC-6 cell line measured DNA synthesis in response to whey and recombinant HGF (rHGF).

Main Results:

• Significant concentrations of active, heterodimeric HGF were detected in human colostrum and mature milk whey.
• Macrophages within human milk were identified as the primary source of HGF, with HGF mRNA expression confirmed.
• Both whey and rHGF significantly increased DNA synthesis in IEC-6 cells, with anti-HGF antibodies partially inhibiting whey's effect.

Conclusions:

• Human milk contains substantial amounts of active HGF, primarily produced by macrophages.
• HGF in human milk plays a significant role in stimulating intestinal cell growth.
• This suggests that milk-borne HGF is a critical factor for neonatal intestinal development post-birth.