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Human milk 90K (Mac-2 BP): possible protective effects against acute respiratory infections

B Fornarini1, S Iacobelli, N Tinari

  • 1Department of Oncology and Neurosciences, University G. D'Annunzio Medical School, Chieti, Italy.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|February 5, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Human milk contains a protein called 90K that helps boost immunity. Higher levels of 90K in breast milk were linked to fewer acute respiratory infections (ARI) in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Human Milk Composition

Background:

  • Human milk is known to protect infants from infections.
  • Secreted 90K is a glycoprotein found in human milk with potential immune-stimulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between human milk 90K levels and the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in infants.
  • To determine if 90K plays a role in the protective effects of human milk against ARI.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 86 infants from birth to 12 months of age.
  • Quantification of 90K levels in human milk samples.
  • Monitoring and recording episodes of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in the infants.

Main Results:

  • A significant inverse correlation was observed between human milk 90K levels and ARI episodes (r = -0.34; P = 0.001).
  • Infants who did not develop ARI were fed human milk with significantly higher average 90K levels (156.6 ± 144.8 μg/ml) compared to those who experienced multiple infections (70.9 ± 92.3 μg/ml; P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Secreted 90K in human milk may contribute to the protective effects against acute respiratory infections (ARI).
  • These findings suggest a potential role for 90K in immune maturation, enhancing infant defense against respiratory pathogens.

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