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Published on: August 7, 2017
Detection of interferon-gamma-inducible chemokines in human milk
Y Takahata1, H Takada, A Nomura
1Department of Paediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. takahata@pediatr.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Insights
Human milk contains interferon-gamma-inducible protein of 10 kDa (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG), which are higher in early milk and may boost infant immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Human Milk Composition
Background:
- Human milk is crucial for infant immunity.
- Specific immune factors in milk require further characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze concentrations of IP-10 and MIG in human milk.
- To assess the immunological role of these chemokines in preterm and term infants.
Main Methods:
- Quantified IP-10 and MIG in milk and serum using ELISA.
- Determined gene expression via RT-PCR.
- Analyzed protein expression using immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Significant levels of IP-10 and MIG were found in human milk.
- Colostrum and early milk showed higher concentrations than mature milk and maternal serum.
- Chemokine levels correlated with IFN-gamma and IP-10, with expression detected in milk cells and mammary tissue.
Conclusions:
- IP-10 and MIG in human milk likely originate from milk and mammary cells.
- These chemokines may enhance neonatal mucosal immunity by promoting T lymphocyte activity.
Aim:
To assess the immunological role of human milk by analysing the concentrations of interferon-gamma-inducible protein of 10 kda (IP-10) and monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) in human milk from mothers of preterm and term infants.
Methods:
IP-10 and MIG levels of colostrum, early milk, mature milk and sera were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IP-10 and MIG mRNA expression levels in cellular components of human milk were determined by RT-PCR. IP-10 and MIG protein expression in mammary gland tissues was analysed by immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Significant amounts of IP-10 and MIG were detected in human milk. The concentrations of IP-10 and MIG in colostrum and early milk were significantly higher than those of sera from healthy controls or lactating mothers. These chemokine concentrations in colostrum and early milk were significantly higher than those of mature milk. Premature delivery or pregnancy complications of mothers had no significant correlation with these chemokine concentrations in breast milk. There were significant correlations between MIG and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) or IP-10 levels (p < 0.001) in human milk. Expression of IP-10 and MIG genes and proteins in the milk cells as well as in mammary gland epithelial tissues was detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry.
Conclusion:
IP-10 and MIG in human milk, probably derived from milk cells and mammary gland epithelial cells, may contribute to the migration and activation of intestinal T lymphocytes to enhance mucosal immunity during the early neonatal period.
