Objective: To determine if the addition of human milk fortifier (HMF) affects the distribution, immunoreactivity, or molecular mass profile of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) within the compartments of human milk. Methods: Fifteen milk samples were obtained. Each sample was divided into two aliquots; a powdered HMF was added to the first aliquot. TGF-α concentration was measured via radioimmunoassay in whole milk and its aqueous and fat fractions ± HMF. TGF-α molecular mass profiles of the samples (v/v) were measured via Western blotting. Results: TGF-α concentration (mean ± SD) in fortified whole milk (15.7 ± 7.1 pg/100 μl) vs. nonfortified whole milk (14.8 ± 8.0 pg/100 μl) and in the aqueous fraction of fortified (14.0 ± 2.7 pg/100 μl) vs. nonfortified (14.0 ± 3.5 pg/100 μl) did not differ statistically. There was, however, a marked decrease in the concentration of TGF-α in the fat fraction of fortified (30.6 ± 2.8 pg/100 μl) vs. nonfortified (98.0 ± 6.9 pg/100 μl) milk samples. Western blot for TGF-α in whole milk and its separated fractions revealed characteristic bands at 6.5, 12–16, 22, 26–30 and 46 kD. HMF alone and HMF with sodium taurocholate had a prominent band at 18 kD and fainter bands at 6.5, 26–30, and 46 kD. While whole and aqueous milk samples with HMF also consistently showed the 18-kD band, in 8/15 fat fraction samples with HMF the 18-kD band was nondetectable and was only faintly detectable in the remaining 7/15 samples. Conclusions: It appears that HMF differentially alters the biochemical profile of human milk with regard to TGF-α concentration and molecular mass profile. What effect this alteration in human milk biochemistry has on neonatal gut function remains unknown.

Keywords:
Breast milk, Human milk fortifier, Transforming growth factor-α
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel
2000
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.