Novel bioactive substances in human colostrum: could they play a role in postnatal adaptation?

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2017 Mar;30(5):504-507. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1177817. Epub 2016 May 5.

Abstract

Objective: To determine maternal colostrum/serum concentrations of the bioactive substances irisin, adropin and copeptin and investigate their association with several perinatal parameters and pathologic conditions during pregnancy.

Methods: In a cohort of 81 mothers with full-term deliveries, colostrum/serum concentrations of irisin, adropin and copeptin were prospectively evaluated by ELISA on Day 3-4 postpartum.

Results: Copeptin and adropin were detectable in human colostrum at higher, while irisin at lower concentrations than in maternal serum (p < 0.001 in all cases). Colostrum adropin and copeptin concentrations positively correlated with maternal serum ones (r = 0.421, p < 0.001 and r = 0.304, p = 0.006, respectively).

Conclusions: Irisin, adropin and copeptin are present in colostrum and we speculate that they may be implicated in postnatal adaptation with respect to thermoregulation, vascular adaptation, glucose metabolism, lung function and fluid homeostasis. These findings may possibly enhance the necessity for early breastfeeding, particularly of infants born by cesarean section, who are prone to hypothermia, breathing disorders and dehydration.

Keywords: Adropin; colostrum; copeptin; irisin; maternal serum.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Physiological
  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Blood Proteins / analysis*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Colostrum / chemistry*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • Fibronectins / analysis*
  • Fibronectins / blood
  • Glycopeptides / analysis*
  • Glycopeptides / blood
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Milk, Human / chemistry*
  • Peptides / analysis*
  • Peptides / blood
  • Postpartum Period / blood
  • Pregnancy

Substances

  • Blood Proteins
  • Enho protein, human
  • FNDC5 protein, human
  • Fibronectins
  • Glycopeptides
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Peptides
  • copeptins