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Baumgartel K. Breastfeeding Measurement - Teleological Considerations: Human Milk Collection for Research. J Hum Lact 2024; 40:356-362. [PMID: 38855832 DOI: 10.1177/08903344241254827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
We discuss the evolution and composition of breast milk and briefly describe how mammalian evolution resulted in lactation, which played a crucial role in infant growth and development. We focus on three teleological factors that significantly contribute to breast milk composition: (1) biological sex at birth, (2) gestational age, and (3) circadian rhythms. We also explain how these factors lead to variability in human milk composition. We emphasize the importance of standardizing the definitions of "preterm" and "term" to accurately study the effects of gestational age on milk composition. Finally, we discuss the role of the circadian clock in regulating lactation and the impact of breast milk on fetal and infant sleep. Investigators may integrate these critical factors when designing a research study that involves the collection of breast milk samples. Teleological factors greatly influence milk composition, and these factors may be considered when designing a study that requires breast milk. We provide both the rationale and application of solutions to address these factors.
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Bando N, Sato J, Taylor MJ, Tomlinson C, Unger S, Asbury MR, Law N, O'Connor DL. Early-life nutrition is associated with processing speed at age 5 in children born preterm with very low birth weight. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 79:140-147. [PMID: 38698666 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Processing speed is suboptimal among preterm-born children which is of concern as it is a foundational skill supporting higher-level cognitive functions. The study objective was to evaluate associations between early-life nutrition and processing speed in childhood. METHODS Macronutrient and human milk (mother's own, donor) intakes from 137 children born preterm with very low birth weight enrolled in a nutrition feeding trial were included. Processing speed was evaluated at age 5 using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-fourth edition Processing Speed Index. Associations between early-life nutrition and processing speed were explored through linear regression. RESULTS Children had a mean (standard deviation [SD]) birth gestational age of 28.1 (2.5) weeks, weight of 1036 (260) g and 52% were male. The mean (SD) assessment age was 5.7 (0.2) years. Sex-dependent relationships were identified between first postnatal month protein, lipid and energy intakes and processing speed at 5 years. For females, lower protein (per 0.1 g/kg/d: -0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.53, -0.23; p = 0.01) and energy (per 10 kcal/kg/d: -2.38, 95% CI: -4.70, -0.05; p = 0.03) intakes were related to higher processing speed scores. Mother's milk provision was positively associated (per 10% increase: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.37; p = 0.01) and donor milk was negatively associated (per 10% increase: -1.15, 95% CI: -2.22, -0.08; p = 0.04) with processing speed scores; no sex differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS First postnatal month nutrition was related to processing speed at age 5 in children born preterm with very low birth weight. Early-life nutrition that supports processing speed may be leveraged to improve later cognitive outcomes for this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bando
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julie Sato
- Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Tomlinson
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sharon Unger
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Neonatology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle R Asbury
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Law
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deborah L O'Connor
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Alur P, Holla I, Hussain N. Impact of sex, race, and social determinants of health on neonatal outcomes. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1377195. [PMID: 38655274 PMCID: PMC11035752 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1377195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the global improvements in neonatal outcomes, mortality and morbidity rates among preterm infants are still unacceptably high. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly analyze the factors that affect these outcomes, including sex, race, and social determinants of health. By comprehending the influence of these factors, we can work towards reducing their impact and enhancing the quality of neonatal care. This review will summarize the available evidence on sex differences, racial differences, and social determinants of health related to neonates. This review will discuss sex differences in neonatal outcomes in part I and racial differences with social determinants of health in part II. Research has shown that sex differences begin to manifest in the early part of the pregnancy. Hence, we will explore this topic under two main categories: (1) Antenatal and (2) Postnatal sex differences. We will also discuss long-term outcome differences wherever the evidence is available. Multiple factors determine health outcomes during pregnancy and the newborn period. Apart from the genetic, biological, and sex-based differences that influence fetal and neonatal outcomes, racial and social factors influence the health and well-being of developing humans. Race categorizes humans based on shared physical or social qualities into groups generally considered distinct within a given society. Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. These factors can include a person's living conditions, access to healthy food, education, employment status, income level, and social support. Understanding these factors is essential in developing strategies to improve overall health outcomes in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Alur
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hampden Medical Center, Enola, PA, United States
| | - Ira Holla
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Naveed Hussain
- Department of Pediatrics, Connecticut Children’s, Hartford, CT, United States
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Migliori C, Braga M, Siragusa V, Villa MC, Luzi L. The impact of gender medicine on neonatology: the disadvantage of being male: a narrative review. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:65. [PMID: 37280693 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01447-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative non-systematic review addresses the sex-specific differences observed both in prenatal period and, subsequently, in early childhood. Indeed, gender influences the type of birth and related complications. The risk of preterm birth, perinatal diseases, and differences on efficacy for pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, as well as prevention programs, will be evaluated. Although male newborns get more disadvantages, the physiological changes during growth and factors like social, demographic, and behavioural reverse this prevalence for some diseases. Therefore, given the primary role of genetics in gender differences, further studies specifically targeted neonatal sex-differences will be needed to streamline medical care and improve prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Migliori
- Department of Neonatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe MultiMedica, 20123, Milan, Italy.
| | - Marta Braga
- Department of Neonatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe MultiMedica, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Siragusa
- Department of Neonatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe MultiMedica, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Villa
- Department of Neonatology, Ospedale San Giuseppe MultiMedica, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Livio Luzi
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20099, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
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Melekoglu E, Yılmaz B, Çevik A, Gökyıldız Sürücü Ş, Avcıbay Vurgeç B, Gözüyeşil E, Sharma H, Boyan N, Ozogul F. The Impact of the Human Milk Microbiota in the Prevention of Disease and Infant Health. Breastfeed Med 2023. [PMID: 37140562 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: Human milk is recognized as an ideal food for newborns and infants owing to the presence of various nutritive factors, including healthy bacteria. Aim/Objective: This review aimed to understand the effects of human milk microbiota in both the prevention of disease and the health of infants. Methods: Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, clinical trial registries, Dergipark, and Türk Atıf Dizini up to February 2023 without language restrictions. Results: It is considered that the first human milk microbiota ingested by the newborn creates the initial microbiome of the gut system, which in turn influences the development and maturation of immunity. Bacteria present in human milk modulate the anti-inflammatory response by releasing certain cytokines, protecting the newborn against certain infections. Therefore, certain bacterial strains isolated from human milk could serve as potential probiotics for various therapeutic applications. Conclusions: In this review, the origin and significance of human milk bacteria have been highlighted along with certain factors influencing the composition of human milk microbiota. In addition, it also summarizes the health benefits of human milk as a protective agent against certain diseases and ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Melekoglu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Birsen Yılmaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ayseren Çevik
- Department of Midwifery, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | | | | | - Ebru Gözüyeşil
- Department of Midwifery, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Heena Sharma
- Food Technology Lab, Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Neslihan Boyan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fatih Ozogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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Seki D, Errerd T, Hall LJ. The role of human milk fats in shaping neonatal development and the early life gut microbiota. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2023; 2:8. [PMID: 38047278 PMCID: PMC10688791 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Human breast milk (HBM) is the main source of nutrition for neonates across the critical early-life developmental period. The highest demand for energy is due to rapid neurophysiological expansion post-delivery, which is largely met by human milk lipids (HMLs). These HMLs also play a prebiotic role and potentially promote the growth of certain commensal bacteria, which, via HML digestion, supports the additional transfer of energy to the infant. In tandem, HMLs can also exert bactericidal effects against a variety of opportunistic pathogens, which contributes to overall colonisation resistance. Such interactions are pivotal for sustaining homeostatic relationships between microorganisms and their hosts. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms governing these interactions remain poorly understood. This review will explore the current research landscape with respect to HMLs, including compositional considerations and impact on the early life gut microbiota. Recent papers in this field will also be discussed, including a final perspective on current knowledge gaps and potential next research steps for these important but understudied breast milk components.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Seki
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL-Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Theresa Errerd
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL-Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Chair of Intestinal Microbiome, School of Life Sciences, ZIEL-Institute for Food & Health, Technical University of Munich, Freising 85354, Germany
- Gut Microbes & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK
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Garrabou G, García-García FJ, Presmanes RE, Feu M, Chiva-Blanch G. Relevance of sex-differenced analyses in bioenergetics and nutritional studies. Front Nutr 2022; 9:936929. [PMID: 36245509 PMCID: PMC9562369 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.936929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex-biased analyses still remain as one of the biggest limitations to obtain universal conclusions. In biomedicine, the majority of experimental analyses and a significant amount of patient-derived cohort studies exclusively included males. In nutritional and molecular medicine, sex-influence is also frequently underrated, even considering maternal-inherited organelles such as mitochondria. We herein illustrate with in-house original data examples of how sex influences mitochondrial homeostasis, review these topics and highlight the consequences of biasing scientific analyses excluding females as differentiated entities from males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glòria Garrabou
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Glòria Garrabou
| | - Francesc Josep García-García
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa Elvira Presmanes
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Feu
- Muscle Research and Mitochondrial Function Laboratory, Cellex-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Internal Medicine Department-Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Chiva-Blanch
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute–IDIBAPS, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Obesity and Nutrition Physiopathology (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Gemma Chiva-Blanch
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