Galectins-1, -3 and -9 Are Present in Breast Milk and Have a Role in Early Life Development

Galectins (Gal) are a family of conserved soluble proteins with high affinity for β-galactoside structures. They have been recognized as important proteins for successful pregnancy. However, little is known about their presence in breast milk and their role in early infancy. Gal-1, -3 and -9 concentrations were evaluated by Multiplex immunoassays in mother-infant pairs from the MAMI cohort in maternal plasma (MP) (n = 15) and umbilical cord plasma (UCP) (n = 15) at birth and in breast milk samples (n = 23) at days 7 and 15 postpartum. Data regarding mother and infant characteristics were collected. Gal-9 was present in a lower concentration range than Gal-1 and Gal-3 in plasma, specifically in UCP. A major finding in the current study is that Gal-1, -3 and -9 were detected for the first time in all the transitional breast milk samples and no differences were found when comparing the two breastfeeding time points. Finally, Gal levels were associated with some maternal and infant characteristics, such as gestational age, pregnancy weight gain, maternal diet, the gender, infant growth and infant infections. In conclusion, Gal levels seem to be involved in certain developmental aspects of early life.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Rio-Aige, Karla, Girbal, Marina, Selma Royo, Marta, Parra Llorca, Anna, González, Sonia, Martínez Costa, Cecilia, Castell, Margarida, Collado, María Carmen, Pérez Cano, Francisco J, Rodríguez Lagunas, María J.
Other Authors: Fundació La Marató de TV3
Format: artículo biblioteca
Language:English
Published: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2022-10-17
Subjects:Breast milk, Galectin, Maternal plasma, Umbilical cord plasma,
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/285650
http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000780
http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008666
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85140893652
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