Abstract
We analyzed IL-18 levels of human milk. Colostrum contained significantly higher levels of IL-18 compared with early milk and mature milk. By stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, preterm delivery and pregnancy complications of mothers significantly correlated with high levels of IL-18 in human milk (p = 0.0007 and 0.0018, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the levels of IL-18 and soluble Fas ligand in colostrum (p = 0.0003). IL-18 was detected in actively secreting epithelial cells in lactating mammary gland by immunohistochemical staining. These results suggest that IL-18 in colostrum plays an important role in host defense of high-risk neonates.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Base Sequence
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Breast / immunology
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Colostrum / immunology
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DNA Primers / genetics
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Fas Ligand Protein
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Female
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Humans
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Interferon-gamma / metabolism
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Interleukin-12 / metabolism
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Interleukin-18 / genetics
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Interleukin-18 / metabolism*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Milk, Human / immunology*
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Obstetric Labor, Premature / genetics
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Obstetric Labor, Premature / immunology
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Complications / immunology
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Th1 Cells / immunology
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Th2 Cells / immunology
Substances
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DNA Primers
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FASLG protein, human
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Fas Ligand Protein
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Interleukin-18
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Interleukin-12
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Interferon-gamma