Abstract
A human breast milk protein concentrate (MPC) added to the mother's fresh milk is used in feeding of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This procedure preserves the immunologic properties of human milk. We have measured the EGF and IGF levels in the protein concentrate used.
By centrifuge separation of pooled breast milk a fat free milk was obtained and pasteurized (72°C for 15 sec). Lactose and salt were separated by means of ultrafiltration. The retention product was repasteurized and freeze dried. EGF was measured after each step. The MPC was dissolved in acetic acid and separated on a Sephadex G 50 column. EGF was measured by radioimmuno-(RIA) and radioreceptor assay (RRA), IGF by two RRA(IGF I and II). The amount of EGF in the MPC was 68% of that in pooled breast milk (2.0 ng/mg protein versus 2.9). The IGF level(I and II) in the MPC was 70 mU/mg protein and column separation yielded two IGF-RRA peaks - one with MW of 20K(80% of total RRA activity) represented a carrier protein, a second peak with MW 7K consisted of both IGF I and II.
Substantial amounts of growth factors especially EGF is preserved in the concentration process. With the amount of MPC used for VLBW infants the enriched milk contains almost 50% more EGF than fresh non enriched milk. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical significance of such changes in milk composition.
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Alm, J., Hagelberg, S., Sara, V. et al. EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR (EGF) AND INSULIN LIKE GROWTH FACTORS (IGF) IN A HUMAN BREAST MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE. Pediatr Res 23, 122 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198801000-00123
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198801000-00123