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The effects of probiotic supplementation on the gene expressions of immune cell surface markers and levels of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human milk

Journal of Perinatology volume 41, pages 1083–1091 (2021)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

This study investigated the impact of probiotic supplementation on the gene expressions of cluster of differentiation (CD) as cell markers and the concentrations of antibodies and cytokines in human milk.

Study design

Gene expressions of CD28, CD19, and CD38 were determined in milk from 15 women ingesting daily probiotics (from Greek yogurt) and 12 women who do not consume probiotics. Concentrations of antibodies and cytokines were measured using ELISA.

Results

Gene expression of CD28 tended to be higher in milk from mothers ingesting daily probiotics than mothers who did not take probiotics. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in milk was higher in mothers ingesting probiotics than those who do not consume probiotics. The increase of IL-6 level in human milk was positively correlated with total IgA and IgG concentrations.

Conclusions

Probiotic supplementation could enhance the secretion of IL-6 in human milk. Human milk IL-6 may improve neonatal immunity due to its stimulation of total IgA and IgG.

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Fig. 1: Overall gene expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD) as cell markers and concentration of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human milk.
Fig. 2: Effects of probiotic supplementation (at least one billion of probiotic bacteria per day from Greek yogurt) on the gene expressions of the cluster of differentiation (CD) as cell markers and the concentrations of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human milk.
Fig. 3: Correlation between the gene expression of the cluster of differentiation (CD) as cell markers and the concentrations of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human milk.

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Acknowledgements

We thank all study participants for their valuable contributions.

Funding

The authors (VD-M, GBM, CD, and ED) disclosed receipt of the financial support from Medolac Laboratories A Public Benefit Corporation for the conduct of the study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neonatal Immunology and Microbiology, Medolac Laboratories A Public Benefit Corporation, Boulder City, NV, USA

    Veronique Demers-Mathieu, Gabrielle B. Mathijssen, Ciera DaPra & Elena Medo

Authors
  1. Veronique Demers-Mathieu
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  2. Gabrielle B. Mathijssen
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  3. Ciera DaPra
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  4. Elena Medo
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Contributions

VD-M conceptualized and designed the study, carried out the RT-qPCR of immune cells, cytokine ELISA, the statistical analysis, and drafted the manuscript. GBM and CD performed antibody ELISA. VD-M have primary responsibility for the final content. EM have obtained the funding acquisition of this study. GBM, CD, and EM approved the final paper as submitted.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Veronique Demers-Mathieu.

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Conflict of interest

VD-M, GBM, CD, and EM are employees of Medolac Laboratories.

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Demers-Mathieu, V., Mathijssen, G.B., DaPra, C. et al. The effects of probiotic supplementation on the gene expressions of immune cell surface markers and levels of antibodies and pro-inflammatory cytokines in human milk. J Perinatol 41, 1083–1091 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-00875-w

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