Maternal hypertension induces alterations in immunological factors of colostrum and human milk

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in minerals, antibodies, complement and cytokine levels in the human milk of hypertensive women based on the time of collection (diurnal/nocturnal) and the type of milk. The material was collected from 23 mothers at three stages of maturity: 3 days (colostrum), 10 days (transitional milk) and 30 days (mature milk) postpartum - and at two times - diurnal (12:00 h) and nocturnal (24:00 h) - resulting in a total of 138 samples. The minerals, antibody, complement, IFN - γ and TGF - β cytokine levels were determined. Increases in sodium and potassium were observed independent of phase, while phosphorus was observed only during nocturnal period. IgA was higher in the transitional milk of hypertensive mothers in the nocturnal period. IgG was higher in the nocturnal period of hypertensive mothers regardless of milk maturation. The C3 protein increased during the diurnal period in the transitional and mature milk of hypertensive women. Milk concentrations of the cytokines IFN - γ and TGF - β were higher during the nocturnal period of hypertensive mothers. These data suggest that the milk of hypertensive mothers exhibits alterations proteins and inflammatory mediators, and these alterations are dependent on time and milk maturation. © 2014 Taylor & Francis.