Longitudinal changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers in the first year after delivery and its relationship with human milk composition:a combined longitudinal and cross-sectional cohort study

Objective:Postpartum weight retention(PPWR)is a common problem among women after childbirth.The main objectives of this study are to understand the changes in body weight of breastfeeding mothers during long-term follow-up and preliminarily explore the relationship between maternal body weight and human milk composition,including macronutrients,leptin,and adiponectin.Methods:The study included a longitudinal cohort(122 mothers),and a cross-sectional cohort(37 mothers).The human milk,maternal weight,and dietary surveys were collected in the longitudinal cohort at different follow-up time points(1-14 days postpartum,2-4 months postpartum,5-7 months postpartum,and 12-17 months postpartum).The maternal body weight was analyzed using the responses in the survey questionnaires.A milk analyzer based on the mid-infrared spectroscopy(MIRS)was used to determine milk composition,and nutrition analysis software evaluated dietary intakes.In the cross-sectional cohort,participating mothers were asked to provide blood and human milk samples and pertinent information related to maternal body composition.Maternal body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis(BIA),while ELISA analyzed leptin and adiponectin in milk and serum.Results:At 5-7 months postpartum,the PPWR of breastfeeding mothers was(2.46±3.59)kg.At 12-17 months postpartum,the PPWR was(0.98±4.06)kg.PPWR was found to be negatively correlated with milk fat content within 14 days postpartum and positively correlated at 2-4 months postpartum.In addition,the maternal weight and body muscle mass were positively correlated with leptin and adiponectin in milk.Plasma leptin was positively correlated with the mother’s body weight,body mass index(BMI),FAT percentage,and body fat mass,while plasma adiponectin did not correlate with any parameter.The results also indicate that the PPWR did not correlate with leptin and adiponectin in plasma or milk.Conclusions:Breastfeeding mothers may retain considerable weight gain one year after delivery.Human milk composition may be related to changes in maternal body weight.Leptin and adiponectin in breast milk and leptin in plasma are associated with the maternal body composition.This study supports the notion that maternal nutritional status may affect offspring health through lactation,and future research should focus on exploring weight management of postpartum mothers.

Exploring hematopoietic stem cell population in human milk and its benefits for infants:A scoping review

Objective:To comprehensively explore hematopoietic stem cells(HSCs)in human milk,understanding their molecular markers,isolation methods,benefits for infants,and potential medical applications.Methods:We conducted a scoping literature review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.This review included studies investigating HSCs in human milk,utilizing molecular markers such as CD34^(+),CD113^(+),and CD117^(+)for characterization.Both in vitro and in vivo studies exploring the morphology,function,and clinical implications of these cells were considered.The diverse range of papers reviewed were indexed in PubMed,Science Direct,Scopus,Sage Journals,and Google Scholar,published between 2010 and 2023.Results:This scoping review explored 577 articles and selected 13 studies based on our inclusion criteria,focusing on HSCs in human milk.Most studies dilute samples prior to HSC isolation,followed by detection using markers such as CD34^(+),CD113^(+),and CD117^(+),with flow cytometry serving as the primary analysis tool,focusing on their isolation and detection methods.While no definitive benefits have been conclusively established,there is a strong belief in the potential of HSCs to positively impact infant immunity,growth,and tissue repair.Conclusions:This review presents significant evidence supporting the presence of HSCs in human milk,identified by markers such as CD34^(+),CD113^(+),and CD117^(+).These cells show considerable potential in enhancing infant health,including immunity,tissue repair,cognitive development,and gastrointestinal health.Despite methodological variations in isolation and detection techniques,the collective findings underscore the potential clinical relevance of HSCs in human milk.Moreover,this review highlights the noninvasive accessibility of human milk as a source of HSCs and emphasizes the need for further research to unlock their therapeutic potential.

Perceptions of Mothers with Preterm Babies towards Donor Breast Milk at Women and Newborn Hospital,Lusaka Zambia

Breast milk offers essential nutrients crucial for the development of the preterm immune system, thus reducing the incidence of infection and mortality often associated with prematurity. In the absence of breast milk, the preferred option is donated breast milk, the best alternative for hospitalized neonates whose mothers have insufficient breast milk or are unavailable. In Zambia, donor breast milk is unavailable. Instead, the protocol recommends the administration of formula milk. However, the use of formula milk in preterm babies is associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis. Zambia needs to establish a donor milk bank, hence the need to understand the perception of mothers towards donated breast milk. A qualitative descriptive case study utilized 10 focus group discussions with in-depth interviews, purposively selected using a variation strategy. Data was thematically analysed. Participants demonstrated potential acceptance to donor breast milk utilization, as more nutritional compared to formula despite lack of awareness. Concerns related to safety, quality, fear of disease transmission and discomfort feeding from a different bloodline were identified as hinderance to possible utilisation. These perceptions underscore the importance of educational initiatives aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding donor breast milk and establishing donor breast milk programs. Therefore, the study recommends educational initiatives tailored to raise awareness to mothers about donor breast milk.

Gut microbiota in preterm infants receiving breast milk or mixed feeding

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the leading cause of mortality in newborns,with very-low-birthweight infants usually experiencing several complications.Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition,especially for preterm infants with delayed gut colonization,because it contains beneficial microorganisms,such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.AIM To analyze the gut microbiota of breastfed preterm infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or less.METHODS An observational study was performed on preterm infants with up to 36.6 wk of gestation and a birth weight of 1500 g or less,born at the University Hospital Dr.JoséEleuterio González at Monterrey,Mexico.A total of 40 preterm neonates were classified into breast milk feeding(BM)and mixed feeding(MF)groups(21 in the BM group and 19 in the MF group),from October 2017 to June 2019.Fecal samples were collected before they were introduced to any feeding type.After full enteral feeding was achieved,the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Numerical variables were compared using Student’s t-test or using the Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric variables.Dominance,evenness,equitability,Margalef’s index,Fisher’s alpha,Chao-1 index,and Shannon’s diversity index were also calculated.RESULTS No significant differences were observed at the genus level between the groups.Class comparison indicated higher counts of Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria in the initial compared to the final sample of the BM group(P<0.011).In addition,higher counts of Gammaproteobacteria were detected in the final than in the initial sample(P=0.040).According to the Margalef index,Fisher’s alpha,and Chao-1 index,a decrease in species richness from the initial to the final sample,regardless of the feeding type,was observed(P<0.050).The four predominant phyla were Bacteroidetes,Actinobacteria,Firmicutes,and Proteobacteria,with Proteobacteria being the most abundant.However,no significant differences were observed between the initial and final samples at the phylum level.CONCLUSION Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and an increase of Gammaproteobacteria,contributing to the literature of the gut microbiota structure of very low-birth-weight,preterm.

Application of Hazard Vulnerability Analysis Based on Kaiser Model in Neonatal Breast Milk Management

Objective:To analyze the existing risks in breast milk management at the neonatal department and provide corresponding countermeasures.Methods:22 risk events were identified in 7 risk links in the process of bottle-feeding of breast milk.Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model was applied to investigate and evaluate the risk events.Results:High-risk events include breast milk quality inspection,hand hygiene during collection,disinfection of collectors,cold chain management,hand hygiene during the reception,breast milk closed-loop management,and post-collection disposal.Root cause analysis of high-risk events was conducted and breast milk management strategies outside the hospital and within the neonatal department were proposed.Conclusion:Hazard Vulnerability Analysis based on the Kaiser model can identify and assess neonatal breast milk management risks effectively,which helps improve the management of neonatal breast milk.It is conducive to the safe development and promotion of bottle feeding of breast milk for neonates,ensuring the quality of medical services and the safety of children.

Viral Etiology Relationship between Human Papillomavirus and Human Breast Cancer and Target of Gene Therapy

Objective To explore the viral etiology of human breast cancer to determine whether there are novel molecular targets for gene therapy of breast cancer and provide evidence for the research of gene therapy and vaccine development for breast cancer. Methods PCR was used to screen HPV16 and HPV18 oncogenes E6 and E7 in the SKBR3 cell line and in 76 paraffin embedded breast cancer tissue samples. RNA interference was used to knock down the expression of HPV18 E6 and E7 in SKBR3 cells, then the changes in the expression of cell-cycle related proteins, cell viability, colony formation, metastasis, and cell cycle progression were determined. Results HPV18 oncogenes E6 and E7 were amplified and sequenced from the SKBR3 cells. Of the patient samples, 6.58% and 23.68% were tested to be positive for HPV18 E6 and HPV18 E7. In the cell culture models, the knockdown of HPV18 E6 and E7 inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and cell cycle progression of SKBR3 cell. The knockdown also clearly affected the expression levels of cell cycle related proteins. Conclusion HPV was a contributor to virus caused human breast cancer, suggesting that the oncogenes in HPV were potential targets for gene therapy of breast cancer.

Effect of human milk and colostrum on Entamoeba histolytica

AIM:Many defense factors of the mother's colostrum or milk protect infants from intestinal, respiratory and systemic infections. In the present study, we investigated the effect of colostrum and mature human milk on E. histolytica parasites in vitro.METHODS:Samples of human milk were collected from 5 healthy lactating mothers.The medium with human milk at concentrations of 2%, 5% and 10% was obtained.RESULTS:The lethal effect of E. histolytica on the medium supplemented with different concentrations of both colostrum and mature human milk was significant during the first 30min. We also detected that the results of colostrum and mature human milk were similar. No statistically significant differences were found between same concentrations of colostrum and mature human milk at the same times.CONCLUSION:Colostrum and mature human milk have significant lethal effect on E. histolytica and protect against its infection in breast fed children.

Loss of human epidermal receptor-2 in human epidermal receptor-2+breast cancer after neoadjuvant treatment:A case report

BACKGROUND Human epidermal receptor-2(HER-2)expression has been reported to be discordant between primary tumor and metastatic tissue.CASE SUMMARY We presented a case diagnosed with the HER-2+breast cancer patient who exhibited changes in the expression of HER-2 receptors on tumour samples from surgical specimens obtained after neoadjuvant treatment(NAT)compared with initial biopsy.The patient underwent a HER-2-targeted therapy consequently,in spite of HER+gene loss.After the surgery,the patient subsequently underwent endocrine therapy and radiotherapy.CONCLUSION Changes in HER-2 expression after NAT should be retested by physicians and pathologists before systemic treatment instead of avoiding further HER-2-targeted therapy,and we will perform immunohistochemical multiple-spot biopsy analyses of other important clinical issues to better define prognosis and tailor subsequent adjuvant therapy.

Identification and characterization of resistance and pathogenicity of Enterococcus spp.in samples of donor breast milk

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the primary source of nutrition for newborns.Hospitalized babies frequently need nutritional support from Human Milk Banks.As bacterial species of the genus Enterococcus are part of the microbiota of healthy donors,they may contaminate samples of pumped breast milk.AIM To identify and characterize the bacterial virulence and resistance in samples isolated from the nipple-areolar region,hands,and breast milk aliquots from donors at the Human Milk Bank of Municipal Hospital EsauMatos in the city of Vitória da Conquista,Bahia State,Brazil.METHODS The personal hygiene and sanitation of donors were analyzed with the aim of identifying possible reasons for contamination of pumped milk.Cutaneous samples as well as aliquots of unpasteurized and pasteurized milk from 30 participants were obtained.Each Enterococcus spp.isolate underwent a disk diffusion susceptibility test and molecular biology techniques to determine resistance and virulence genes.RESULTS Enterococcus spp.were identified in 30%of donors(n=9),and 11 specimens were isolated.Resistance to tetracycline was highly prevalent,being detectable in 63%of the isolates(n=7)and followed by intermediate sensitivity to ciprofloxacin,observed in 27%of the specimens(n=3).The efaA gene was found in 63%(n=7)of the isolates,while the ace gene was detected in 27%(n=3).CONCLUSION This study illustrates the importance of microbiological monitoring by Human Milk Banks and the need for alternatives to prevent the presence of Enterococcus spp.in hospital settings.

The Impact of the Block Freeze Concentration Process on Human Milk Properties Intended for Feeding Newborns

Human milk is the ideal nutritional support for premature neonates. Considering the need for aggregating nutritional value to human milk provided to such vulnerable group of infants, human milk was concentrated by the block freeze concentration technique. The effects of freeze concentration on the physicochemical properties, the efficiency of the process, color parameters, and the density and dynamic viscosity of human milk were assessed. The freeze concentration technology was used to successfully concentrate human milk to a factor equal to 180.48% and 72% of total solid retention in the second stage of freeze concentration. The values observed in the concentrates for the biochemical properties showed that the fraction of concentrated fluid human milk of the second stage (C2) presented elevated amounts of carbohydrates, protein and energy. The elevated caloric value observed in the ice fraction of the first stage (I1) refers to the retention of lipids in it. When added to human milk, C2 and I1 may satisfy the special requisites of nutrients and energy to guarantee the growth and development of preterm neonates.

Breast Milk:Its Role in Early Development of the Immune System and Long-Term Health

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition that provides the energy and nutrients needed for the ideal growth and development of newborns and infants. Besides, breast milk includes various bioactive compounds, which protects infants against infectious agents and antigens and contributes to immune maturation, organ development and microbial colonization. Breast milk is dynamic;the composition of the nutrients and the content of immunological active compounds may change in each stage of lactation. During the early stages of lactation, biological and immunological active compounds provide additional support to the development of the neonatal immune system. After these stages, the composition of breast milk continues to provide appropriate energy and nutrients according to the infant needs, in order to protect neonatal immune system and maintain the development and growth of infants. Immunological maturation during the fetal life and the first months of life is provided by immunoglobulins in breast milk, which are among the most important immune protective factors and transferred to infants through breastfeeding. Due to their biological characteristics, Secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) antibodies are the most important antibodies in breast milk, which provide the first defense against the antigens in the intestines of infants. In addition to antibodies, enzymes, including active leukocytes, cytokines, oligosaccharides, lactoferrin, lysozyme and lactoperoxidase, as well as biological and immunological factors, such as hormones, growth factors, bioactive peptides, nucleotides and fatty acids are transferred to infants through breastfeeding. There is now a growing body of evidence suggesting that breastfeeding protects infants against many infections such as gastrointestinal system and respiratory tract infections, strengthens immune system and provides protective effects against allergic and autoimmune diseases in later life.

Application of UPLC-MS/MS Method for Analyzing B-vitamins in Human Milk

Objective To determine ten B-vitamins in human milk by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS）. Methods The pretreated human milk samples were adequately separated and quantified within 11 min by UPLC-MS/MS with an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column （2.1×100 mm, 1.8 μm）. The mobile phase was a gradient of 2.5 mmol/L ammonium formate aqueous solution and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.35 mL/min. Stable isotope internal standards were used in the analysis, to correct for the method variability, including matrix and ionization effects. The homogenized human milk samples were deproteinzed using methanol, unknown contaminants were extracted with diethyl ether and hydrophobic phase was discarded. The analytes were monitored via ESl＋ionization and detected in multiple reaction monitoring （MRM） with three acquisition functions. Results Calibration curves ranged from 0.5-160 ng/mL （thiamin, riboflavin, biotin, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, pyridoxamine, pyridoxal）, and 2.5-800 ng/mL （pantothenic acid, FAD and nicotinamide） （R^2=0.990-0.999）. The relative recovery ranged from 80.1% to 120.2%; accuracy was determined to be 98.3% to 108.0%. Intra-day and inter-day variation were 3.4%-19.9% and 5.9%-18.1%, respectively. The limit of quantification （LOQ） for all vitamins was between 0.25 and 3 lag/L. Conclusion This method was successfully applied for simultaneous analysis of ten B-vitamins in human milk.

Lymphocyte subsets predictive value and possible involvement of human papilloma virus infection on breast cancer molecular subtypes

AIM To detect human papilloma virus(HPV) presence and to characterize cellular immune response in breast cancer patients. METHODS A total of 74 women were included, of which 48 samples were from patients diagnosed with breast cancer and 26 patients with benign pathology of the breast. Molecular subtype classification was performed based on the immunohistochemical reports of the tumor piece. HPV genome detection and genotyping from fresh breast biopsies was performed using the INNO-LIPA HPV Genotyping Extra test(Innogenetics, Ghent, Belgium). CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and natural killer(NK)+ cells levels from peripheral blood samples from patients with breast cancer and benign pathology were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS Luminal A was the most frequent breast cancer molecular subtype(33.33%). HPV was detected in 25% of the breast cancer patients, and genotype 18 was the most frequent in the studied population. The mean of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations were decreased in patients with breast cancer, in relation to those with benign pathology, with a statistically significant difference in CD8+ values(P = 0.048). The mean of NK+ cells was increased in the benign pathology group. The average level of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and NK+ cells decreased as the disease progressed. HER2+ and Luminal B HER2+ tumors had the lowest counts of cell subsets. HPV breast cancer patients had elevated counts of cellular subsets. CONCLUSION Determining level changes in cellular subsets in breast cancer patients is a useful tool to evaluate treatment response.

Cytotoxicity screening of Melastoma malabathricum extracts on human breast cancer cell lines in vitro

Objective:To screen the cytotoxic activity of Melasloma malabathricum(M,malubathricum)against human breast carreer cell line(MCF-7)in vitro.Methods:A three steps extraction protocol using n-hexane,chloroform and methanol as the solvents systems was carried out on leaves,stems and flowers of M.nalabathricum.Dimethyl sulfoxide was used in extracts dilution and serial dilutions were conducted to obtain five different extract concentrations(100μg/mL,50μg/mL,25μg/mL,123μg/rnL and 6.25μg/mL).The evaluation of cell growth was determined using methylene blue assay.Results:Methanol extract from the leaves showed significant anticancer activity against MCF-7cell lines with the TC_(50)value of 7.14μg/ml while methanol and chloroform extract from the flowers exhibited a moderate activity towards MCF-7 cell line,with the IC_(50)value of 33.63μg/mL and 45.76μg/mL respectively after 72 h of treatment.Conclusions:The extracts from leaves and flowers of M.nulabatkricum showed promising anticancer activity toward human breast cancer cell lines with the lowest IC_(50)at 7.14μg/mL while the extracts from stems showed less growth inhibition activity.

Assay of ghrelin concentration in infant formulas and breast milk

AIM: To test if total ghrelin is present in infant formulas. METHODS: Using a radioimmunoassay, we measured total ghrelin concentrations in 19 samples of commercial infant formulas and in 20 samples of human milk. We also determined ghrelin concentration in the serum of infants and lactating mothers. RESULTS: Ghrelin concentrations were significantly higher in artificial milk (2007.1 ± 1725.36 pg/mL) than in human milk (828.17 ± 323.32 pg/mL) (P = 0.005). The mean ghrelin concentration in infant serum (n = 56) was 1115.86 ± 42.89 pg/mL, and was significantly higher (P = 0.023) in formula-fed infants (1247.93 ± 328.07 pg/mL) than in breast-fed infants (1045.7 ± 263.38 pg/mL). The mean serum ghrelin concentration (mean ± SD) in lactating mothers (n = 20) was 1319.18 ± 140.18 pg/mL. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that total ghrelin is present in infant formulas. This findingraises diverse questions regarding the uptake, absorption and metabolic effects of this hormone.

Individual and Combined Effects of Nucleotides and Human Milk Oligosaccharides on Proliferation, Apoptosis and Necrosis in a Human Fetal Intestinal Cell Line

Nucleotides (NT) and human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) individually affect epithelial cell growth, but their combined effects had not been studied. Herein, the impact of NT and HMO on cell proliferation, apoptosis, necrosis and cell cycle in the fetal epithelial cell line (FHs-74 Int) was determined. Cells were incubated with media containing 2.5% FBS and no epidermal growth factor (Control);fucosyllactose (FL) mix [85% 2’FL/15% 3’FL], sialyllactose (SL) mix [40% 6’SL/10% 3’SL/50% sialic acid (SA)] or LNnT at 125, 250, 500 or 1000 μg/mL with and without 250 μg/mL NT (43% CMP, 18.5% UMP, 16.4% AMP, and 22.0% GMP) for 24 or 72 h. NT alone significantly increased proliferation, but did not affect cell cycle or apoptosis/necrosis. All HMO treatments at 1000 μg/mL significantly decreased proliferation and some were also inhibitory at 250 or 500 μg/mL. When NT and HMO were simultaneously added, NT ameliorated the anti-proliferative effect of HMO. FL significantly increased cells in S phase and SL and LNnT treatments significantly increased cells in G2/M and S phases, which concomitantly decreased cells in G0/G1. HMO with NT significantly decreased the percent of cells in the G2/M phase compared to HMO alone. Higher HMO doses significantly increased the percentage of apoptotic and necrotic cells compared to control. In conclusion, HMO reduced cell proliferation and this effect is partially ameliorated by NT. It appears that HMO initially induced apoptosis/necrosis, which was later evidenced by G2/M cell cycle arrest and decreased proliferation.

18β-glycyrrhetinic Acid-induced Apoptosis and Relation with Intracellular Ca^2＋ Release in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells

Objective:To study the effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on proliferation inhibition, apop totic induction, and the relationship between GA-induced apoptosis and intracellular Ca2+ concentration in human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) cells. Methods: After MCF-7 cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 50 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L for 24 h, cell viability of proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. After the cells were treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L GA for 24 h, the rates of cell apoptosis were examined by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling method and flow cytometry with Annexin V/propidium iodide fluorescent stain. After the cells treated with 150 μmol/L GA for 24 h, intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured by Fure-2 fluorescein load method. Results: After the cells were treated with GA at the concentrations from 100 μmol/L to 250 μmol/L, the rates of proliferative inhibition were increased significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in a dose dependent fashion. IC50 of the proliferation inhibition was 234.33 μmol/L. Treated with 100 μmol/L, 150 μmol/L, and 200 μmol/L, the rates of cell apoptosis were increased significantly (P<0.01). Intracellular Ca2+ concentration after treatment with GA was higher evidently than that of control (P<0.05). Conclusion: 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid has the effects of the proliferation inhibition and the apoptotic induction on MCF-7 cells. The rise of intracellular Ca2+ level may be depended on apoptosis induced by GA in MCF-7 cells.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Enhance Innate Immunity to Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza <i>in Vitro</i>

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) contribute to innate immunity by enhancing growth of beneficial bacteria, epithelial cell maturation and mucosal barrier integrity. They have immunomodulatory effects and can block pathogen binding to host cell surface glycans or receptors. We investigated the effects of 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL), 6’-sialyllactose (6’SL), 3’-sialyllactose (3’SL) and lacto-N-neoTetraose (LNnT) on human respiratory epithelial cell lines or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following respiratory viral infectionin vitro. Expression of cytokines and viral load were monitored in infected cells. These biomarkers of innate immunity were selected since viral load and cytokine levels (IP-10, MIP-1α, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) have been correlated with disease severity in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (IAV) virus infectionin vivo. 2’FL significantly decreased RSV viral load and cytokines associated with disease severity (IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α) and inflammation (TNF-α, MCP-1) in airway epithelial cells. LNnT and 6’SL significantly decreased IAV viral load in airway epithelial cells. 6’SL dose-dependently down-regulated IP-10 and TNF-α in RSV infected PBMCs. HMO at or below levels found in breast milk enhance innate immunity to respiratory viruses in vitro and may interact directly with cells to modulate biomarkers of innate immunity.

EGFR antisense RNA blocks expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor and partially reverse the malignant phenotype of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

The effects of human EGFR to the malignant phenotype of human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 were investigated experimentally. A retroviral vector containing a 5'1350bp fragment of the human EGFR cDNA in the antisense orientation was transfected into targeted cells by lipofectamine. The effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle and adherent ability to extracellular matrix (ECM) components were studied after the expression of antisense transcripts to EGFR 5'1350bp fragment in target cells. In vitro studies showed that the growth ability of the transfected cells was partialy inhibited in comparison to parental cells and to cells transfected with the plasmid containing the neomycin resistance gene only. It was found that EGF (10ng/ml) had an augmenation effect on the growth of transfected MDA-AS10 cells but not MDA-MB-231 cells.Flow cytometric analysis showed that the cell cycle of the transfected cells was abnormal with a decrease of cells in G2/M and S phases and an increase of cells in G1 phase,indicating a blockage in phase G1. Immunofluorescence of EGFR expression in transfectants stained with an antiEGFR antibody was decreased and their growth in soft agarose was also severely impaired. The transfected cells showed less adherence to laminin (LN) and fibronectin (FN). In short, EGFR antisense RNA decreases the expression of EGFR on MDA-MB-231 cells and partially reverses their malignant phenotype as well.Effects of antisense EGFR on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Application of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(PEG-rhG-CSF) for the prevention of neutropenia in triple negative breast cancer patients older than 65 years during adjuvant chemotherapy

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(PEG-rhG-CSF)and recombinant human granulocyte colonystimulating factor(rhG-CSF)for the prevention of neutropenia in elderly breast cancer patients during adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods A total of 45 oncology inpatients with breast cancer,who received adjuvant chemotherapy and were older than 65 years from May 2017 to October 2018 in the General Hospital of the Northern Theater of the Chinese people’s Liberation Army,were included.Epirubivin Cyclophoshamide-Docetaxel(EC-T)sequential adjuvant chemotherapy was chosen.Forty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups;25 patients in the treatment group were treated with PEG-rhG-CSF and 20 patients in the control group were not treated with PEG-rhG-CSF,but only rhG-CSF.The experimental group was treated with the PEG-rhG-CSF at the end of chemotherapy for 24–48 h,with a 6 mg subcutaneous injection once per chemotherapy cycle.In the control group,rhG-CSF was administered after 48 h of chemotherapy,with a 100μg subcutaneous injection,1/d,d 1–7.The dosage could be increased step by step with the exacerbation of neutropenia.The primary aims of this study was to discover the incidence of leukopenia,neutropenia,neutrophilic fever,and adverse reactions in the two groups.Results The incidence of neutropenia,neutrophilic fever and adverse reactions decreased in the treatment group compared to the control group,but no significant difference existed between two groups(P>0.05).Patients in treatment group had a lower,but not statistically significant,incidence of adverse reactions(P>0.05).Conclusion Applying PEG-rhG-CSF could be effective in preventing neutropenia in elderly patients with postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy to treat breast cancer.It may effectively control the occurrence of neutropenia after chemotherapy and reduce the chance of infection.The incidence of side effects,such as fever and bone pain,was low.The adverse drug reactions were well tolerated by patients,which could ensure the smooth progress of chemotherapy.