Comparison of the Adhesion Molecule in Breast Milk According to Birth Age and Assessment of Adhesion Molecule Transition in the During First Three Months

Adhesion molecules contained in breast milk play an important role in the neonatal immune system. In this study, we aimed to determine the levels of adhesion molecules in the milk of term and preterm mothers and their changes over time. Mothers who gave birth at Gülhane Training and Research Hospital between June 2009 and November 2009 were included in this prospective study. Breast milk samples were collected from the mothers at 3 days, 15 days, 1 month and 3 months postpartum and the levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) were analysed. Of the total 40 cases, 20 were term (>37 weeks) and 20 were preterm (<37 weeks) mothers. sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were found to be higher in colostrum than in transitional and mature milk (p<0.05). While sICAM-1 levels were found to be higher in the milk of mothers who gave birth at term than in those who gave birth preterm, sVCAM-1 levels were found to be higher in mothers of preterm and low birth weight infants (p<0.05). Very low levels of sVCAM-1 were found in the breast milk of two infants with infection. Colostrum is an important part of the neonatal immune system because of the adhesion molecules it contains. Due to the deficiency in adhesion molecules in the milk of mothers of preterm babies, these babies are more susceptible to infections and their immune system may need to be supported.