In:
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Wiley, Vol. 25, No. 3 ( 2014-05), p. 257-263
Abstract:
The infant gut's ability to suppress immunologic reactions to food proteins could be influenced by levels of TGF β in breast milk. We hypothesized that lower levels of TGF β 1 in the breast milk ( BM ) of mothers in the WHEALS birth cohort are associated with atopy at infant age 2–3 yrs. Methods We used data collected during infancy in addition to the results of skin prick tests ( SPT +) and measures of specific IgE 〉 0.35 IU/ml (spIgE) to milk, egg, and peanut at infant age 2–3 years. Infants were classified as food allergic ( FA ) based on parental report of infant symptoms/diagnoses and information from clinical assessments. Results Data for 304 cohort members were analyzed. Among non‐black infants, BM‐TGFβ 1 was lower for those classified as FA (vs. no FA) and those SPT+ (vs., SPT‐), geometric mean = 1100 pg/ml vs. 1417pg/ml, p = 0.081; and 1100 pg/ml vs. 1415pg/ml, p = 0.064, respectively. Among infants of non‐atopic mothers, BM‐TGFβ 1 was lower for those with elevated (vs. not elevated) sIgE , geometric mean = 1347 pg/ml vs. 1651 pg/ml, p = 0.047. Using logistic regression, adjusted odds ratios describing the association of BM‐TGFβ 1 to the presence of atopic indicators in the infant were in the hypothesized direction only for non‐black infants of non‐atopic mothers: aOR s for FA, sIgE and SPT+ were 0.08, 0.34, and 0.26 respectively; p = 0.091, 0.13, and 0.23. Conclusion Immune benefit of BM ‐ TGF β 1 could inform prevention strategies. Evidence of an association appears greatly influenced by infant race and maternal atopy. More research can determine if these relationships represent a modifiable risk factor for the development of food allergy in certain subgroups.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0905-6157
,
1399-3038
DOI:
10.1111/pai.2014.25.issue-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2014
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2008584-9
