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Milk cell gene expression of mothers with low breast milk production
Author(s) -
Geddes Donna T.,
Twigger AleciaJane,
Savigni Donna L.,
Kent Jacqueline C.,
Kakulas Foteini
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.457.6
Subject(s) - lactation , breast milk , biology , breastfeeding , gene expression , gene , mammary gland , andrology , receptor , endocrinology , medicine , pregnancy , genetics , breast cancer , biochemistry , pathology , cancer
Perceived or actual low milk supply is the leading cause of early breastfeeding cessation worldwide. Monitoring 24 hour milk production profiles can help diagnose low milk production which may be improved with pumping regimes and support. Despite this, some cases of low milk production persist. Human milk cells are increasingly being utilised to provide non‐invasive access to mammary epithelial cells allowing investigations into lactocyte characteristics and metabolism. Problem Statement The molecular mechanisms behind impaired lactation in the female mammary gland are not well understood. Procedures/Data/Observations This study examines human milk cell gene expression from 12 participants with low milk production profiles (<600 mL in 24 hrs) and 14 participants with normal production profiles (>600 mL in 24 hrs). Genes (n=28) were examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and were representative of progenitor and myoepithelial cells and lactocytes, as well as genes identified as intrinsic to milk production. Students t‐test was used to compare gene expression between the two groups. Alternatively, Welch's t‐test was used in the case of unequal variances as determined by Bartlett's test. Results Initial analysis found cells isolated from women with low milk production showed significantly lower expression of the genes estrogen related receptor beta (ESRRB, p=0.027) and neurotrophin receptors sortilin (SORT, p=0.010) and tyrosine receptor kinase 2 splice variant 1 (TRKB1, p=0.007) and higher expression of a progenitor marker (REX1, p=0.025) compared with cells isolated from women with normal production. Conclusions Preliminary findings suggest variations in cell signalling and function, examined through gene expression that might contribute to low milk production. Further investigations will potentially determine significant roles of key genes enabling successful human lactation. Support or Funding Information This research was funded by an unrestricted research grant from Medela AG.