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Black currant seed oil supplementation of mothers enhances IFN ‐γ and suppresses IL ‐4 production in breast milk
Author(s) -
Linnamaa Pia,
Nieminen Kaisa,
Koulu Leena,
Tuomasjukka Saska,
Kallio Heikki,
Yang Baoru,
Tahvonen Raija,
Savolainen Johannes
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/pai.12110
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , breast milk , atopic dermatitis , atopy , breast feeding , immune system , lactation , pregnancy , physiology , immunology , allergy , pediatrics , biology , biochemistry , genetics
Background The first year of infancy is crucial for the development of atopic immune response. Inadequate early T h1 and T reg responses and increased production of T h2 cytokines are associated with atopy. Breast milk contains several immunomodulatory cytokines and other factors that might influence the maturation of the infant's immune system. We assessed the cytokines in breast milk of mother of newborn infants and their associations with black currant seed oil ( BCSO ) supplementation during pregnancy, mother's atopic status and the development of infant's atopic dermatitis. Methods Mothers and infants from an intervention study by black currant seed oil (n = 31) or olive oil as placebo (n = 30) were included in the study. Breast milk samples were collected during the first 3 months of breastfeeding. Breast milk levels of IL ‐4, IL ‐5, IL ‐10, IL ‐12, IFN ‐γ and TNF were measured by Luminex technology. Results BCSO intervention group had decreased level of IL ‐4 (p = 0.044) and elevated level of IFN ‐γ (p = 0.014) in breast milk as compared to olive oil group. No significant differences were observed in IL ‐5, IL ‐10, IL ‐12 and TNF levels between the BCSO and olive oil groups. Mothers who had atopic dermatitis had significantly decreased levels of IL ‐10 (p = 0.044) in breast milk. Breast milk of the mothers of the children who developed atopic dermatitis had lower levels of IFN ‐γ (p = 0.039) as compared to the breast milk of the mothers of the children without dermatitis. Conclusion Dietary intervention with BCSO had immunomodulatory effects on breast milk cytokine production towards T h2 to T h1 immunodeviation.