Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Cafuta, B.
Effects of Human Milk Oligosaccharides on neonatal outcomes
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2017. pp.
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Jantscher-Krenn Evelyn
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- Abstract:
- Background: Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are a group of highly active glycans with numerous beneficial effects in the breastfed infant. HMOs were found in the urine of pregnant woman and recently, they have been discovered in serum of pregnant mothers and in cord blood. We aimed to test the following hypotheses: 1) that maternal HMO concentration and composition is associated with fetal HMOs, 2) that maternal HMO concentration and composition have an influence on neonatal body composition, and 3) that fetal HMO concentration and composition are associated with neonatal body composition. Material and Methods: This diploma thesis was part of a longitudinal pilot study. A total of 39 women were included in this study held at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the Medical University of Graz. HMOs in maternal blood samples taken at midpregnancy (20-24 weeks) and fetal blood samples (arterial and venous cord blood) were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Infant body composition was assessed by air displacement plethysmography (PEAPOD) and by measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) thickness using an optical device (lipometer). Furthermore birth weight, length and Ponderal Index were measured. Results: No correlations were found between maternal and fetal HMOs. Furthermore, no correlations could be detected between maternal HMOs and neonatal outcomes. However, fetal HMOs were associated with several neonatal outcomes. Lacto-di-fuco-tetraose (LDFT) concentration in arterial (r=-0.54, p=0.014) as well as venous cord blood (r=-0.58, p=0.007) significantly correlated with birth weight. A significant correlation was found between 3`-Sialyllactose (3’SL) concentration in arterial and venous cord blood and total and upper SAT thickness. Arterial 3`SL concentration was also correlated with lower SAT. Conclusion: This might imply that fetal HMOs have affect neonatal body composition. Fetal HMOs and neonatal body composition could also be influenced by the same factors for example, maternal nutrition, maternal body composition or physical activity. These results provide the foundation for further research. It would be interesting to investigate associations of maternal HMOs later in pregnancy with neonate body composition. Furthermore, the association between fetal HMOs and neonatal outcomes should be examined in a larger study including possible confounders.