Cellular Components of Breast Milk
General Cellular Components of Breast Milk
Breast milk is most commonly known as a source of nutrition for an infant; however it also provides cellular components that help the baby grow and obtain ideal function. Breast milk must contain a variety of cellular components to provide nutrition, immunity, and a variety of other functions. Some of the basic contents of breast milk include proteins, fats, glucose and vitamins to provide nutritional support for the infant. Other components of breast milk include antibodies, growth factors, hormones, and cytokines to provide for all the infants needs as it grows. Out of the cellular components of breast milk such as epithelial cells, lymphocytes, phagocytes, and colostral corpuscles, a variety of stem cells and progenitor cells were found (Indumathi, Dhanasekaran, Rajkumar, & Sudarsanam, 2012).
Stem Cell Presence in Breast Milk
A variety of specific stem cells were found in breast milk including
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hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and myoepithelial progenitor cells (Indumathi, Dhanasekaran, Rajkumar, & Sudarsanam, 2012). The presence of the stem cells in the breast milk varied widely between samples obtained, but the composition of breast milk is subject to change frequently based on the mother's stage of lactation, her health status, the permeability of her basement membranes, breast fullness, and the specific needs of the infant. Stem cells, and general cellular components, are found in the largest quantities during the initial milk flow of colostrum and in the thick milk that follows in the first few days of lactation (Hassiotou, Geddes, & Hartmann, 2013). Despite the variation of the amount of stem cells found in the breast milk, human breast milk stem cells (hBSC) were consistently found across samples of various women in a variety of cultures (Hassiotou, et al., 2012). Purpose of Breast Milk Stem Cells A large portion of the stem cells found in breast milk are derived from the mammary stem cells which the breast created as it underwent remodeling to become a secretory organ.
The cells that the breast tissue created to remodel itself are then passed through the breast into the milk and then through the milk to the baby. Leukocytes can transfer across from the digestive tract into systemic circulation, and this ability to cross the digestive tract is believed to be true of hBSCs as well. Hassiotou et al., 2012). Once ingested, the stem cells are able to cross into circulation and then engraft into various tissues and organs. The stem cells allow the infant to maintain homeostasis as well as develop, grow, repair, and regenerate. Stem cells have a very similar role in adults allowing tissue to repair and regenerate as necessary. It is the ability to repair and regenerate that makes stem cells appealing for therapeutic use (Fan, Chong, Choolani, Cregan, & Chan, 2010; Hassioutou et al.,
2013). Production of Stem Cells Differential Abilities Stem cells are cells that have not yet been differentiated into one specific cell type, but maintain the possibility of dividing into multiple cells of varying cell type. Stem cells have designations based on their abilities to differentiate and multiply. Totipotent cells have the ability to differentiate into all cell types including a functional organism. Pluripotent stem cells have the ability to differentiate into all cell types, excluding a functional organism. Multipotent stem cells have a limited ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types and are often referred to as progenitor cells (Hassiotu et al., 2012). Both pluripotent and multipotent stem cells have been found in breast milk (Serakinci & Keith, 2006). In the body stem cells naturally differentiate into a variety of cells and cell types based on the body’s needs. Research on the ability of stem cells to differentiate outside of the body showed that hBSCs were able to successfully differentiate into a variety of cells. The stem cells were placed into a variety of differential mediums including those for neural, pancreatic, hepatic, osteoblastic, and cardiac cells. The stem cells mimicked the natural ability to differentiate inside the body in the artificially derived conditions by differentiating into the specific cell types of the medium they were placed in (Hassiotou et al., 0012). Cellular Identification Cell markers are used to identify specific cell populations present in breast milk. Stem cell markers are determined by the types of molecules that bind to the receptor sites on the cell. Stem cells can also be identified by cytokeratin (CK) markers. Flow cytometry was employed to evaluate the cell constitution of breast milk. Flow cytometry evaluated the milk for the quantity and the characteristics of the milk’s cellular components. Stem cells were found in varying amounts by their specific stem cell markers (Fan et al., 2010). The varying levels of stem cell markers might directly relate to the amount of those specific stem cells in breast milk. It is also possible that some populations of hBSCs have lowered levels of marker expression compared to other populations of hBSCs and compared to the typical expression seen in adult stem cells. It is likely a combination of less stem cells and varying expression that are key to the differing presence of stem cells in breast milk samples (Hassiotou et al., 2012). Stem Cell Research Adult and Embryonic Stem Cells Adult stem cells are different from embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells have more pluripotent abilities, but adult stem cells have more multipotent potential, with a much smaller fraction of pluripotent cells. The cellular differences give embryonic research an advantage over adult stem cell research. Embryonic stem cells have been found useful in research because of their ability to both self-renew and differentiate into cells of all three germ layers. Adult stem cells were not believed to have the ability to differentiate into cells outside of the tissue or organ from which they were harvested. However, it was recently discovered that some adult stem cells have the ability to also differentiate into cell types outside of their originating tissue when influenced under the correct growth conditions (Hassiotu et al., 2012). Adult stem cells found in breast milk have shown both multipotent and pluripotent potential. Mammary stem cells have shown to be pluripotent, even after regeneration (Fan et al., 2010). This makes breast milk stem cell research a feasible alternative to embryonic stem cell research. In comparison to general adult stem cell research, breast milk is a non-invasive source of stem cells that are easy to obtain (Cogle, Guthrie, Sanders, & Allen, 2003; Serakinci & Keith, 2006). Embryonic Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell (ESC) research is the current popular method of stem cell research. ESC research is one of the most appealing methods of stem cell research because embryonic stem cells have the ability to self-renew and the ability to differentiate into a variety of cell types. Transcription factors (TFs) found in embryonic stem cells are responsible for the attribute of self-renewal (Hassiotu et al., 2012). However the use of ESCs does not come with hindrance. The moral implications of using an embryo for research have caused a heated debate. Embryonic potential for human life has led many to discourage the use of embryos in research. Stem cell research of breast milk stem cells also holds a solution to the moral/ethical dilemma. Breast milk is a readily available source of stem cells that hold both multipotent and pluripotent abilities without the constraints and restrictions of embryonic research (Murdoch, 2012). Compatibility of Breast Milk Stem Cells for Stem Cell Research Similarities between Embryonic and Breast Milk Stem Cells The presence of pluripotent stem cells in milk suggests potential use of these cells in stem cell research. Human breast milk stem cells are similar to embryonic stem cells which provide a predominant avenue for stem cell research. Human breast milk stem cells have shown similar phenotype, morphology, and functionality as embryonic stem cells. When human breast milk stem cells were evaluated for their ability to self-renew it was found that they expressed several of the same TFs that were seen in embryonic stem cells; indicating hBSC ability to self-renew comparable to that of ESCs (Hassiotu et al., 2012). These similarities are promising for the use of breast milk stem cells in a research manner similar to that of embryos (Twigger, Hodgetts, Filgueira, Hartmann, & Hassiotou, 2013). Beneficial Differences between Embryonic and Breast Milk Stem Cells Differences between the ESC and hBSC also are encouraging to show the potential use of hBSC in stem cell research. The differences in ease and ethical consideration for procurement make hBSC a better option for stem cell research. Also the ability that hBSCs show to control cellular division reduces safety consideration for potential stem cell therapy research. One difference between the deferential ability of the ESCs and hBSCs is that the ESCs continue to divide uncontrollably, as seen in the teratoma essay test, whereas hBSC showed the ability to control their division. Although this difference was originally thought to discount the ability of hBSCs, it is now considered a large potential benefit. hBSCs show the ability to self-regulate their division rates which decreases the risk for tumor formation making this a safer option for stem cell therapy. Adult stem cells show the ability to self-regulate division under healthy conditions, but embryonic stem cells do not. hBSCs show the mature ability to control division, as seen in adult stem cells, while still maintaining the ESC ability to differentiate into stem cells of all three germ layers (Hassiotou et al., 0012). Tumor formation of ESCs make them a less desirable medium to use in therapeutic treatments. The potential ability of hBSC in regenerative therapy and tissue-specific transplantation, still requires further research for compatibility, but holds promise. However, hBSCs have the ability to be currently considered as an appropriate medium for stem cell research (Hassiotou et al., 2012). Healthcare Implications The healthcare field hopes to be able to harness the stem cell research in a therapeutic manner. The desired outcome is that stem cell therapies will eventually be able to treat, cure, or manage disease such as hematopoietic, neurological, cardiovascular, and bone disorders. Breast milk stem cell presence allows for continued and possibly preferred methods of stem cell research to develop these therapies (Trounson, 2009). Human breast milk stem cells have already shown an ability to differentiate well into cells that function in a manner very similar to pancreatic beta islet cells and hepatocytes. They were able to produce insulin and albumin respectively, suggesting the potential for these specific stems cells to be used in diabetes and liver disease (Hassioutou et al., 2013). Also the use of autologous stem cell therapy would be very plausible for mothers, allowing them to use their own stem cells reducing the immune reactions that are often seen during stem cell therapies (Cedar, 2006).
Stem cells are the building blocks of the human body. Embryos consist of unspecialized stem cells that transform into the various specialized cells in the body such as cardiac, muscle or bone cells. Fetuses also have stem cells. However, the stem cells are divided into types like muscle, bone or nerves and don't perform a specialized function. Surprisingly, adult bodies also contain stem cells. In adults, stem cells are undifferentiated but limited to specific tissue type. When needed, the stem cells transform into the cells needed for repair and maintenance. The most common source of adult stem cells is bone marrow. Researchers also acquire stem cells from umbilical cords. Without stem cells, embryos could not develop into fetuses and adult
With today’s economy everyone is trying to manage their money and ways of cutting unnecessary spending. Which could lead a mother to choose breastfeeding her infant. Breastfeeding is free and it provides the infant with antibodies passed from the mother to help lower the risk of many medical conditions. Breast milk is often referred to as the "perfect food" for a human baby's digestive system because breast milk is easily digested by a newborn's immature system. (2). Breast milk is easily digested so that breastfed babies have fewer occurrences of diarrhea or constipation (2).
Similarly, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics also advocates breastfeeding for the nutritional health of infants as well as for many other benefits it provides both infant and mother. Breast milk excels as a source of nutrients for infants that promote infant health and development throughout the first year of life. The main carbohydrate in breast milk is lactose which is easily digested and enhances calcium absorption. The carbohydrate component of breastmilk also contains abundant oligosaccharides, which are present only in trace amounts in cow milk. These oligosaccharides help protect infants from infections by preventing the binding of pathogens to the intestinal cells. The amount of protein is less than in cow’s milk but is beneficial as it places less stress on the infant’s immature kidneys to excrete urea. Much of the protein in breast milk is alpha-lactalbumin; a major protein in human breast milk, as opposed of casein, a major protein in cow’s milk, which is easily digested and absorbed (Whitney & Rolfes, 2016, p.
Stem cells have the ability to transform into any kind of cell. These cells can divide and also replenish other cells in the body, such as muscle cells, brain cells, red blood cells, or they may just simply remain as stem cells. Stem cells are able to replicate even after long periods of dormancy. They naturally repair damaged tissues and can be experimentally induced to work with particular tissues and organs (NIH, 2013).
This article goes over the different immunological properties that are found in breast milk and how they affect the mother and infant. There is also information on how the mother’s milk helps develop the immune system of her infant through breast feeding. The author is currently researching maternal health and the development of infants at the Women & Children’s Health Research Institute and holds a Ph.D. The sources that she cites in her article are credible sources, which makes her article credible also. I will be using this article to support my claim on the health benefits an infant receives from breastfeeding.
Stem cells help us to maintain and heal our bodies, as they are undifferentiated cells, their roles are not yet determined. They have the ability to become anything during early life and growth. Stem cells come from two sources, namely: embryonic stem cells (embryo’s formed during the blastocyst phase of embryological development) and adult stem cells (see figure 3).
benefits for both the mother and the child. Many researchers have concluded that breast milk helps improve overall infant health and reduces risks of some diseases and cancers for the infant as well as the mother. According to Newman and Pitman, there are numerous health benefits for a breastfed infant. They describe that breast milk contains anti-bodies that keep a child from getting ill, and that the milk’s composition changes as the child grows to better protect and benefit the immune system and growth of the child (Newman, Pitman 19). The most immediate health benefit for the infant is the reduction of the chances of an infant dying from sudden infant death syndrome, more commonly known as SIDS or crib death (Newman, Pitman 11). More long term benefits are reductions for the chances of a child developing diabetes, asthma and other respiratory diseases, ear infections, and even cancer development during childhood. There is also evidence of a reduced chance of a breastfed child developing Crohn’s disease or forms of heart disease, as well as minor health problems such as allergies and eczema (Newman, Pitman 11-12). Newman and Pitman also write that children who were breastfed show signs of more enhanced brain development and tend to score higher on tests than those children who were formula fed, due to the fact that breast milk is made for humans by humans and therefore already contains the nutrients that are essential to brain development (10). As is the case with infants, breastfeeding also contributes to health benefits for the mother. In an article published in the Journal of Women’s Health, God...
“Breastmilk contains omega 3 fatty acids, these are needed for the growth and development of the baby's brains” (Byrnes). Some mothers who breastfeed may worry if their baby is getting enough milk. Those mothers are told if the baby is gaining weight, then the baby is getting enough milk. Breastfeeding may be painful for the first few days after giving birth, but the first few days, the milk that comes out, is the most important for the baby. The amount of fat the baby gets is based on how long the mother nurses. Proteins in breast milk make breastmilk easier to digest than formula. Sugars in the breast milk provide energy for the baby. The National Immunization Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2005, revealed that 72% of American babies were breastfed at birth and 39% were still breastfed at six months
“Commercially prepared infant formulas are a nourishing alternative to breast milk, and even contains vitamins and nutrients that breastfed infants need to get from supplements (Pearl, E., 2015). Breastfeeding is proven to strengthen the immune system for children of all ages. While a mother nurses the infant, the mother passes down nutrients and antibodies from the milk the babies drink while nursing. Like immunizations building invulnerabilities for people destructive illnesses, breast milk gives additional antibodies to infants to help them. Nursing sessions are less demanding to retain and process the formula since it contains living development elements, hormones, and chemicals which help an infant to effectively process all healthy intake from each feeding (The Office on Women’s Health, 2012). Further, in creating nations, scientists found that for newborn children who were not breastfed have danger of dying from irresistible infections, in the primary month is six times more prominent than babies who were breastfed (Chen and Rogan, 2004). Children that are breastfed have less problems with digestive systems due to the breast milk, a standout amongst the most essential advantages of breast milk is the containing living parts, for example, contamination battling antibodies, white platelets, red platelets, and hostile to viral components (Taylor, 2013). All which are essential to the growth of a newborn's digestive system that formula does not
This paper focuses on the benefits of stem cell research in the medical and nursing field. New technology is always being created to help us understand the way the human body works, as well as ways to help us improve diseased states in the body. Our bodies have the ability to proliferate or regrow cells when damage is done to the cells. Take for example the skin, when an abrasion or puncture to the skin causes loss of our skin cells, the body has its own way of causing those cells to regrow. The liver, bone marrow, heart, brain, and muscle all have cells that are capable of differentiating into cells of that same type. These are called stem cells, and are a new medical tool that is helping regrow vital organs in our body to help us survive. Stem cells can come from adult cells, or the blastocyst of the embryo. The cells that come from these are undifferentiated, and can be specialized into certain cell types, making them available for many damaged tissues in the body. While using stem cells in the body is a main use, they are also being used to help doctors understand how disease processes start. By culturing these cells in the lab and watching them develop into muscles, nerve cells, or other tissues, researchers are able to see how diseases affect these cells and possibly discover ways to correct these diseases. While researchers have come very far in using stem cells, there are still many controversies to overcome when using these cells.
Breastfeeding has numerous benefits for a baby. An infant’s immune system is boosted when he or she drinks breastmilk because it is full of antibodies. Therefore,
Breastfeeding is the most protective, nutritional, and natural way to provide nourishment to infants. Human milk contains several nutrients including: vitamins, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and minerals. These nutrients are imperative for an infant’s developmental growth. Human milk also reduces the risk of developing morbidities, especially within premature infants. Premature infants, who are more prone to infection due their immune systems, benefit from human milk. Compared to artificial formulas, human milk provides antibodies and other beneficial nutrients to help with the development of the infant.
Is there any food on earth that can provide the PERFECT nutrition to a human? Yes, and it is breast milk. Breast milk is the perfect nutrition. This superior food contains hormones, live antibacterial and antiviral cells and essential fatty acids (What Makes Human Milk Special?, Mar-Apr 2006). All of which are helpful in protecting against any harm. Sicknesses in infants are lowered by the help that breast milk gives. Breastfed children are sick less often than children who aren’t breastfed (What Makes Human Milk Special?, Mar-Apr 2006). Breast milk contains all the nutrients that an infant needs as it continues to grow. When the child is brought into the world it has no way to fight off any d...
Human Breast Milk is touted as the perfected food for infants. There is extreme pressure placed on new mothers to nurse or feed expressed breast milk (EB) elusively for the first six months of life. The extreme of this can be defined by a group called La Lache League International.
Breast milk is made for the baby having just the right amount of protein, sugar, water, and fat that is needed for a baby’s growth and development. As breast milk is easier for newborn’s to digest than formal, it prevents intestinal upsets. Furthermore, breast milk includes substances such as immunoglobulin’s...