Preeclampsia alters milk neurotrophins and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids

•Higher milk DHA levels in mothers with preeclampsia up to 3.5 months of lactation.•Lower milk NGF levels in preeclampsia at 1.5 and 3.5 months of lactation.•Reduced milk BDNF levels in the preeclampsia at 1.5 months of lactation.

ObjectiveTo examine the levels of breast milk neurotrophins 1.5, 3.5, and 6 months of lactation and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) at day 3, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 6 months of lactation in mothers with preeclampsia and compare them with normotensive women. Their associations with growth parameters in children are also examined.MethodsWomen with preeclampsia (n = 101) and normotensive women (n = 144) with singleton pregnancies were recruited for this study. Milk samples were collected and anthropometry was recorded at the first 6 months. The LCPUFA composition of milk samples was analyzed by using gas chromatography at all time points and neurotrophins were analyzed at 1.5, 3.5 and 6 months by Emax Immuno Assay System using Promega kits.ResultsMilk DHA levels were higher at day 3 (9.5%), and 1.5 (23%) and 3.5 (40%) months in mothers with preeclampsia as compared to controls. Milk nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were lower in preeclampsia group as compared to control group at 1.5 (20%) and 3.5 months (27.7%). Milk brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were lower at 1.5 months (10.5%) in the preeclampsia group as compared to control group.ConclusionThe present study suggests that there is a differential regulation of DHA and neurotrophins in breast milk in preeclampsia and are associated with growth parameters of children. Future studies should explore the associations between milk LCPUFA, neurotrophins with neurodevelopment in children.