Human milk glycosaminoglycans
In: Handbook of dietary and nutritional aspects of human breast milkSearch for other papers by G. V. Coppa in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by O. Gabrielli in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by D. Buzzega in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by L. Zampini in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by F. Galeotti in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by T. Galeazzi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by L. Padella in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by F. Maccari in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by N. Volpi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are natural complex linear heteropolysaccharides able to regulate many cellular events and physiological processes due to their strong interactive capacity. This chapter focuses on recent comparative results on structural characterization of human and bovine milk GAGs also providing the first quantitative data on GAGs content both in term and preterm milk during the first month of lactation. Great differences exist between human and bovine milk. Chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS) differ considerably between the two types of milk. Hardly any DS is observed in human milk, on the contrary a low-sulfated CS is found in large amounts. Furthermore, structural analysis shows the prevalence of fast-moving heparin that accounts for ~30-40% of total GAGs in both milks. Hyaluronic acid is present in minor amounts. GAG content in human milk is about 7 times higher compared to bovine milk. During the first month of lactation total GAG concentration shows a progressive decrease both in term and preterm milks, with absolute amounts constantly and significantly higher in preterm milk. Breastfed infants ingest consistent amounts of GAGs daily, which, due to their particular structure, may play an active role in the defence mechanisms of the newborn. In fact, undigested human milk GAGs could play an important role as glycomimetics against several pathogens (viruses, bacteria and their toxins) through a receptor-like mechanism which prevents their adhesion to intestinal cells. Furthermore, human milk GAGs, due to their well-known antioxidant and antiflammatory activities, may play important defence roles. Once in the colon, they could be degraded by resident bacteria and, behaving as prebiotics, contribute to stimulate the development of the bifidigenic microflora.