Influence of smoking on human milk tumor necrosis factor-[alpha], interleukin-1[beta], and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels at postpartum seventh day

• Published in: Pediatrics international 2009-12, Vol.51 (6), p.821
• Main Authors: Ermis, Bahri, Yildirim, Abdulkadir, Tastekin, Ayhan, Ors, Rahmi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Breastfeeding & lactation; Effects; Milk; Pregnancy; Smoking
• ISSN: 1328-8067; 1442-200X
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-200X.2009.02864.x

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on human milk interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels at the postpartum seventh day. Forty-four mothers (age range: 21-34 years) were enrolled in the study. Mothers were interviewed and classified according to their smoking status into one of two groups: the smoking mothers ( n = 21) and the nonsmoking mothers ( n = 23). There were no significant differences between study groups with respect to human milk interleukin-1β ( P = 0.12) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels ( P = 0.83). However, TNF-α levels were found to be significantly lower in the smoking mothers compared with the controls ( P = 0.002). This study shows that maternal smoking during pregnancy affects the levels of TNF-α in milk. The protective effect of human milk against infections seems to be impaired in smoking mothers. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]