Determination of colostrum immunoglobulin a,immunoglobulin M concentrations and oxidative capacity, effect of maternal age, parity and infant gender in the first day of lactation

Colostrum contains consantrated immunoglobulins, antioxidants and many other immune components and it is a life supporting liquid for the first defense of neonates. The aims of this study were to determine level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), oxidative stress index (OSI), concentration of IgA and IgM in the colostrum from mothers, which is taken in the first day of lactation and at times between 10:00-12:00 a.m. It was also aimed if there is any relationship between all these parameters and maternal age, maternal parity and infant gender. The analysis was performed in serum samples of colostrum, which were collected from 90 mothers. Values of TAC, TOC and OSI were measured using an automatic analyzer with kits. IgA and IgM measurements were performed using commercially available IgA and IgM kits by fully automated nephelometry. With data obtained from this study, relationship between levels of TAC, TOC, OSI in the first 24 hours of lactation and maternal age, parity and infant gender and also concantrations of IgA and IgM could change dependency on the gender of the infant have for the first time been documented. But, mothers of 18 to 30 years old ages have significantly lower colostrum TOC and OSI level compared with the mother of older than 30 years old age. IgA and IgM values of primiparous mother?s colostrum significantly higher than those in multiparous mothers, while there were no correlation between the age of the mother and concentration of IgA and IgM. Also significantly higher colostrum IgA, and IgM values were obtained in the female infants fed colostrum than male?s fed. Keywords: Breast milk, Colostrum, Immunoglobulin, Total oxidant, Total antioxidant.