Stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme in human milk at various temperatures and duration of storage

@#Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the first six months, is essential for infants as it provides nutrition and protection against various diseases. Colostrum, which is found in the first breast milk produced, contains various protective factors, such as lactoferrin and lysozyme. Human milk can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or kept frozen. Several factors affect the stability of the bioactive content in human milk, such as temperature and storage time. The aim of this study was to measure the stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme levels in human milk during the first six hours (h) at different temperatures and compare it with that of frozen human milk. Methods: Human milk samples were obtained from 11 breastfeeding mothers using certain criteria. The human milk was stored at room temperature and 4°C for 1, 3, and 6 h and classified as never frozen, while frozen human milk was stored at -20°C for 1, 3, and 6 days. Measurement of the lactoferrin and lysozyme levels was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results showed that storage at room temperature significantly reduced lactoferrin and lysozyme levels. Lactoferrin levels in frozen human milk did not significantly decrease during the first six days. Meanwhile, the lysozyme levels in frozen human milk decreased significantly. Conclusion: The levels of lactoferrin and lysozyme in frozen human milk stored for the first six days were more stable than those stored at room temperature and 4°C in the first 6 h.

Herbal Medicine from Single Clove Garlic Oil Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Oxidative Status in High Fat Diet Mice

@#Introduction: High fat diet (HFD) can cause lipid accumulation and contribute to various metabolic disorders. Single clove garlic oil (SCGO) has advantages over regular garlic due to its higher amounts of organosulfide compounds in particular. This study aimed to determine the ability of SCGO extract to ameliorate hepatic steatosis and improve oxidative status by modulating expression of tumour necrosis factor α and superoxide dismutase in mice fed a HFD. Methods: Twenty-four adult male Balb/C mice were divided into six groups: i) normal diet; ii) positive control diet; iii) negative control diet; and iv) HFD with SCGO at 12.5 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg BW); v) HFD with SCGO at 25 mg/kg BW, vi) HFD with SCGO at 50 mg/kg BW. Liver weight and morphology, spleen weight, serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), TNF-α expression in the aorta and lipid profiles were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Results: SCGO treatment was associated with significant decreases in liver and spleen weight as well as amelioration of hepatic steatosis. SCGO treatment also decreased TNF-α levels and expression. Serum levels of SOD in the SCGO groups were significantly increased compared with the negative control group. Lipid profiles were improved in the SCGO treatment groups compared with the negative control group. Conclusion: SCGO as an herbal medicine could be an effective treatment for degenerative disorders caused by HFD.