Antibacterial properties of xanthine oxidase in human milk

Citation
Cr. Stevens et al., Antibacterial properties of xanthine oxidase in human milk, LANCET, 356(9232), 2000, pp. 829-830
Citations number
5
Categorie Soggetti
General & Internal Medicine","Medical Research General Topics
Journal title
LANCET
ISSN journal
01406736 → ACNP
Volume
356
Issue
9232
Year of publication
2000
Pages
829 - 830
Database
ISI
SICI code
0140-6736(20000902)356:9232<829:APOXOI>2.0.ZU;2-7
Abstract
Formula-fed babies contract gastroenteritis more than breast-fed babies, wh ich is of concern to mothers who cannot breastfeed or, as with HIV-infected mothers, are discouraged from breastfeeding. The ability of endogenous bre astmilk xanthine oxidase to generate the antimicrobial radical nitric oxide has been measured and its influence on the growth of Escherichia cell and Salmonella enteritides examined. Breastmilk, but not formula feed, generate d nitric oxide. Xanthine oxidase activity substantially inhibited the growt h of both bacteria. An important natural antibiotic system is missing in fo rmula feeds; the addition of xanthine oxidase may improve formula for use w hen breastfeeding is not a safe option.