Erythropoietin (EPO) in human milk : potential enteral factor in high altitude hypoxia

Abstract

Introduction: Erythropoietin (Epo) is a normal constituent of human milk. At sea level, it was found that mean milk-borne Epo concentrations are within the normal range for plasma Epo concentrations and rise with postpartum days. Moreover, it has been shown accelerated erythropoiesis or elevated Epo levels in neonatal (sucking) animals after maternal phlebotomy or maternal hypoxia exposure. Methods: In the present work we tested the hypothesis that mothers permanently exposed to high altitude hypoxia (3600 m at La PazBolivia), have increased Epo concentration in milk than the observed at sea level. To address this question milk samples were collected daily from the delivery day until the postpartum day 20th. The aqueous fraction of the milk was used to analyze the total protein (by the bicinchoninic acid protein assay: BCA; Pierce, Rockford, IL), and the Epo (via double antibody radio immuno assay: RIA) concentrations.