The present study has been finalized to perform the content of Zn, Cu, Cr, Se, Mn, F, Mo, Ni, and B in the preterm human milk over 21 d of lactation. Trace element (TE) contents were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-MS), and median concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cr, Se, Mn, and F observed in preterm milk did not demonstrate significant differences in comparison to levels shown in term milk. A statistical significant difference (p < 0.05) has been found among Mo, Ni, and B content in preterm milk for every stage of lactation. TE content of infant blood founded concentrations of Mo in preterm babies significantly (p < 0.01) lower than in term offsprings. Similar values of other TE content were obtained in blood of preterm and term newborns. These findings point to the need for a considerable reassessment of the existing dietary recommendation for Mo content in infant feeding.

The photodynamic action of the bilirubin is associated with severe consequences observed during ‘in vitro’ irradiation of the erythrocytes. This paper is designed to evaluate the bilirubin photodynamic effects which occur ‘in vitro’ and ‘in vivo’ on erythrocytes in healthy and jaundiced infants. The in vitro bilirubin sensitized photoreaction damages the erythrocytes mainly at the membrane level. In particular, a dramatic decrease of ATPase activity and an increased susceptibility to lipid peroxidation, expressed as malondialdehyde production, were observed. For in vivo studies, specific fluorescent probes have been used to verify probable changes on the functional architecture of the erythrocyte membrane in the phototherapy-treated infants. Our results showed that specific areas of the membrane are differently affected, mainly at lipid/protein interface. Although the role of the erythrocyte membrane is an important factor of the hemorheological behavior, the measurement of blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation and filtration did not show significant alterations during the overall time of phototherapy.

Abstract. Placental alkaline phosphatase is a polymorphic glycoenzyme, produced by the fetal part of the placenta, which is found at an early stage of gestation and in considerable amount in the maternal bloodstream. Previous studies have shown an interaction of this polymorphism with that of ABO system during intrauterine life. In the present study the relationship between placental alkaline phosphatase phenotype and feto‐maternal isoimmunization in the ABO system was investigated. Isoimmunization was defined by a positive direct Coombs test on cord blood and/or jaundice in the neonatal period. In infants incompatible with their mothers in the B group, the incidence of the above‐mentioned signs of isoimmunization was lower in the presence of allele PIf1 of placental alkaline phosphatase. This relationship was not found in infants of group A. The present observations suggest that placental alkaline phosphatase may play an important role in the maternal‐fetal immunological relationships.

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