Mastitis Modifies the Biogenic Amines Profile in Human Milk, with Significant Changes in the Presence of Histamine, Putrescine and Spermine

Abstract

Biogenic amines (BAs) are low molecular weight nitrogenous organic compounds with different biological activities. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine are essential for the development of the gut and immune system of newborns, and are all found in human milk. Little is known, however, about the role of histamine, tyramine or cadaverine in breast milk. Nor is it known whether mastitis alters the BA composition of milk. The BA profile of human milk, and the influence of mastitis on BA concentrations, were therefore investigated. Putrescine, spermidine and spermine were the main BAs detected. In mastitis-affected milk, the concentrations of putrescine, spermine and histamine were higher.

Breast Milk Polyamines and Microbiota Interactions: Impact of Mode of Delivery and Geographical Location

“…Several bacteria isolated from human milk have been identified as putrescine producers, which may be a species-level characteristic [30,31] . In addition, alterations in microbiota of the mammary gland may be related with changes in the polyamines profile, such as in the case of mastitis-affected samples, which show higher levels of putrescine in milk compared to healthy breast milk samples [32] .…”

The Determinants of the Human Milk Metabolome and Its Role in Infant Health

“…Biogenic amines are low molecular weight nitrogenous organic bases that are secreted in HM. They include the polyamines (spermine, spermidine and putrescine), together with the monoamines (tyramine) and diamines (histamine and cadaverine) [73]. Enterococcus, a major bacteria group in the HM microbiome niche are the main producers of biogenic amines, mainly putrescine and tyramine [74].…”

“…Polyamines inhibit cytokine synthesis in human mononuclear cells, downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokine response [76]. Polyamines are involved in cell growth and proliferation [73,77]. Rapidly growing tissues, such as the mucosa of an infant's gut require high concentrations of polyamines [75].…”

“…with clinical symptoms including fever, chills and localized inflammation of the breast tissue [90]. It often results in early cessation of EBF and may affect up to 33% of lactating women [73]. Mastitis is associated with increased concentrations of the biogenic amines: spermine, putrescine, and histamine [73].…”

“…It often results in early cessation of EBF and may affect up to 33% of lactating women [73]. Mastitis is associated with increased concentrations of the biogenic amines: spermine, putrescine, and histamine [73]. Biogenic amines are usually produced due to the metabolic activity of certain microorganisms including some Staphylococcus epidermidis strains with activity for decarboxylation of amino acids; high concentration of biogenic amines in a mastitic breast could be due to increased decarboxylase activity [91].…”