Breastfeeding Increases the Expression of TLR4, TNF-α, CCL2, and CCL3 in the Prepuce Tissue of Neonates

Innate immunity plays a significant role in the tissue repair process. It is well documented that breastfeeding may alter immune responses. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the levels of TLR1-4, TNF-α, TGF-β, CCL2, and CCL3 in the prepuce tissue of neonates. This study was conducted on 90 samples of prepuce tissue obtained from neonates (45 neonates who were breastfed with human milk [HM] and 45 neonates who were not breastfed and received non-human milk [NHM]). The tissues were homogenized and mRNA levels of TLR1-4 and protein levels of TNF-α, TGF-β, CCL2, and CCL3 were analyzed using Real-Time PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. Protein levels of TNF-α, CCL2 and CCL3, and mRNA levels of TLR4 were significantly lower in the NHM neonates than in the HM neonates. There was a significant negative correlation between duration of pregnancy and mRNA levels of TLR1 in the NHM neonates. These results indicate that breastfeeding may be associated with the regulated expression of TLR4 and its related cytokines/chemokines and that it may improve wound healing and aid in the fight against pathogens.