LIMIT Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating Lipid Peroxidation Products in Donor Human Milk - a Two-Centre Pilot Study
IRAS ID
221198
Contact name
Isabell Nessel
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bournemouth University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
NCT03573531, ClinicalTrials.gov reference number
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
If maternal breast milk is unavailable, donor human milk (DHM) is the preferred alternative. Amongst others, it provides long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), which are essential for brain and visual development and immune system function. However, these LCPUFAs are also highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation (degradation). At high levels the resulting lipid peroxidation products are damaging to cells and may increase inflammation in the infant. Inflammation plays a central role in various diseases of prematurity like retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and is implicated in poor neurological outcomes in preterm infants. We have recently identified that current human milk banking practices in the U.K. may have the potential to increase levels of lipid peroxidation products in DHM. It is therefore important to quantify the extent of this increase. This project aims to quantify for the first time the levels of lipid peroxidation products in DHM that is provided to infants on the neonatal unit.\nDHM samples will be collected from two Neonatal Units in the U.K. Fresh mature term breast milk, collected in the community, and preterm transitional/mature breast milk, collected at a Neonatal Unit in the U.K. will be used for comparison. For each group, 10 x 5 mL samples will be analysed for the lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde, 4 hydroxy-2-nonenal, hexanal, and 8-iso-PGF2α. Fatty acid content and total antioxidant capacity will also be measured. All analysis will be undertaken at Bournemouth University. \nThe study will obtain ethical approval from the National Research Ethics Service and Bournemouth University. The results will provide information on the levels of lipid peroxidation products in DHM provided to infants on a neonatal unit. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal, presented at international conferences, and published as part of a PhD thesis.\n
REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1330
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion