Tregs and miRNAs in Breast Milk: Effects on Infant Food Tolerance
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age0-9
SponsorIstanbul University
About this trial
This prospective observational study aims to identify and characterize immunoregulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs) in human breast milk and to evaluate their temporal expression patterns. Breast milk samples will be collected longitudinally, including colostrum, transitional milk (days 10-15), and mature milk at 1, 4, 6, and/or 9 months postpartum. The study will investigate miRNAs that may influence the development and function of Treg cells and assess changes in their expression over time. In addition, a single blood sample will be obtained from infants during routine clinical visits (6-9 months postpartum) to analyze Treg-related miRNAs and target genes and to evaluate their relationship with breast milk components. The study also aims to explore the association between breast milk miRNAs, Treg-related immune mechanisms, and the development of infant food tolerance.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Lactating mothers and their infants attending the Child Health and Diseases Clinic at Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, or the Child Health and Diseases Clinic at Esencan Hospital.
Infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
Mothers willing to provide breast milk samples at multiple time points (colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk at 1, 4, 6, and/or 9 months postpartum).
Infants aged 0-9 months, born at term (≥37 weeks gestation) with no major congenital anomalies or chronic illnesses.
Disqualifiers
Infants who are not exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months.
Infants with chronic illnesses or diagnosed immunodeficiency, metabolic, or gastrointestinal disorders.
Mothers who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.
Mothers with chronic illnesses or immunological disorders that may affect breast milk composition.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Not listed
Trial groups
No trial groups listed
Sponsors and collaborators
Source ClinicalTrials.gov