Correlation Between Maternal Age and Cytokine (IL-6 and TGF-Beta) Levels in Colostrum

Background: Cytokines are small proteins that play an important role in cell signaling, particularly in inflammatory pathways. There are both pro- as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines that regulate this pathway and modulate the immune responses. Advancing maternal age is associated with systemic inflammation. The present study intends to evaluate the effect of advancing maternal age on cytokine (IL-6 and TGF-β) levels in colostrum, the first breast milk secreted by mothers. Methodology: A total of 77 term deliveries were enrolled in the study. Colostrum specimens were collected and evaluated for cytokine IL-6 and TGF-β levels. Colostrum IL-6 and TGF-β levels were correlated with maternal age and were assessed using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Multivariate analysis was done using a linear regression model comprising age, parity, and mode of delivery. Results: Mean colostrum IL-6 and TGF-β levels were 113.3±73.1 pg/ml and 20.9±23.6 pg/ml, respectively. No significant correlation between maternal age and colostrum IL-6 levels was observed (r=0.137; p=0.314). However, there was a significant positive correlation between maternal age and colostrum TGF-β levels (r=0.452; p<0.001). Conclusions: The findings of the study show a significant association between maternal age and colostrum TGF-β levels. The impact of colostrum cytokine levels on neonatal growth and development in context with advancing maternal age needs to be evaluated.