Desenvolvimento metodológico para a extração do hormônio melatonina presente no colostro humano

Abstract

Breastfeeding is essential for promoting child health, not only due to its nutritional value but also because of its immunological benefits. This protection occurs throught the transfer of immunological components via breast milk, especially during the first months of life, a critical period for the development of the infant’s imune system. In this context, the mucosa-associated imune system is a highly important mechanism, composed of imune components responsible for recognizing antigens present in breast milk and producing antibodies. These antigens are transmitted to the infant through the entero-mammary pathway, a connection between the mother’s intestine and mammary glands. Furthermore, melatonin is another important bioactive compound that provides protection during the lactation period due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Given the importance of breastfeeding, Human Milk Banks play a key role in supplying breast milk to premature or ill infants. Objective: This study aimed to develop a methodology for extracting the melatonin hormone present in human colostrum. Methodology: Ten colostrum samples were collected to obtain the cell supernatant. This supernatant was used for melatonin bioprocessing through affinity chromatography. The hormone concentration was quantified using the competitive ELISA method. Results: The affinity chromatography extraction followed these steps: preparation and conditioning of the column, application of samples, washing, extract elution, evaporation, and reconstitution of the melatonin extract. At the end of the process, melatonin was obtained in powder form, resuspended in PBS at 500 µL, and quantifications were performed. Conclusion: The results obtained from melatonin concentrations in human colostrum demonstrate that the method was effective for extracting the hormone.