# Dynamic Variations in Endogenous Peptides in Chinese Human Milk Across Lactation and Geographical Regions

## TL;DR

This study analyzed endogenous peptides in Chinese human milk across lactation stages and regions, revealing variations linked to immunity and infant growth.

## Contribution

The study identifies dynamic peptide profiles in human milk and links them to maternal diet and infant growth parameters for the first time in a Chinese cohort.

## Key findings

- Peptides from PIGR were more abundant in early lactation, offering higher antimicrobial activity.
- Lanzhou milk showed higher levels of CASB and BTN1A1 peptides compared to other regions.
- Maternal fat intake correlated with specific antimicrobial peptides, while some peptides inversely correlated with infant growth.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study characterized the endogenous peptide profile of human milk from a Chinese multicenter cohort (n = 200 mothers) using the Orbitrap Fusion Lumos LC-MS/MS. Methods: Samples were collected across different lactation stages (2 and 6 months postpartum) and seven geographic regions (Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Jinhua, Lanzhou, Weihai, and Zhengzhou). Results: In total, 6960 peptides derived from 621 proteins were identified. Peptides from the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) were more abundant in the 2nd month than the 6th month, providing a high antimicrobial activity and immune functions for the infants. Moreover, region-specific variations were observed, with milk from Lanzhou exhibiting significantly higher levels of β-casein (CASB) and butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1 (BTN1A1) peptides compared to other cities. Conclusions: Furthermore, maternal dietary intake of oils and total fat correlated positively with the intensity of specific antimicrobial peptides, including CASB_199–216, CASB_200–226, and CASB_201–226. Infant growth parameters were inversely correlated with several antimicrobial peptides, although CASB_200–225 demonstrated positive associations. These findings offer novel insights into the dynamics of endogenous peptides in human milk and may guide breastfeeding recommendations and infant formula design.