Bovine serum albumin (BSA) antibodies in children with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes with breast feeding and milk exposition
Oyarzún, A.; Santos, J.L.; Carrasco, E.; Albala, C.; Salinas, A.; Pérez, F.
Revista Medica de Chile 131(8): 865-872
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-9887 PMID: 14558240 Document Number: 563325
Environmental and genetic factors (viruses, toxins and diet) are involved in the aetiology of type 1 diabetes. Among the dietary factors, the role of breast feeding and exposure to cow's milk proteins deserve special attention. To determine the anti-BSA-IgG levels in type 1 diabetic children and to analyse the possible association with breast feeding duration, exposure to cow's milk and beta pancreatic auto-antibodies. Blood samples were collected from 161 diabetic children and 144 controls to measure anti-BSA-IgG level, GAD65, IA-2 and ICA autoantibodies. All children answered a questionnaire about dietary habits during infancy. anti-BSA-IgG was positive (using a cut off point of 25.6 ng/ml) in 98% of diabetic children and 0% of the control population. The length of breast feeding or early exposure to cow's milk did not influence the concentration of anti-BSA-IgG. Positive BSA titers did not increase the beta pancreatic reactivity (ICA+, GAD+, IA2+). Our data confirm the high frequency of anti-BSA-IgG among diabetic children. However, a specific role in the immunological process of type 1 diabetes cannot be attributed to this protein.