Expression profiles of hsa-miR-148a-3p and hsa-miR-125b-5p in human breast milk and infant formulae

Abstract

Background Milk-derived microRNAs (miRNAs), including hsa-miR-148a-3p (miR-148a) and hsa-miR-125b-5p (miR-125b), have been shown to be beneficial to the gastrointestinal function in infants. Here, we investigated their expression during lactation in humans and determined whether the infant formulae available in Japan contain these miRNAs. Methods Healthy Japanese women (n = 16) who gave birth vaginally or by cesarean section at the Teine Keijinkai Hospital between 1 September 2020, and 31 April 2021 were included in this study. Breast milk was collected by nurses on days 4 or 5 after delivery (hereinafter, transition milk) and on day 30 of postpartum (hereinafter, mature milk). The levels of miR-148a and miR-125b in breastmilk and six commercially available infant formulae were compared and evaluated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results In all participants, the miR-148a level in mature breastmilk was significantly lower than that in the transition milk. The changes in miR-125b expression during lactation showed similar trends to the changes in miR-148a expression. The miR-148a and miR-125b levels in all analyzed infant formulae were lower than 1/500th and 1/100th of those in mature breastmilk, respectively. Conclusions The levels of both miR-148a and miR-125b in human breast milk decreased on day 30 postpartum compared with those in the transition milk. Additionally, the expression of these miRNAs in infant formulae available in Japan was very low. Further studies with larger populations are required to understand precisely the lactational changes in the expression of miR148a and miR-125b in breast milk.

Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Breast Milk: MicroRNA Contents and Potential Epigenetic Effects

“…RNAs, on the other hand, are known to be unstable in harsh environments [ 220 , 221 ]. However, HBM-derived miRNAs remain remarkably stable even when treated with RNase in vitro [ 222 ]. Given that milk miRNAs are surrounded by a lipid bi-layered membrane and are supplied with adherence molecules, it has been proposed that their packaging in “vehicle” structures, such as exosomes, somatic cells and other microvesicles, may be vital for their long-distance passage [ 49 , 188 , 223 ].…”

IgG from Adult Atopic Dermatitis (AD) Patients Induces Thymic IL-22 Production and CLA Expression on CD4+ T Cells: Possible Epigenetic Implications Mediated by miRNA

“…The upregulation of hsa-miR-342-3p in leprosy skin lesions has been described [ 69 ], but there is no evidence that it is related to atopic diseases. Regarding has-miR-148a-3p, we found that this miRNA is highly expressed in human breast milk, especially in the first days of breastfeeding, but there is no direct evidence linking it to atopic diseases [ 70 ].…”

Advances in Bioactivity of MicroRNAs of Plant-Derived Exosome-Like Nanoparticles and Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

“…Golan-Gerstl et al compared the composition and related functions of miRNAs between breast milk and infant formula EVs, finding that the known advantageous miRNAs highly conserved in mammalian milk EVs were not detected in several chosen infant formulas. Similarly, Chiba et al revealed that the levels of miR-148a and miR-125b highly expressed in human breast milk were significantly lowered in infant formulas, and Leiferman et al showed that only minimal concentrations of bovine milk miRNAs and no functional milk exosomes were detected in infant formula. This may partially explain the argument that infants fed with breast milk show stronger immunity than those fed with formula milk .…”