Extracellular vesicles in human milk

Abstract

Purpose of reviewMilk-derived extracellular vesicles (MDEVs) are nanovesicles that carry microRNA (miRNA) DNA, RNA, proteins and lipids. MDEVs have a potential of therapeutic targets, based on their properties and cargo profile. The present review summarizes recent studies on MDEVs, their cargo and potential role in mammalian development. Recent findingsThe detailed characterization of their miRNA cargo leads to the conclusion of their potential importance in the regulation of gene expression, immune function, development and infant growth. While their miRNAs are important regulatory elements and their profile expression was characterized in various mammalian milk sources, little is known about their effect on infant health and development. MiRNA activity in breast milk is likely influenced by the overall ecosystem of the early environment, including maternal characteristics, behaviors, and health. SummaryMDEVs may have an important role in early child development and infant future health. Understanding benefits of MDEVs characteristics have potential role on gut maturation, immune system development and the prevention of metabolic disorders.

Milk Exosomes from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Healthy Parturient Exhibit Differential miRNAs Profiles and Distinct Regulatory Bioactivity on Hepatocyte Proliferation

“…from mothers to breastfeeding infants. [1,7,16,36,37] Maternal health conditions influence the composition of HM exosomes and may further change the functionalities of HM exosomes. Results in this study and others [18] indicate that GDM changes the miRNA profiles in HM exo-somes.…”

“…[6] Since then, increasing interest have been ignited in scientific community regarding the HM exosomes, its cargoes and their functionalities. [1,7] Studies have shown that HM exosomes can modulate infantile immune system and influence infant growth and health. [8] Recently, Melnik et al proposed that HM exosomes should be considered as signalosomes derived from the maternal lactation genome emitted to promote growth, maturation, immunological and metabolic programming of the offspring, [8] boosting the confidence and further desire of scientists on exploring the bioactivities of HM exosomes as well as its underlying mechanisms.…”

“…In recent years, accumulated studies indicate that exosomes are a novel type of bioactive component in HM and have been received increasing scientific attention. [ 1 ] Exosomes were first discovered in sheep reticulocytes in 1983 and got its name by Johnstone in 1987. [ 2 ] Now, exosomes are classified into one of the two categories of extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are released by nearly all cells under physiological or pathological situations.…”

Regulation of Extracellular Vesicle-Mediated Immune Responses against Antigen-Specific Presentation

“…Exosomes are endosomal membrane-derived vesicles, approximately 50–150 nm in size, formed during endocytosis and secreted by almost all types of cells, and are present in large numbers in body fluids such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, tears, and saliva. Their main constituents are lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, including microRNAs (miRNAs), messenger RNA (mRNA), and DNA derived from secretory cells transferred to other cells [ 12 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 , 104 , 105 , 106 ,…”

Selective Loading and Variations in the miRNA Profile of Extracellular Vesicles from Endothelial-like Cells Cultivated under Normoxia and Hypoxia

“…EVs encompass a heterogeneous population of particles including microvesicles, which are assembled and released from the plasma membrane, and exosomes that are of endosomal origin and released by exocytosis of multivesicular bodies [ 2 , 3 ]. EVs are released essentially by all types of cells and can be isolated from the supernatant of cell and tissue cultures [ 4 , 5 ], as well as most body fluids, such as breast milk [ 6 ] and urine samples [ 7 ]. Initially thought of exclusively as cell disposal bags, EVs are now known as a regulated means of communication over short and long distances between cells and tissues [ 3 , 8 ].…”