Stem cells in human breast milk

Abstract

Recent studies have demonstrated that breast milk contains a population of cells displaying many of the properties typical of stem cells. This review outlines progress made in this newly emerging field of stem cell biology and provides an analysis of the available data on purification, propagation and differentiation of certain types of progenitor cells from breast milk. The possible fates of breast milk cells, including microchimerism caused by their transmission to the distant organs of the infant, are also discussed. Unique properties of breast milk-derived stem cells, such as their unusually low tumorigenic potential and their negligible ability to form teratomas, are highlighted as obvious advantages for using these cells in regenerative therapy.

Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Inter-Organism, Cross-Species Communication and Drug Delivery

“…Milk is also known to be a source of commensal and probiotic bacteria found in infant gut [ 75 , 76 ]. More recently, it was realized that other than immune cells, milk is also a vector to transmit the maternal stem cells to the infant, which contribute to its neural development and immunity [ 67 , 77 , 78 ].…”

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast milk feedings in US neonatal intensive care units

“…41,42 The protein content of MOM gradually decreases over the first several weeks of lactation, while carbohydrate and fat content increase. MOM fats provide substrate to support the rapidly growing brain, eyes and intestines, 43 and play an important beneficial role in neurodevelopment. 44,45 MOM contains enzymes, including lipases, proteases and amylases, to assist in digestion and absorption of nutrients, compensating for the immaturity of the neonatal digestive system.…”

More than sugar in the milk: human milk oligosaccharides as essential bioactive molecules in breast milk and current insight in beneficial effects

“…This might indicate different functions of stem cells in preterm and term milk. However, overall it is still largely unknown to which processes stem cells in breast milk contribute (Ninkina et al 2019).…”