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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
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Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

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Human Breast Milk miRNA, Maternal Probiotic Supplementation and Atopic Dermatitis in Offspring

Melanie Rae Simpson1, Gaute Brede2, Jostein Johansen2

  • 1Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Plos One
|December 15, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal probiotic use may prevent infant atopic dermatitis (AD), but this study found breast milk micro-RNAs (miRNAs) are unlikely to be the primary mediators. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind probiotic-induced allergy prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Perinatal probiotic supplementation has demonstrated efficacy in preventing infant atopic dermatitis (AD).
  • The Probiotics in the Prevention of Allergy among Children in Trondheim (ProPACT) trial showed a significant risk reduction in AD with maternal probiotic intake.
  • The underlying mechanisms for this preventative effect remain largely unknown, prompting investigation into potential mediators like micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in breast milk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the micro-RNA (miRNA) profile of human breast milk.
  • To explore the role of breast milk miRNAs as potential mediators in the probiotic-induced prevention of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Main Methods:

  • Small RNA sequencing was performed on breast milk samples from 54 mothers in the ProPACT trial (3 months postpartum).
  • Differential expression analysis of miRNAs was conducted comparing probiotic vs. placebo groups and AD vs. non-AD groups.
  • Functional prediction techniques were employed to analyze the biological significance of identified miRNAs.

Main Results:

  • A stable core group of highly expressed miRNAs, including miR-148a-3p, miR-22-3p, and miR-30d-5p, was identified in human breast milk.
  • Functional analysis indicated these miRNAs are involved in diverse biological processes and molecular functions.
  • While some miRNAs showed differential expression, none met statistical significance thresholds, and their direct role in AD prevention via probiotics was not evident.

Conclusions:

  • Breast milk miRNAs possess the potential for broad biological activity.
  • However, individual miRNAs in breast milk at 3 months postpartum are unlikely to be the primary mechanism through which perinatal probiotic ingestion prevents atopic dermatitis in infants.
Abstract

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