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Breast Milk Stem Cells: Current Science and Implications for Preterm Infants
Carrie-Ellen Briere1, Jacqueline M McGrath, Todd Jensen
1School of Nursing, University of Connecticut, Storrs (Drs Briere and McGrath); Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford (Drs Briere, McGrath, Matson, and Finck); Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington (Mr Jensen); and University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington (Drs Matson and Finck).
Summary
Human breast milk contains stem cells with pluripotent characteristics, offering potential benefits for infant development and regenerative therapies. Further research is crucial to understand their full role and potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Human lactation research
- Infant development
Background:
- Breast milk offers known benefits, but mechanisms for disease protection and neurodevelopment optimization are unclear.
- Recent discovery of stem cells in breast milk suggests a role in infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing research on the characterization of breast milk stem cells.
- To identify knowledge gaps and areas for future exploration in breast milk stem cell research.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted from August to October 2015.
- Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed, and reference lists.
- Nine studies focusing on human breast milk stem cell characterization were included.
Main Results:
- Research on breast milk stem cells is emerging, with five teams globally publishing studies.
- Current characterization focuses on stem cells from full-term breast milk.
- These stem cells exhibit variability between mothers and can differentiate into all three germ layers, indicating pluripotency.
Conclusions:
- Significant knowledge gaps remain regarding breast milk stem cells.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of these cells and ongoing research into infant benefits.
- Further research is needed to characterize stem cells across lactation stages, in preterm milk, and their roles in infant health and regenerative medicine.
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