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Breast milk microRNAs harsh journey towards potential effects in infant development and maturation. Lipid

João Tomé-Carneiro1, Noelia Fernández-Alonso2, Cristina Tomás-Zapico3

  • 1Laboratory of Epigenetics of Lipid Metabolism, Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (IMDEA)-Food, CEI UAM+CSIC, Madrid 28049, Spain.

Pharmacological Research
|April 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Diet-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) may impact infant development, but their survival through the gastrointestinal tract poses challenges. Further research is needed to confirm their role and potential therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Diet-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) are being investigated for their potential health benefits.
  • Exogenous RNA survival in the gastrointestinal tract is a significant hurdle.
  • Breast milk miRNAs are a focus for infant development and maturation research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current research on the survival and biological effects of diet-derived miRNAs.
  • To evaluate the challenges and evidence for breast milk miRNAs in infant development.
  • To discuss the future implications for pharmacological and nutritional applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on exogenous RNA uptake and gastrointestinal barriers.
  • Analysis of research on the biological effects of diet-derived miRNAs.
  • Synthesis of findings related to breast milk miRNAs and infant maturation.

Main Results:

  • Significant barriers exist for exogenous miRNAs to reach target cells intact.
  • Evidence for the functional role of breast milk miRNAs in infants is still under investigation.
  • Disagreement persists among researchers regarding the validation of diet-derived miRNAs' effects.

Conclusions:

  • Confirming the role of breast milk miRNAs in infant development requires overcoming significant scientific challenges.
  • Further research is crucial to validate their uptake, stability, and biological activity.
  • Successful research could lead to novel pharmacological and nutritional strategies.
Keywords:
Breast milkDietExogenousExosomemiRNA

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