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A Novel Human Epithelial Enteroid Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
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Identification and Peptidomic Profiling of Exosomes in Preterm Human Milk: Insights Into Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Xingyun Wang1, Xiangyun Yan1, Le Zhang1,2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, 210004, Jiangsu, China.

Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
|May 9, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Preterm and term breast milk exosomes exhibit distinct peptide profiles. These milk exosomes show potential in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by enhancing intestinal cell function.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition and immunology
  • Exosome biology and proteomics

Background:

  • Human breast milk is known to protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants.
  • Exosomes, present in breast milk, are increasingly recognized for their biological roles, but their specific components and functions, particularly in relation to NEC prevention, require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the differences in peptidomic complexity between exosomes derived from preterm and term human milk.
  • To evaluate the functional impact of these milk exosomes on intestinal epithelial cells and their potential in preventing NEC.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and isolation of exosomes from breast milk of mothers delivering preterm and term infants.
  • Quantification of exosomes and assessment of their protective effects against NEC in vitro and in vivo models.
  • Peptidomic analysis using iTRAQ LC-MS/MS to identify differentially expressed peptides in preterm versus term milk exosomes.

Main Results:

  • Administration of preterm milk exosomes significantly promoted intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and migration compared to term milk exosomes.
  • A total of 70 differentially expressed peptides were identified between preterm and term milk exosomes, with 47 upregulated and 23 downregulated in preterm samples.
  • Bioinformatics analysis indicated potential regulatory functions for these altered peptides in intestinal epithelial cell biology.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first comprehensive comparison of peptidomic profiles between preterm and term human milk exosomes.
  • The distinct peptide compositions suggest differential functional capacities, with preterm milk exosomes demonstrating enhanced support for intestinal cell function.
  • Milk exosome administration represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Abstract

Keywords:
exosomeshuman breast milknecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)peptidespreterm

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