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Published on: July 31, 2019
In vitro Fermentation of Digested Milk Fat Globule Membrane From Ruminant Milk Modulates Piglet Ileal and Caecal
Caroline Thum1,2, Wayne Young1,2,3, Carlos A Montoya1,2
1Food Nutrition & Health Team, AgResearch, Grasslands Research Centre, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Abstract:
Lipids in milk are secreted as a triacylglycerol core surrounded by a trilayer membrane, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). This membrane, known to have important roles in infant brain and intestinal development, is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, and complex lipids. We hypothesized that some of the beneficial properties of MFGM are due to its effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota. This study aimed to determine the effect of a commercial phospholipid concentrate (PC) and enriched bovine, caprine, and ovine MFGM fractions on ileal and hindgut microbiota in vitro. Digestion of PC and MFGMs was conducted using an in vitro model based on infant gastric and small intestine conditions. The recovered material was then in vitro fermented with ileal and caecal inocula prepared from five piglets fed a commercial formula for 20 days before ileal and caecal digesta were collected. After each fermentation, samples were collected to determine organic acid production and microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. All substrates, except PC (5%), were primarily fermented by the ileal microbiota (8-14%) (P < 0.05). PC and caprine MFGM reduced ileal microbiota alpha diversity compared to ileal inoculum. Caprine MFGM increased and PC reduced the ileal ratio of firmicutes:proteobacteria (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to the ileal inoculum. Bovine and ovine MFGMs increased ileal production of acetic, butyric, and caproic acids compared to other substrates and reduced the proportions of ileal proteobacteria (P < 0.0001). There was a limited fermentation of bovine (3%), caprine (2%), and ovine (2%) MFGMs by the caecal microbiota compared to PC (14%). In general, PC and all MFGMs had a reduced effect on caecal microbiota at a phylum level although MFG source-specific effects were observed at the genus level. These indicate that the main effects of the MFGM in the intestinal microbial population appears to occur in the ileum.
Insights
Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) fractions, particularly from bovine and ovine sources, significantly impact the ileal microbiota by increasing beneficial organic acids and reducing harmful bacteria. These findings highlight MFGM
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex biological structure surrounding milk lipids.
- MFGM contains proteins, glycoproteins, and lipids, and is recognized for its role in infant development.
- The influence of MFGM on the gastrointestinal microbiota is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a commercial phospholipid concentrate (PC) and bovine, caprine, and ovine MFGM fractions on ileal and hindgut microbiota.
- To determine how these components influence microbial fermentation and composition in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Digestion of PC and MFGM fractions using an in vitro infant gastric and small intestine model.
- In vitro fermentation of digested materials with ileal and caecal piglet inocula.
- Analysis of organic acid production and microbiota composition via 16S rRNA sequencing.
Main Results:
- MFGM fractions and PC were primarily fermented by the ileal microbiota.
- Caprine MFGM and PC altered ileal microbiota diversity and the Firmicutes:Proteobacteria ratio.
- Bovine and ovine MFGMs increased beneficial ileal organic acids and reduced Proteobacteria, with limited fermentation in the caecal microbiota.
Conclusions:
- MFGM exerts its primary effects on the intestinal microbial population within the ileum.
- Bovine and ovine MFGM fractions show potential for modulating gut microbiota composition and function.
- Further research into MFGM's role in gut health and infant development is warranted.
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