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Circulating microRNAs in Breast Milk and Their Potential Impact on the Infant
Elena Carrillo-Lozano1, Fernando Sebastián-Valles1, Carolina Knott-Torcal1
1Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are small RNA molecules that can exert regulatory functions in gene expression. MiRNAs have been identified in diverse tissues and biological fluids, both in the context of health and disease. Breastfeeding has been widely recognized for its superior nutritional benefits; however, a number of bioactive compounds have been found to transcend these well-documented nutritional contributions. Breast milk was identified as a rich source of miRNAs. There has been increasing interest about their potential ability to transfer to the offspring as well as what their specific involvement is within the benefits of breast milk in the infant. In comparison to breast milk, formula milk lacks many of the benefits of breastfeeding, which is thought to be a result of the absence of some of these bioactive compounds. In recent years, the miRNA profile of breast milk has been widely studied, along with the possible transfer mechanisms throughout the infant's digestive tract and the role of miRNA-modulated genes and their potential protective and regulatory functions. Nonetheless, to date, the current evidence is not consistent, as many methodological limitations have been identified; hence, discrepancies exits about the biological functions of miRNAs. Further research is needed to provide thorough knowledge in this field.
Insights
Breast milk contains microRNAs (miRNAs) that may transfer to infants, potentially contributing to health benefits beyond nutrition. However, research on their exact functions and transfer is ongoing and requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNA molecules found in various biological contexts.
- Breast milk is recognized for its nutritional and bioactive components, including miRNAs.
- Infant formula lacks many benefits attributed to breast milk, possibly due to the absence of these compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the presence and potential transfer of microRNAs (miRNAs) from breast milk to infants.
- To investigate the role of these miRNAs in infant health and development.
- To address the inconsistencies and methodological limitations in current research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of miRNA profiles in breast milk.
- Investigation of potential miRNA transfer mechanisms in the infant digestive tract.
- Review of existing literature on miRNA function and gene regulation in infants.
Main Results:
- Breast milk is confirmed as a rich source of miRNAs.
- Increasing interest in the transfer and functional roles of these miRNAs in infants.
- Identified methodological limitations leading to inconsistent findings regarding miRNA functions.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) in breast milk represent a significant area of research for infant health.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate the precise mechanisms and biological functions of transferred miRNAs.
- Consistent evidence and standardized methodologies are needed to fully understand the impact of breast milk miRNAs on infant development.
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