Addition of a dairy fraction rich in milk fat globule membrane to a high-saturated fat meal reduces the postprandial insulinaemic and inflammatory response in overweight and obese adults

Which is the optimal choice for neonates' formula or breast milk?

The incidence of prematurity has been increasing since the twenty-first century. Premature neonates are extremely vulnerable and require a rich supply of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA) and others. Typical breast milk serves as the primary source for infants under six months old to provide these nutrients. However, depending on the individual needs of preterm infants, a more diverse and intricate range of nutrients may be necessary. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research progress on the physical and chemical properties, biological activity, function, and structure of breast milk, as well as explores the relationship between the main components of milk globular membrane and infant growth. Additionally, compare the nutritional composition of milk from different mammals and newborn milk powder, providing a comprehensive understanding of the differences in milk composition and detailed reference for meeting daily nutritional needs during lactation.

Structure, Biological Functions, Separation, Properties, and Potential Applications of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM): A Review

BACKGROUND

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a thin film that exists within the milk emulsion, suspended on the surface of milk fat globules, and comprises a diverse array of bioactive components. Recent advancements in MFGM research have sparked a growing interest in its biological characteristics and health-related functions. Thorough exploration and utilization of MFGM as a significant bioactive constituent in milk emulsion can profoundly impact human health in a positive manner. Scope and approach: This review comprehensively examines the current progress in understanding the structure, composition, physicochemical properties, methods of separation and purification, and biological activity of MFGM. Additionally, it underscores the vast potential of MFGM in the development of additives and drug delivery systems, with a particular focus on harnessing the surface activity and stability of proteins and phospholipids present on the MFGM for the production of natural emulsifiers and drug encapsulation materials.

KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

MFGM harbors numerous active substances that possess diverse physiological functions, including the promotion of digestion, maintenance of the intestinal mucosal barrier, and facilitation of nerve development. Typically employed as a dietary supplement in infant formula, MFGM's exceptional surface activity has propelled its advancement toward becoming a natural emulsifier or encapsulation material. This surface activity is primarily derived from the amphiphilicity of polar lipids and the stability exhibited by highly glycosylated proteins.

Effect of milk fat globules on growth and metabolism in rats fed an unbalanced diet

We assessed the effects of supplementing milk fat globules (MFG) on the growth and development of the skeleton in rats fed a Western unbalanced diet (UBD). The UBD is high in sugar and fat, low in protein, fiber, and micronutrients, and negatively impacts health. The MFG-a complex lipid-protein assembly secreted into milk-has a unique structure and composition, which differs significantly from isolated and processed dietary ingredients. Rats consuming the UBD exhibited growth retardation and disrupted bone structural and mechanical parameters; these were improved by supplementation with small MFG. The addition of small MFG increased the efficiency of protein utilization for growth, and improved trabecular and cortical bone parameters. Furthermore, consumption of UBD led to a decreased concentration of saturated fatty acids and increased levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly omega-6 PUFA, in the serum, liver, and adipose tissue. The addition of small MFG restored PUFA concentration and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFA in bone marrow and adipose tissue. Finally, large but not small MFG supplementation affected the cecal microbiome in rats. Overall, our results suggest that natural structure MFG supplementation can improve metabolism and bone development in rats fed an UBD, with the effects depending on MFG size. Moreover, the benefits of small MFG to bone development and metabolism were not mediated by the microbiome, as the detrimental effects of an UBD on the microbiome were not mitigated by MFG supplementation.

Milk fat globule size: Unraveling the intricate relationship between metabolism, homeostasis, and stress signaling

Fat is an important component of milk which delivers energy, nutrients, and bioactive molecules from the lactating mother to the suckling neonate. Milk fat consists of a complex mixture of different types of lipids; hundreds of fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol and cholesteryl ester, and glycoconjugates, secreted by the mammary gland epithelial cells (MEC) in the form of a lipid-protein assembly termed the milk fat globule (MFG). The mammary gland in general, and specifically that of modern dairy cows, faces metabolic stress once lactation commences, which changes the lipogenic capacity of MECs directly by reducing available energy and reducing factors required for both lipid synthesis and secretion or indirectly by activating a proinflammatory response. Both processes have the capacity to change the morphometric features (e.g., number and size) of the secreted MFG and its precursor-the intracellular lipid droplet (LD). The MFG size is tightly associated with its lipidome and proteome and also affects the bioavailability of milk fat and protein. Thus, MFG size has the potential to regulate the bioactivity of milk and dairy products. MFG size also plays a central role in the functional properties of milk and dairy products such as texture and stability. To understand how stress affects the structure-function of the MFG, we cover: (i) The mechanism of production and secretion of the MFG and the implications of MFG size, (ii) How the response mechanisms to stress can change the morphometric features of MFGs, and (iii) The possible consequences of such modifications.

Whole-Milk Dairy Foods: Biological Mechanisms Underlying Beneficial Effects on Risk Markers for Cardiometabolic Health

Lifestyle modifications that include adherence to healthy dietary patterns that are low in saturated fat have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. Whole-milk dairy foods, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are leading sources of saturated fat in the diet. Dietary guidelines around the world recommend the consumption of low-fat and fat-free dairy foods to obtain overall healthy dietary patterns that help meet nutrient recommendations while keeping within recommended calorie and saturated fat limitations. A body of observational and clinical evidence indicates, however, that whole-milk dairy food consumption, despite saturated fat content, does not increase the risk for cardiovascular disease. This review describes the proposed biological mechanisms underlying inverse associations between whole-milk dairy food consumption and risk markers for cardiometabolic health, such as altered lipid digestion, absorption, and metabolism; influence on the gut microflora; and regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The dairy food matrix, a term used to describe how the macronutrients and micronutrients and other bioactive components of dairy foods are differentially packaged and compartmentalized among fluid milk, cheese, and yogurt, may dictate how each affects cardiovascular risk. Current evidence indicates consideration of dairy foods as complex food matrices, rather than delivery systems for isolated nutrients, such as saturated fatty acids, is warranted.

Astaxanthin nanoparticles ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis by alleviating oxidative stress, regulating intestinal flora, and protecting the intestinal barrier

This study aimed to develop a novel astaxanthin nanoparticle using gum arabic (GA) and whey protein powder enriched with milk fat globule membranes (MFGM-WPI) as carriers and to investigate its effect and alleviation mechanism on colitis in mice. We demonstrated that MFGM-GA-astaxanthin could improve the bioaccessibility of astaxanthin and cope with oxidative stress more effectively in a Caco-2 cell model. In vivo studies demonstrated that MFGM-GA-astaxanthin alleviated colitis symptoms and repaired intestinal barrier function by increasing the expression of mucin 2, occludin, and zonula occludens-1. This was attributed to the alleviating effect of MFGM-GA-astaxanthin on oxidative stress. Moreover, MFGM-GA-astaxanthin restored the abnormalities of flora caused by dextran sulfate sodium, including Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Ruminococcus, and Shigella. This study provides a basis for the therapeutic effect of astaxanthin nanoparticles on colon diseases.

Milk-Fat-Globule-Membrane-Enriched Dairy Milk Compared with a Soy-Lecithin-Enriched Beverage Did Not Adversely Affect Endotoxemia or Biomarkers of Gut Barrier Function and Cardiometabolic Risk in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Full-fat dairy milk may protect against cardiometabolic disorders, due to the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), through anti-inflammatory and gut-health-promoting activities. We hypothesized that a MFGM-enriched milk beverage (MEB) would alleviate metabolic endotoxemia in metabolic syndrome (MetS) persons by improving gut barrier function and glucose tolerance. In a randomized crossover trial, MetS persons consumed for two-week period a controlled diet with MEB (2.3 g/d milk phospholipids) or a comparator beverage (COMP) formulated with soy phospholipid and palm/coconut oil. They then provided fasting blood and completed a high-fat/high-carbohydrate test meal challenge for evaluating postprandial metabolism and intestinal permeability. Participants had no adverse effects and achieved high compliance, and there were no between-trial differences in dietary intakes. Compared with COMP, fasting endotoxin, glucose, incretins, and triglyceride were unaffected by MEB. The meal challenge increased postprandial endotoxin, triglyceride, and incretins, but were unaffected by MEB. Insulin sensitivity; fecal calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, and short-chain fatty acids; and small intestinal and colonic permeability were also unaffected by MEB. This short-term study demonstrates that controlled administration of MEB in MetS persons does not affect gut barrier function, glucose tolerance, and other cardiometabolic health biomarkers, which contradicts observational evidence that full-fat milk heightens cardiometabolic risk. Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03860584).

Micronutrient, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Biomarkers through 24 Months of Age in Infants Receiving Formula with Added Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membrane through the First Year of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) added in infant formula supports typical growth and safety through 24 mo of age in term infants.

OBJECTIVES

To assess micronutrient (zinc, iron, ferritin, transferrin receptor), metabolic [glucose, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], and inflammatory (leptin, adiponectin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein) secondary outcomes through 24 mo of age in infants who received standard cow's milk-based infant formula (SF), similar formula with added bovine MFGM (EF), or human milk (HM) through 1 y.

METHODS

Infants whose parents agreed to a blood draw at baseline (<120 d of age) (SF = 80; EF = 80; HM = 83) were included. Subsequent collections (2-4 h fasting) occurred at D180, D365, and D730. Biomarker concentrations were analyzed and group changes tested using generalized estimating equations models.

RESULTS

Only serum iron (+22.1 μg/dL) and HDL-C (+2.5 mg/dL) were significantly higher for EF compared with SF at D730. Prevalence of zinc deficiency for EF (-17.4%) and SF (-16.6%) at D180 and depleted iron stores for SF (+21.4%) at D180 and EF (-34.6%) and SF (-28.0%) at D365 were significantly different compared with HM. IGF-1 (ng/mL) for EF and SF was significantly higher at D180 (+8.9) and for EF (+8.8) at D365, and (+14.5) at D730 compared with HM. Insulin (μUI/mL) for EF (+2.5) and SF (+5.8) and HOMA-IR for EF (+0.5) and SF (+0.6) were significantly higher compared with HM at D180. TGs (mg/dL) for SF (+23.9) at D180, for EF (+19.0) and SF (+17.8) at D365, and EF (+17.3) and SF (+14.5) at D730 were significantly higher compared with HM. Zinc, ferritin, glucose, LDL-C and total cholesterol changes were higher in formula groups compared with HM between various time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Micronutrient, metabolic, and inflammatory biomarkers were generally similar through 2 y in infants who received infant formula with or without added bovine MFGM. Over the 2 y, differences were observed between infant formulas and HM reference group. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NTC02626143.

Inflammatory Signatures of Maternal Obesity as Risk Factors for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Role of Maternal Microbiota and Nutritional Intervention Strategies

Obesity is a main risk factor for the onset and the precipitation of many non-communicable diseases. This condition, which is associated with low-grade chronic systemic inflammation, is of main concern during pregnancy leading to very serious consequences for the new generations. In addition to the prominent role played by the adipose tissue, dysbiosis of the maternal gut may also sustain the obesity-related inflammatory milieu contributing to create an overall suboptimal intrauterine environment. Such a condition here generically defined as “inflamed womb” may hold long-term detrimental effects on fetal brain development, increasing the vulnerability to mental disorders. In this review, we will examine the hypothesis that maternal obesity-related gut dysbiosis and the associated inflammation might specifically target fetal brain microglia, the resident brain immune macrophages, altering neurodevelopmental trajectories in a sex-dependent fashion. We will also review some of the most promising nutritional strategies capable to prevent or counteract the effects of maternal obesity through the modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress or by targeting the maternal microbiota.

Milk fat globule membrane attenuates high fat diet-induced neuropathological changes in obese Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice

BACKGROUND

Milk-fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex structure secreted by the mammary gland and present in mammalian milk. MFGM contains lipids and glycoproteins as well as gangliosides, which may be involved in myelination processes. Notably, myelination and thereby white matter integrity are often altered in obesity. Furthermore, MFGM interventions showed beneficial effects in obesity by affecting inflammatory processes and the microbiome. In this study, we investigated the impact of a dietary MFGM intervention on fat storage, neuroinflammatory processes and myelination in a rodent model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity.

METHODS

12-week-old male low density lipoprotein receptor-deficient Leiden mice were exposed to a HFD, a HFD enriched with 3% whey protein lipid concentrate (WPC) high in MFGM components, or a low fat diet. The impact of MFGM supplementation during 24-weeks of HFD-feeding was examined over time by analyzing body weight and fat storage, assessing cognitive tasks and MRI scanning, analyzing myelinization with polarized light imaging and examining neuroinflammation using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

We found in this study that 24 weeks of HFD-feeding induced excessive fat storage, increased systolic blood pressure, altered white matter integrity, decreased functional connectivity, induced neuroinflammation and impaired spatial memory. Notably, supplementation with 3% WPC high in MFGM components restored HFD-induced neuroinflammation and attenuated the reduction in hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and hippocampal functional connectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed that supplementation with WPC high in MFGM components beneficially contributed to hippocampal-dependent spatial memory, functional connectivity in the hippocampus and anti-inflammatory processes in HFD-induced obesity in rodents. Current knowledge regarding exact biological mechanisms underlying these effects should be addressed in future studies.

Cardiometabolic health benefits of dairy-milk polar lipids

Low-quality dietary patterns impair cardiometabolic health by increasing the risk of obesity-related disorders. Cardiometabolic risk relative to dairy-food consumption continues to be a controversial topic, due to recommendations that endorse low-fat and nonfat dairy foods over full-fat varieties despite accumulated evidence that does not strongly support these recommendations. Controlled human studies and mechanistic preclinical investigations support that full-fat dairy foods decrease cardiometabolic risk by promoting gut health, reducing inflammation, and managing dyslipidemia. These gut- and systemic-level cardiometabolic benefits are attributed, at least in part, to milk polar lipids (MPLs) derived from the phospholipid- and sphingolipid-rich milk fat globule membrane that is of higher abundance in full-fat dairy milk. The controversy surrounding full-fat dairy food consumption is discussed in this review relative to cardiometabolic health and MPL bioactivities that alleviate dyslipidemia, shift gut microbiota composition, and reduce inflammation. This summary, therefore, is expected to advance the understanding of full-fat dairy foods through their MPLs and the need for translational research to establish evidence-based dietary recommendations.

Profiling polar lipids in whey protein phospholipid concentrate by LC-HRMS/MS

Bioactive polar lipids in the milk fat globular membrane can be recovered and enriched during whey protein processing into a co-product called whey protein phospholipid concentrate (WPPC). A food-grade solvent successfully extracted polar lipids from powdered dairy products, and lipids can be fractionated under temperature-induced crystallization. This study investigates the specific lipid species present in ethanol extracted lipid residues from commercially available WPPC using a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS lipidomics method. In general, sphingomyelins and phosphatidylcholines were retained in the polar lipid enriched fraction. Sphingomyelin was found to be a rich source of long chain fatty acids. Several glycosphingolipids, glucosyl-, galactosyl-, lactosyl-, and galabiosylceramide, were also detected in WPPC; these species were observed to crystallize away from other polar lipids during fractionation. Correlation analysis supported the claim that majority of polar lipids recovered in a total lipid extract using ethanol were retained in a polar lipid enriched residue after fractional crystallization.

Invited review: Milk fat globule membrane-A possible panacea for neurodevelopment, infections, cardiometabolic diseases, and frailty

Milk is an evolutionary benefit for humans. For infants, it offers optimal nutrients for normal growth, neural development, and protection from harmful microbes. Humans are the only mammals who drink milk throughout their life. Lipids in colostrum originate mostly from milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) droplets extruded from the mammary gland. The MFGM gained much interest as a potential nutraceutical, due to their high phospholipid (PL), ganglioside (GD), and protein contents. In this review, we focused on health effects of MFGM ingredients and dairy food across the life span, especially on neurodevelopment, cardiometabolic health, and frailty in older adults. The MFGM supplements to infants and children reduced gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections and improved neurodevelopment due to the higher content of protein, PL, and GD in MFGM. The MFGM formulas containing PL and GD improved brain myelination and fastened nerve conduction speed, resulting in improved behavioral developments. Administration of MFGM-rich ingredients improved insulin sensitivity and decreased inflammatory markers, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides by lowering intestinal absorption of cholesterol and increasing its fecal excretion. The MFGM supplements, together with exercise, improved ambulatory activities, leg muscle mass, and muscle fiber velocity in older adults. There are great variations in the composition of lipids and proteins in MFGM products, which make comparisons of the different studies impossible. In addition, investigations of the individual MFGM components are required to evaluate their specific effects and molecular mechanisms. Although we are currently only beginning to understand the possible health effects of MFGM products, the current MFGM supplementation trials as presented in this review have shown significant clinical health benefits across the human life span, which are worth further investigation.

Dairy Consumption and Metabolic Health

Milk and dairy foods are naturally rich sources of a wide range of nutrients, and when consumed according to recommended intakes, contribute essential nutrients across all stages of the life cycle. Seminal studies recommendations with respect to intake of saturated fat have been consistent and clear: limit total fat intake to 30% or less of total dietary energy, with a specific recommendation for intake of saturated fat to less than 10% of total dietary energy. However, recent work has re-opened the debate on intake of saturated fat in particular, with suggestions that recommended intakes be considered not at a total fat intake within the diet, but at a food-specific level. A large body of evidence exists examining the impact of dairy consumption on markers of metabolic health, both at a total-dairy-intake level and also at a food-item level, with mixed findings to date. However the evidence suggests that the impact of saturated fat intake on health differs both across food groups and even between foods within the same food group such as dairy. The range of nutrients and bioactive components in milk and dairy foods are found in different levels and are housed within very different food structures. The interaction of the overall food structure and the nutrients describes the concept of the ‘food matrix effect’ which has been well-documented for dairy foods. Studies show that nutrients from different dairy food sources can have different effects on health and for this reason, they should be considered individually rather than grouped as a single food category in epidemiological research. This narrative review examines the current evidence, mainly from randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses, with respect to dairy, milk, yoghurt and cheese on aspects of metabolic health, and summarises some of the potential mechanisms for these findings.

Comparative Proteomics of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Proteome across Species and Lactation Stages and the Potentials of MFGM Fractions in Infant Formula Preparation

Milk is a lipid-in-water emulsion with a primary role in the nutrition of newborns. Milk fat globules (MFGs) are a mixture of proteins and lipids with nutraceutical properties related to the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which protects them, thus preventing their coalescence. Human and bovine MFGM proteomes have been extensively characterized in terms of their formation, maturation, and composition. Here, we review the most recent comparative proteomic analyses of MFGM proteome, above all from humans and bovines, but also from other species. The major MFGM proteins are found in all the MFGM proteomes of the different species, although there are variations in protein expression levels and molecular functions across species and lactation stages. Given the similarities between the human and bovine MFGM and the bioactive properties of MFGM components, several attempts have been made to supplement infant formulas (IFs), mainly with polar lipid fractions of bovine MFGM and to a lesser extent with protein fractions. The aim is thus to narrow the gap between human breast milk and cow-based IFs. Despite the few attempts made to date, supplementation with MFGM proteins seems promising as MFGM lipid supplementation. A deeper understanding of MFGM proteomes should lead to better results.

Lipidome changes, with a focus on phospholipids, due to feeding systems and processing in goat milk

We evaluated the effects of processing - pasteurization and yoghurt manufacturing - on some health-promoting lipidome components in milk from two feeding treatments - brushland grazing or hay-feeding in confinement - in dairy goats. The contents of fat and protein were higher, and of urea, lower, in grazing goats. Fatty acid composition - at the exception of saturated fatty acids - was affected by dietary management and milk processing. Phospholipid contents was lower in confined goats, with little effect for processing. The phospholipid-to-triglyceride ratio was decreased by pasteurization. Sensitivity to pasteurization of phospholipid composition differed between feeding treatments. The percentage of sphingomyelin increased following pasteurization, with no response for fermentation to yoghurt. These results can be exploited to modulate health-promoting fats in dairy products.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-inflammatory Activity of Bovine Milkfat Globule (MFGM)-derived Complex Lipid Fractions

Numerous health related properties have been reported for bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and its components. Here we present novel data on the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of various MFGM preparations which confirm and extend the concept of MFGM as a dietary anti-inflammatory agent. Cell-based assays were used to test the ability of MFGM preparations to modulate levels of the inflammatory mediators IL-1β, nitric oxide, superoxide anion, cyclo-oxygenase-2, and neutrophil elastase. In rat models of arthritis, using MFGM fractions as dietary interventions, the phospholipid-enriched MFGM isolates were effective in reducing adjuvant-induced paw swelling while there was a tendency for the ganglioside-enriched isolate to reduce carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activity of MFGM, rather than residing in a single component, is contributed to by an array of components acting in concert against various inflammatory targets. This confirms the potential of MFGM as a nutritional intervention for the mitigation of chronic and acute inflammatory conditions.

Milk fat globule membrane and its component phosphatidylcholine induce adipose browning both in vivo and in vitro

The functional induction of brown-like adipocytes in white adipose tissue (WAT) provides a defense against obesity. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and its component phosphatidylcholine (PC) on the brown remodeling of WAT. Male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks and then fed HFD for another 8 weeks with MFGM. In vitro studies were performed in C3H10T1/2 pluripotent stem cells, 3T3-L1 pre-adipocytes and differentiated inguinal WAT stromal vascular cells (SVCs) to determine the role of MFGM and PC on the formation of brown-like adipocytes. MFGM decreased fasting glucose and serum insulin levels in HFD-fed mice. MFGM improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, and induced browning of inguinal WAT. MFGM and its component PC stimulated transformation of brown-like adipocytes in C3H10T1/2 pluripotent stem cells, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and SVCs by increasing the protein expression of UCP1, PGC-1α, PRDM16 as well as the mRNA expression of other thermogenic genes and beige cell markers. MFGM and PC also increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, mitochondrial density and oxygen consumption rate and up-regulated the mRNA expression of mitochondria-biogenesis-related genes in vitro. PPARα inhibitor GW6471 treatment or knockdown of PPARα using lentivirus-expressing shRNA inhibited the PC-induced increase in the protein expression of UCP1, PGC-1α and PRDM16 in C3H10T1/2 pluripotent stem cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes, indicating the potential role of PPARα in PC-mediated brown-like adipocyte formation. In conclusion, MFGM and milk PC induced adipose browning, which has major protective effects against obesity and metabolic dysfunction.

Acute Effects of Three Different Meal Patterns on Postprandial Metabolism in Older Individuals with a Risk Phenotype for Cardiometabolic Diseases: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

SCOPE

The aim of this study is to investigate acute postprandial responses to intake of meals typical for Mediterranean and Western diets.

METHODS

In a randomized crossover design, overweight and obese participants with a risk phenotype for cardiometabolic diseases consumed three different isoenergetic meals: Western diet-like high-fat (WDHF), Western diet-like high-carbohydrate (WDHC), and Mediterranean diet (MED) meal. Blood samples are collected at fasting and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 h postprandially and analyzed for parameters of lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, oxidation, and antioxidant status.

RESULTS

Compared to MED and WDHF meals, intake of a WDHC meal results in prolonged and elevated increases in glucose and insulin. Elevations for triglycerides are enhanced after the WDHF meal compared to the MED and the WDHC meal. Glucagon-like peptide-1 and interleukin-6 increase postprandially without meal differences. Apart from vitamin C showing an increase after the MED meal and a decrease after WDHF and WDHC meals, antioxidant markers decrease postprandially without meal differences. Plasma interleukin-1β is not affected by meal intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Energy-rich meals induce hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, an inflammatory response, and a decrease in antioxidant markers. A meal typical for the Mediterranean diet results in favorable effects on glycemic, insulinemic, and lipemic responses.

Milk polar lipids reduce lipid cardiovascular risk factors in overweight postmenopausal women: towards a gut sphingomyelin-cholesterol interplay

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether milk polar lipids (PL) impact human intestinal lipid absorption, metabolism, microbiota and associated markers of cardiometabolic health.

DESIGN

A double-blind, randomised controlled 4-week study involving 58 postmenopausal women was used to assess the chronic effects of milk PL consumption (0, 3 or 5 g-PL/day) on lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. The acute effects of milk PL on intestinal absorption and metabolism of cholesterol were assessed in a randomised controlled crossover study using tracers in ileostomy patients.

RESULTS

Over 4 weeks, milk PL significantly reduced fasting and postprandial plasma concentrations of cholesterol and surrogate lipid markers of cardiovascular disease risk, including total/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apolipoprotein (Apo)B/ApoA1 ratios. The highest PL dose preferentially induced a decreased number of intestine-derived chylomicron particles. Also, milk PL increased faecal loss of coprostanol, a gut-derived metabolite of cholesterol, but major bacterial populations and faecal short-chain fatty acids were not affected by milk PL, regardless of the dose. Acute ingestion of milk PL by ileostomy patients shows that milk PL decreased cholesterol absorption and increased cholesterol-ileal efflux, which can be explained by the observed co-excretion with milk sphingomyelin in the gut.

CONCLUSION

The present data demonstrate for the first time in humans that milk PL can improve the cardiometabolic health by decreasing several lipid cardiovascular markers, notably through a reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption involving specific interactions in the gut, without disturbing the major bacterial phyla of gut microbiota.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02099032 and NCT02146339; Results.

In vivo anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of buttermilk, milk fat globule membrane and Enterococcus faecium FFNL-12

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the hypocholesterolemic activity of buttermilk, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and Enterococcus faecium FFNL-12 in rat model. Thirty-sixth male Abino rats were divided into six groups. The first one (coded as G1) was fed a standard diet containing 10% corn oil as fat source while remaining five (coded G2 to G6) were fed hypercholesterolemic diets in which oil was replaced with animal grease. Animals subjected to treatment G1 served as healthy control while those in G2 were assigned as hypocholesterolemic animals which did not receive any treatment. The remaining experimental groups were designed to assess the hypocholesterolemic effect of intragastric adminstartion of dose of 109 CFU/Kg body weight of Enterococcus faecium FFNL-12 (G3), Enterococcus faecium FFNL-12/butter milk (G4), buttermilk (G5) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). After four weeks, animals were evaluated in relation to growth, fecal pH, organs weight, serum lipid profile, antioxidant activity of liver tissue, liver and heart function and liver histopathological architecture. Results revealed that animals fed hypercholesterolemic diet (G2-G6) had significantly lower faecal pH and liver weight compared with those fed standard diet (G1). Treatments applied to animals fed hypercholesterolemic diet with the above mentioned additions (G3 to G6) appeared to improve both cardiac and hepatic functions, serum lipid profile and glucose concentration and liver histopathological architecture compared with animals subjected to G2 treatment. In most cases, treatment with MFGM appeared to be the most effective to avoid adverse effects associated to feeding hypercholesterolemic diet. MFGM fraction as well as E. faecium FFNL-12/buttermilk combination were effective in reducing serum lipids and glucose levels to the normal range. This combination also had potential antioxidant activity and ability to improve liver and heart functions.

Addition of milk fat globule membrane-enriched supplement to a high-fat meal attenuates insulin secretion and induction of soluble epoxide hydrolase gene expression in the postprandial state in overweight and obese subjects

CVD and associated metabolic diseases are linked to chronic inflammation, which can be modified by diet. The objective of the present study was to determine whether there is a difference in inflammatory markers, blood metabolic and lipid panels and lymphocyte gene expression in response to a high-fat dairy food challenge with or without milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). Participants consumed a dairy product-based meal containing whipping cream (WC) high in saturated fat with or without the addition of MFGM, following a 12 h fasting blood draw. Inflammatory markers including IL-6 and C-reactive protein, lipid and metabolic panels and lymphocyte gene expression fold changes were measured using multiplex assays, clinical laboratory services and TaqMan real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Fold changes in gene expression were determined using the Pfaffl method. Response variables were converted into incremental AUC, tested for differences, and corrected for multiple comparisons. The postprandial insulin response was significantly lower following the meal containing MFGM (P < 0·01). The gene encoding soluble epoxide hydrolase (EPHX2) was shown to be more up-regulated in the absence of MFGM (P = 0·009). Secondary analyses showed that participants with higher baseline cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio (Chol:HDL) had a greater reduction in gene expression of cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and lymphotoxin β receptor (LTBR) with the WC+MFGM meal. The protein and lipid composition of MFGM is thought to be anti-inflammatory. These exploratory analyses suggest that addition of MFGM to a high-saturated fat meal modifies postprandial insulin response and offers a protective role for those individuals with higher baseline Chol:HDL.

Serial measures of circulating biomarkers of dairy fat and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study

Background

Controversy has emerged about the benefits compared with harms of dairy fat, including concerns over long-term effects. Previous observational studies have assessed self-reported estimates of consumption or a single biomarker measure at baseline, which may lead to suboptimal estimation of true risk.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate prospective associations of serial measures of plasma phospholipid fatty acids pentadecanoic (15:0), heptadecanoic (17:0), and trans-palmitoleic (trans-16:1n-7) acids with total mortality, cause-specific mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among older adults.

Design

Among 2907 US adults aged ≥65 y and free of CVD at baseline, circulating fatty acid concentrations were measured serially at baseline, 6 y, and 13 y. Deaths and CVD events were assessed and adjudicated centrally. Prospective associations were assessed by multivariate-adjusted Cox models incorporating time-dependent exposures and covariates.

Results

During 22 y of follow-up, 2428 deaths occurred, including 833 from CVD, 1595 from non-CVD causes, and 1301 incident CVD events. In multivariable models, circulating pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, and trans-palmitoleic acids were not significantly associated with total mortality, with extreme-quintile HRs of 1.05 for pentadecanoic (95% CI: 0.91, 1.22), 1.07 for heptadecanoic (95% CI: 0.93, 1.23), and 1.05 for trans-palmitoleic (95% CI: 0.91, 1.20) acids. Circulating heptadecanoic acid was associated with lower CVD mortality (extreme-quintile HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.98), especially stroke mortality, with a 42% lower risk when comparing extreme quintiles of heptadecanoic acid concentrations (HR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.97). In contrast, heptadecanoic acid was associated with a higher risk of non-CVD mortality (HR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.52), which was not clearly related to any single subtype of non-CVD death. No significant associations of pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, or trans-palmitoleic acids were seen for total incident CVD, coronary heart disease, or stroke.

Conclusions

Long-term exposure to circulating phospholipid pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, or trans-palmitoleic acids was not significantly associated with total mortality or incident CVD among older adults. High circulating heptadecanoic acid was inversely associated with CVD and stroke mortality and potentially associated with higher risk of non-CVD death.

Milk Fat Globule Membrane Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibiting Adipogenesis and Increasing Uncoupling Protein 1 Expression in White Adipose Tissue of Mice

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a protein-lipid complex surrounding the fat globules in milk, has many health benefits. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether MFGM could prevent obesity through inhibiting adipogenesis and promoting brown remodeling of white adipose tissue (WAT) in mice fed with high-fat diet. C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD plus MFGM at 100 mg/kg BW, 200 mg/kg BW or 400 mg/kg BW for 8 weeks. Results showed that MFGM suppressed body weight gain induced by HFD, reduced white adipose tissue (WAT) mass accompanied with the decrease in adipocyte sizes. MFGM was found to have partially improved serum lipid profiles, as well as to have suppressed HFD-induced adipogenesis as shown by reduced expression of peroxisome proliferators-activator receptor-γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). MFGM also markedly increased the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), showing activation of AMPK pathway. Moreover, MFGM promoted browning of inguinal WAT by upregulation the protein expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in HFD mice. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that MFGM may protect against diet-induced adiposity by suppressing adipogenesis and promoting brown-like transformation in WAT.

Milk fat globule membrane glycoproteins: Valuable ingredients for lactic acid bacteria encapsulation?

The membrane (Milk Fat Globule Membrane - MFGM) surrounding the milk fat globule is becoming increasingly studied for its use in food applications due to proven nutritional and technological properties. This review focuses first on current researches which have been led on the MFGM structure and composition and also on laboratory and industrial purification and isolation methods developed in the last few years. The nutritional, health benefits and techno-functional properties of the MFGM are then discussed. Finally, new techno-functional opportunities of MFGM glycoproteins as a possible ingredient for Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) encapsulation are detailed. The ability of MFGM to form liposomes entrapping bioactive compounds has been already demonstrated. One drawback is that liposomes are too small to be used for bacteria encapsulation. For the first time, this review points out the numerous advantages to use MFGM glycoproteins as a protecting, encapsulating matrix for bacteria and especially for LAB.

Dietary and Endogenous Sphingolipid Metabolism in Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor in many major metabolic diseases afflicting Western societies. Sphingolipid metabolism is pivotal in the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. The regulation of sphingolipid metabolism is in turn influenced by inflammatory pathways. In this review, we provide an overview of sphingolipid metabolism in mammalian cells, including a description of sphingolipid structure, biosynthesis, turnover, and role in inflammatory signaling. Sphingolipid metabolites play distinct and complex roles in inflammatory signaling and will be discussed. We also review studies examining dietary sphingolipids and inflammation, derived from in vitro and rodent models, as well as human clinical trials. Dietary sphingolipids appear to influence inflammation-related chronic diseases through inhibiting intestinal lipid absorption, altering gut microbiota, activation of anti-inflammatory nuclear receptors, and neutralizing responses to inflammatory stimuli. The anti-inflammatory effects observed with consuming dietary sphingolipids are in contrast to the observation that most cellular sphingolipids play roles in augmenting inflammatory signaling. The relationship between dietary sphingolipids and low-grade chronic inflammation in metabolic disorders is complex and appears to depend on sphingolipid structure, digestion, and metabolic state of the organism. Further research is necessary to confirm the reported anti-inflammatory effects of dietary sphingolipids and delineate their impacts on endogenous sphingolipid metabolism.

The role of a dairy fraction rich in milk fat globule membrane in the suppression of postprandial inflammatory markers and bone turnover in obese and overweight adults: an exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Inflammation is associated with increased bone resorption; the role of inflammation in postprandial bone turnover has not been explored. Consumption of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) reduces inflammation in animal models. This study aimed to measure postprandial changes in bone turnover after intake of high saturated fat test meals, with- and without the anti-inflammatory ingredient MFGM.

METHODS

Subjects (n = 36 adults) were obese (BMI 30-39.9 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2) with two traits of Metabolic Syndrome. Subjects consumed a different test meal on four occasions at random; blood draws were taken at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 h postprandial. Test meals included whipping cream (WC), WC + MFGM, palm oil (PO) and PO + MFGM. Biomarkers of bone turnover and inflammation were analyzed from all four time points.

RESULTS

Test meal (treatment) by time interactions were significant for bone resorption marker C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX) (p < 0.0001) and inflammatory marker interleukin 10 (IL-10) (p = 0.012). Significant differences in overall postprandial response among test meals were found for CTX and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), with the greatest overall postprandial suppression of CTX occurring in meals containing MFGM. However, test meal by MFGM interactions were non- significant for bone and inflammatory markers. Correlations between CTX and inflammatory markers were non-significant.

CONCLUSION

This exploratory analysis advances the study of postprandial suppression of bone turnover by demonstrating differing effects of high SFA meals that contained MFGM; however MFGM alone did not directly moderate the difference in postprandial CTX response among test meals in this analysis. These observations may be useful for identifying foods and ingredients which maximize the suppression of bone resorption, and for generating hypotheses to test in future studies examining the role of inflammation in postprandial bone turnover.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01811329. Registered 11 March 2013.

Nutritional anti-inflammatories in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome

AIMS

Obesity-fuelled metabolic syndrome and diabetes is now a global epidemic. There is increasing evidence that these and other chronic conditions have common inflammatory antecedents. There is an interest in nutritionally based anti-inflammatory treatments for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. The aim of this review is to examine the evidence from a 5-year period; 2011-2016, for nutritionally based anti-inflammatory treatments for the Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

METHODS

A literature search produced a total number of 1377 records, of which 26 papers were evaluated.

RESULTS

Literature was analysed and tabulated according to date, outcome measures and results.

CONCLUSION

The evidence is strong for use of polyphenolic compounds, fish oils and vitamins in reducing inflammation biomarkers, however the impact on metabolic control is less evident.

Invited review: Milk phospholipid vesicles, their colloidal properties, and potential as delivery vehicles for bioactive molecules

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a unique colloidal assembly of phospholipids and proteins, with numerous potential applications as functional ingredient. The phospholipid components of the MFGM are gaining interest as they are a useful matrix for use as a constituent of delivery systems such as liposomes. Liposomes formulated with milk phospholipids are becoming an alternative to other sources of phospholipids such as soybean or egg yolk. However, incorporation of phospholipids fractionated from the milk fat globule membrane in dairy products requires an in-depth understanding of the functional properties of phospholipids. In particular, it is critical to understand which factors play a role in their stability and bioefficacy as delivery systems. Moreover, chemical and physical modifications of phospholipid liposomes occurring during digestion and the fate of the encapsulated compounds are very important to understand. This review discusses recent findings on the structure and functionality of MFGM, the bioactivity of the phospholipids fraction, their utilization as delivery systems, and their stability through gastrointestinal transit.

Supplementation of Infant Formula with Bovine Milk Fat Globule Membranes

Studies have shown that supplementation of infant formula with bovine milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) may substantially narrow the gap in health outcomes between formula-fed and breastfed infants. In one study, consumption of a formula supplemented with a lipid-rich MFGM concentrate between 2 and 6 mo of age improved cognitive performance at 24 wk of age. In another study, a formula supplemented with a protein-rich MFGM concentrate given between 2 and 6 mo of age improved cognitive performance at 12 mo of age, decreased infectious morbidity until 6 mo of age, and yielded serum cholesterol concentrations closer to those of breastfed infants. A third study that assessed the safety of supplementing infant formula with a lipid-rich or a protein-rich MFGM concentrate found a noninferior weight gain for both groups compared with a nonsupplemented formula. In this study, there was an increased risk of eczema in the protein-rich group, but no serious adverse events. Infant formulas with supplemental MFGMs have been launched on the market in several countries. However, the evidence base must still be considered quite limited. Based on 3 randomized controlled trials that are not comparable, the intervention seems safe, but there is not enough evidence for a general recommendation on which MFGM fraction to use and at what concentration as formula supplement for a given outcome.