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

An absolute quantification method for selected MFGM proteins in infant formula using targeted proteomics

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins are receiving increased attention due to their reported benefits for human health, particularly in infant populations. Challenges exist in MFGM protein quantification due to their low quantities, complex chemistry, interactions with other matrix components, and the high matrix complexity. In this study, a subset of four MFGM proteins were selected as relevant targets for identification and quantification in an infant formula (IF) matrix: butyrophilin, mucin 1, xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase, and perilipin 2. An analytical protocol for absolute quantification of these four MFGM proteins in IF was successfully developed and validated. Additionally, the feasibility to apply the method in selected MFGM ingredients was also demonstrated. The method demonstrated good performance; high accuracy and robustness, low LOQ and uncertainty, while controlling the matrix effect. This study represents a report of an analytical method to quantify selected MFGM proteins in IF.

The role of structure in the interaction between bacteria, mammary epithelial cells and milk fat globules from raw or "cultured" milk

The study aimed to distinguish between the role played by the structural properties of MFG from its chemical composition in modulating its interaction with pathogenic and commensal bacteria. MFG from mammary gland epithelial cells (MEC) or raw milk was tested. Small MFG from both sources promoted growth of B.subtilis while large MFG triggered biofilm formation. Metabolomic profiles supported these findings for MEC-derived MFG. In contrast, pathogenic bacteria like E. coli weren't affected by MFG size from both sources. Using lipid mixture formulated to mimic the chemical composition of small MFG did not induce growth of the bacteria. Results validate that (i) milk components secreted by MEC share some structural-functional properties with raw MFG and (ii) the structure of the MFG plays a pivotal role in modulating the interaction between milk fat and bacteria. Taken together, MFG size variations may provide a competitive advantage to commensal bacteria as a protective mechanism.

Comparative Analysis of Skim Milk and Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteomes between Human and Farm Animal Milk for Infant Formula Production

Human and animal milk contain a rich variety of milk proteins that meet the needs of their newborns. In total, 1263 skim milk proteins and 1754 MFGM proteins were identified in human milk and six types of animal milk, respectively. Both similarities and differences were observed among the species. Human milk contained more immunoglobulins involved in the adaptive immune response, playing a crucial role in mucosal defense in newborn babies. In contrast, ruminant milk contained higher amounts of antimicrobial proteins, which protect newborns from bacterial infections. The most dominant difference in MFGM proteins between human and animal milk was related to protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Goat milk and camel milk were more similar to human milk in terms of skim milk and MFGM proteins compared to the other five types of animal milk. Moreover, immunoglobulins and complement and coagulation cascade proteins in goat milk were most similar to those in human milk. A higher content of immunoglobulin A was observed in donkey milk, which could be considered as a source of IgA in infant formula. These results provide more comprehensive and novel insights into protein variation among animal milk, which may support improving dairy products such as infant formula.

Nutritional and health effects of bovine colostrum in neonates

High concentrations of immunoglobulins, bioactive peptides, and growth factors are found in bovine colostrum (BC), the milk produced by cows in the first few days after parturition. Various biological functions make it increasingly used to provide nutritional support and immune protection to the offspring of many species, including humans. These biological functions include cell growth stimulation, anti-infection, and immunomodulation. The primary components and biological functions of colostrum were reviewed in the literature, and the authors also looked at its latent effects on the growth and development of neonates as well as on conditions such as infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, short bowel syndrome, and feeding intolerance. The importance of BC in neonatal nutrition, immune support, growth and development, and gut health has been demonstrated in a number of experimental and animal studies. BC has also been shown to be safe at low doses without adverse effects in newborns. BC supplementation has been shown to be efficient in preventing several disorders, including rotavirus diarrhea, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis in animal models of prematurity and some newborn studies. Therefore, BC supplementation should be considered in cases where maternal milk is insufficient or donor milk is unavailable. The optimal age, timing, dosage, and form of BC administration still require further investigation.

Current perspectives on the use of milk fat globule membrane in infant milk formula

Sources of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) are desirable to include in infant milk formula (IMF) to mimic the composition and functionality of human milk MFGM. MFGM in its natural form consists of a trilayer structure containing lipids (e.g., cholesterol, phospholipids, gangliosides, ceramides), proteins (e.g., butyrophilin, xanthine oxidase, mucin-1, adipophilin) and glycans (e.g., sialic acid). Components of MFGM have been associated with various biological benefit areas including intestinal, neurocognitive, and immune health. There are many aspects to consider when supplementing IMF with MFGM ingredients, of which the major ones are highlighted and critiqued in this review from an industrial research perspective. Features include compositional unknowns, discussion on how best to incorporate MFGM to IMF, analytical method needs, biological function unknowns, and considerations on how best to communicate MFGM in different contexts. It is hoped that by identifying the key scientific gaps outstanding in this subject area, collective efforts can proceed to ensure the potential impact of MFGM on infant health is realized.

The skimmed milk proteome of dairy cows is affected by the stage of lactation and by supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids

The impact of nutritional modification to increase functional polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), such as n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (FA) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), on milk proteome profile during early lactation remains largely unknown. We used an untargeted proteomics approach to investigate the impact of lactation day and PUFA supplementation on the proteome signature in skimmed milk over the course of early lactation. Sixteen Holstein dairy cows received abomasal infusion of saturated FA (CTRL) or a mixture of essential FA and CLA (EFA + CLA group) from - 63 to + 63 days relative to parturition. Using quantitative proteomics, 479 unique proteins were identified in skimmed milk at days 1, 28, and 63 postpartum. The top discriminating proteins between transition milk (day 1) and mature milk (days 28 and 63), including members of complements (i.e. C2 and C5), growth factor (TGFB2), lipoproteins (i.e. APOE and APOD), and chaperones (i.e. ST13 and CLU), are associated with calves' immune system and gut development. The EFA + CLA supplementation moderately affected a few proteins associated with regulating mammary glands' lipogenesis through the (re)assembly of lipoprotein particles, possibly under the PPAR signaling pathway. Collectively, skimmed milk proteome is dynamically regulated initially by cow's metabolic and physiological changes and to a lesser extent by nutritional PUFA modifications.

Infant Milk Formula Enriched in Dairy Cream Brings Its Digestibility Closer to Human Milk and Supports Intestinal Health in Pre-Clinical Studies

Human breast milk (HBM) is the "gold standard" for infant nutrition. When breast milk is insufficient or unavailable, infant milk formula (IMF) can provide a safe and nutritious alternative. However, IMFs differ considerably from HBM in composition and health function. We compared the digestibility and potential health functions of IMF containing low cream (LC-) or high cream (HC-) with pooled HBM. After simulated infant digestion of these samples, the bioavailability of key nutrients and immunomodulatory activities were determined via cell-based in vitro assays. A Caenorhabditis elegans leaky gut model was established to investigate cream effects on gut health. Distinct differences were observed in peptide diversity and sequences released from HC-IMF compared with LC-IMF during simulated digestion (p < 0.05). Higher levels of free fatty acids were absorbed through 21-day differentiated Caco-2/HT-29MTX monolayers from HC-IMF, compared with LC-IMF and HBM (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the immune-modulating properties of HC-IMF appeared to be more similar to HBM than LC-IMF, as observed by comparable secretion of cytokines IL-10 and IL-1β from THP-1 macrophages (p > 0.05). HC-IMF also supported intestinal recovery in C. elegans following distortion versus LC-IMF (p < 0.05). These observations suggest that cream as a lipid source in IMF may provide added nutritional and functional benefits more aligned with HBM.

Proteomic and phosphoproteomic reveal immune-related function of milk fat globule membrane in bovine milk of different lactation periods

Information regarding protein expression and phosphorylation modifications in the bovine milk fat globule membrane is scarce, particularly throughout various lactation periods. This study employed a complete proteome and phosphoproteome between bovine colostrum and mature milk. A total of 11 proteins were seen in both protein expression and phosphorylation levels. There were 400 proteins identified in only protein expression, and 104 phosphoproteins identified in only phosphorylation levels. A total of 232 significant protein characteristics were identified within the proteome and significant phosphorylation sites within 86 phosphoproteins of the phosphoproteome. Biological activities and pathways primarily exhibited associations with the immune system. Simultaneously, a comprehensive analysis of proteins and phosphorylation sites using a multi-omics approach. Hence, the data we have obtained has the potential to expand our understanding of how the bovine milk fat globule membrane might be utilized as a beneficial component in dairy products.

Comprehensive review of milk fat globule membrane proteins across mammals and lactation periods in health and disease

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a three-layer membrane-like structure encasing natural milk fat globules (MFGs). MFGM holds promise as a nutritional supplement because of the numerous physiological functions of its constituent protein. This review summarizes and compares the differences in MFGM protein composition across various species, including bovines, goats, camels, mares, and donkeys, and different lactation periods, such as colostrum and mature milk, as assessed by techniques such as proteomics and mass spectrometry. We also discuss the health benefits of MFGM proteins throughout life. MFGM proteins promote intestinal development, neurodevelopment, and glucose and lipid metabolism by upregulating tight junction protein expression, brain function-related genes, and glucose and fatty acid biosynthesis processes. We focus on the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of MFGM proteins. MFGM proteins activate key substances in in signaling pathways, such as the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and myosin light chain kinase signaling pathways. Overall, the consumption of MFGM proteins plays an essential role in conferring health benefits, some of which are important throughout the mammalian life cycle.

Identification of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides derived from buffalo colostrum: Mining through bioinformatics, in silico and in vitro approaches

Bioactive peptides derived from foods provide physiological health benefits beyond nutrition. This study focused on profiling small peptide inhibitors against two key serine proteases, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP). DPP-IV is a well-known protein involved in diverse pathways regulating inflammation, renal, cardiovascular physiology, and glucose homeostasis. POP is yet another key target protein for neurodegenerative disorders. The study evaluated peptide libraries of buffalo colostrum whey and fat globule membrane proteins derived from pepsin and pepsin-pancreatin digestion through in silico web tools and structure-based analysis by molecular docking and binding free-energy estimation, followed by in vitro assay for DPP-IV inhibition for the lead peptides. The bioinformatic study indicated 49 peptides presented motifs with DPP-IV inhibition while 5 peptides with sequences for POP inhibition. In the molecular docking interactions study, 22 peptides interacted with active site residues of DPP-IV and 3 peptides with that of POP. The synthesized peptides, SFVSEVPEL and LTFQHNF inhibited DPP-IV in vitro with an IC50 of 193.5 μM and 1.782 mM, respectively. The study revealed the key residues for inhibition of DPP-IV and POP thus affirming the DPP-IV inhibitory potential of milk-derived peptides.

A study of the effect of hypothyroidism during pregnancy on human milk quality based on rheological properties

Hypothyroidism has been found to have an effect on the nutritional composition of human milk during pregnancy. This study aims to explore the combined influence of rheological properties, macronutrient content, particle size, and the zeta potential of milk fat globules, as well as the composition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins on the quality of human milk in gestational hypothyroidism. The study revealed that human milk from the group with hypothyroidism during pregnancy (AHM) was less viscoelastic and stable when compared with normal pregnancy group human milk (NHM). Furthermore, the particle size and macronutrient content of NHM were found to be larger than that of AHM. In contrast, the zeta potential of AHM was greater than that of NHM. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE results disclosed that the composition of MFGM proteins in these 2 groups were generally the same, but the content of AHM was lower than that of NHM. In conclusion, this study confirms that hypothyroidism during pregnancy can have a significant effect on the quality of human milk.

Analysis of bitter compounds in traditional preparations of Gentiana purpurea L

Roots of Gentiana purpurea are known to have an intense bitter taste due to its high content of secoiridoids. In folk medicine roots have commonly been prepared as water decoctions, soaked in ethanol, or boiled with milk, wine, or beer. The aim of this study was to explore how various historical preparation methods influence yields of major bitter compounds in G. purpurea. HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that maceration with 40% and 70% ethanol, boiling with acetic acid (3% and 6%), vinegar and raw milk gave the highest extraction yields of gentiopicrin. Erythrocentaurin was detected when the roots were added to cold water before boiling, possibly because of enzymatic degradation. In contrast, erythrocentaurin was not detected in preparations where roots were added to boiling water, or when they were extracted with acetic acid or alcohol. The results stress the significance of traditional preparation methods to optimize yield of bioactive compounds.

Milk fat globule membrane proteins are crucial in regulating lipid digestion during simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion

Products of lipolysis released during digestion positively affect the metabolism of newborns. In contrast to the 3-layer biological membranes covering human milk (HM) fat, the lipid droplets in infant milk formula (IMF) are covered by a single membrane composed of casein and whey proteins. To reduce the differences in lipid structure between IMF and HM, studies have used milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components such as milk polar lipids (MPL) to prepare emulsions mimicking HM fat globules However, few studies have elucidated the effect of membrane proteins (MP) on lipid digestion in infants. In this study, 3 kinds of emulsions were prepared: One with MPL as the interfaced of lipid droplets (RE-1), one with membrane protein concentrate (MPC) (RE-2) as the interface of lipid droplets, and one with both MPL and MPC (1:2) as the co-interface of lipid droplets (RE-3). The interfacial coverage of the emulsions was confirmed by measuring the contents of MPL and MPC at the lipid droplet interface, and by confocal laser scanning microscopy analyzed. By controlling the homogenization intensity, the specific surface area of lipid droplets was controlled at the same level among the 3 emulsions. The stability constants of the emulsions varied, and RE-1 was the most stable. During simulated in vitro infant gastrointestinal digestion, the amount of free fatty acids (FFA) released from the lipid droplets was significantly higher from those with MPC at the interface (RE-2, RE-3) than from that with MPL at the interface (RE-1). The amount of FFA released at the end of intestinal digestion of RE-1, RE-2, and RE-3 was 255.00 ± 3.54 µmol,328.75 ± 5.30 µmol, 298.50 ± 9.19 µmol, respectively. Compared with the lipid droplets in RE-2, those with MPL at the interface (RE-1, RE-3) released more unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs) during digestion. The emulsifying activity index was highest in RE-3 (MPL and MPC co-interface). The presence of MPL at the emulsion interface increased the release of USFAs, while the presence of MPC increased the release of FFA. These results show that both MPL and MP are indispensable in the construction of MFGM. Understanding their effects on digestion can provide new strategies for the development of infant foods.

Milk fat globule membrane regulates the physicochemical properties and surface composition of infant formula powders by improving the stability of the emulsion

The milk fat globules in infant formula (IF) are encapsulated by a component known as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). However, it is currently unclear whether the improved emulsion stability of MFGM can have a profound effect on the finished IF. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of MFGM on the particle size, stability, rheology, and microstructure of emulsions prepared by dairy ingredients via wet mixing. Further, IF were processed using such emulsions, the physicochemical properties, surface composition of the powders were examined. The results showed that MFGM reduced the particle size of the emulsion, increased the viscosity, and improved the microstructure of the MFGM. Furthermore, MFGM reduced the moisture content of the powder, increased the glass transition temperature, and reduced the presence of surface fat. In conclusion, the addition of MFGM enhance the finished powder stability by improving the emulsion stability prepared during IF manufacturing.

Buffalo colostrum peptide mitigates Parkinson's disease pathophysiology through Cullin-3 inhibition

Colostrum/Milk is a chief repertoire of antioxidant peptides. Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a viable target for Parkinson's Disease (PD), as this pathway deduced to be impaired in PD. Cullin-3 is one of the crucial E3 ligase responsible for its regulation. The present study screened peptide libraries of buffalo colostrum & milk peptides for Cullin-3 inhibition, thus ensuing activation of Nrf2 to alleviate the molecular etiopathology in PD using the C. elegans as a model. The structure was modelled, binding sites analyzed and peptide-interactions analyzed by docking. Among the 55 sequences (≤1 kDa), the peptide SFVSEVPEL having the highest dock score (-16.919) was synthesized and evaluated for its effects on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes, neurochemical marker and Nrf2/Skn-1 levels. The lead peptide alleviated the oxidative pathophysiology and behavioural deficits associated with PD in C. elegans.

Preventative Effects of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Ingredients on DSS-Induced Mucosal Injury in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

The goblet cells of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) produce glycoproteins called mucins that form a protective barrier from digestive contents and external stimuli. Recent evidence suggests that the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and its milk phospholipid component (MPL) can benefit the GIT through improving barrier function. Our objective was to compare the effects of two digested MFGM ingredients with or without dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced barrier stress on mucin proteins. Co-cultured Caco-2/HT29-MTX intestinal cells were treated with in vitro digests of 2%, 5%, and 10% (w/v) MFGM or MPL alone for 6 h or followed by challenge with 2.5% DSS (6 h). Transepithelial electrical resistance and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran (FD4) permeability measurements were used to measure changes in barrier integrity. Mucin characterization was performed using a combination of slot blotting techniques for secreted (MUC5AC, MUC2) and transmembrane (MUC3A, MUC1) mucins, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and periodic acid Schiff (PAS)/Alcian blue staining. Digested MFGM and MPL prevented a DSS-induced reduction in secreted mucins, which corresponded to the prevention of DSS-induced increases in FD4 permeability. SEM and PAS/Alcian blue staining showed similar visual trends for secreted mucin production. A predictive bioinformatic approach was also used to identify potential KEGG pathways involved in MFGM-mediated mucosal maintenance under colitis conditions. This preliminary in silico evidence, combined with our in vitro findings, suggests the role of MFGM in inducing repair and maintenance of the mucosal barrier.

Protective mechanism of milk fat globule membrane proteins on Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6074 under acid stress based on proteomic analysis

The prerequisite for lactic acid bacteria to perform their probiotic function is that they could survive the acid-stressed environment of production and application. In this experiment, the protective mechanism of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins on lactic acid bacteria under acid stress was investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence probe were used to analyze the condition of the acid-treated bacteria, which showed that MFGM proteins could enhance the survival ability of Lactobacillus acidophilus CICC 6074 under acid stress by maintaining cell morphology, elevating intracellular pH and H+-ATPase activity. Furthermore, Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) proteomic analysis revealed that MFGM protein could exert protective effects on L. acidophilus CICC 6074 by regulating amino acid metabolism, ATPase activity, peptidoglycan synthesis, gene repair and heritage, etc. The results will provide a new approach for the protection and development of functional lactic acid bacteria.

Characterization and Comparison Analysis of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteins between Human and Porcine Milk

This study aimed to explore the differences in milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins between human milk (HM) and porcine milk (PM) using a label-free quantitative proteomic approach. A total of 3920 and 4001 MFGM proteins were identified between PM and HM, respectively. Among them, 3520 common MFGM proteins were detected, including 956 significant differentially expressed MFGM proteins (DEPs). Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the DEPs were highly enriched in the lipid metabolic process and intrinsic component of membrane. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways suggested that protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum was the most highly enriched pathway, followed by peroxisome, complement, and coagulation cascades. This study reflects the difference in the composition of MFGM proteins between HM and PM and provides a scientific and systematic reference for the development of MFGM protein nutrition.

Milk Fat Globules: 2024 Updates

Milk fat globules (MFGs) are a remarkable example of nature's ingenuity. Human milk (HM) carries contains 3-5% fat, 0.8-0.9% protein, 6.9-7.2% carbohydrate calculated as lactose, and 0.2% mineral constituents. Most of these nutrients are carried in these MFGs, which are composed of an energy-rich triacylglycerol (TAG) core surrounded by a triple membrane structure. The membrane contains polar lipids, specialized proteins, glycoproteins, and cholesterol. Each of these bioactive components serves important nutritional, immunological, neurological, and digestive functions. These MFGs are designed to release energy rapidly in the upper gastrointestinal tract and then persist for some time in the gut lumen so that the protective bioactive molecules are conveyed to the colon. These properties may shape the microbial colonization and innate immune properties of the developing gastrointestinal tract. Milk fat globules in milk from humans and ruminants may resemble in structure but there are considerable differences in size, profile, composition, and specific constituents. There are possibilities to not only enhance the nutritional composition in a goal-oriented fashion to correct specific deficiencies in the infant but also to use these fat globules as a nutraceutical in infants who require specific treatments. To mention a few, there might be possibilities in enhancing neurodevelopment, in defense against gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, improving insulin sensitivity, treating chronic inflammation, and altering plasma lipids. This review provides an overview of the composition, structure, and biological activities of the various components of the MFGs. We have assimilated research findings from our own laboratory with an extensive review of the literature utilizing key terms in multiple databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Science Direct. To avoid bias in the identification of studies, keywords were short-listed a priori from anecdotal experience and PubMed's Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) thesaurus.

Omics Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles Recovered from Infant Formula Products and Milk: Towards Personalized Infant Nutrition

SCOPE

Milk and milk products such as infant formula (IF) play a fundamental role in serving the nutritional needs of the developing infant. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in human (HM) and cow milk (CM) contain molecular cargo such as proteins and micro(mi)RNAs that serve as functional messengers between cells and may be of importance to infant health. Most IF is derived from a CM protein base, however differences between HM and CM EV molecular cargo have not been extensively studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study develops a pipeline using advanced proteomics and transcriptomics to enable cross-species comparison of milk and IF EVs. The number of nanoparticles per mL of IF is significantly reduced compared to unprocessed CM. 130 proteins and 514 miRNAs are differentially abundant between HM and CM EVs. While 90% of CM EV miRNAs are also identified in IF EVs, only 20% of CM EV proteins are identified in IF EVs.

CONCLUSIONS

This workflow identifies key species-specific differences that can be used to optimize IF recipes and enhance infant nutrition. Improved preservation of EV functional molecular cargo in IF products is of critical importance to retaining molecular drivers of good health and should be the focus of future investigations.

Milk fat globule membrane: composition, production and its potential as encapsulant for bioactives and probiotics

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is a complex trilayer structure present in mammalian milk and is mainly composed of phospholipids and proteins (>90%). Many studies revealed MFGM has positive effects on the immune system, brain development, and cognitive function of infants. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have been found to improve mental health and insulin sensitivity, regulate immunity, and prevent allergies. Probiotics are unstable and prone to degradation by environmental, processing, and storage conditions. In this review, the processes used for encapsulation of probiotics particularly the potential of MFGM and its constituents as encapsulating materials for probiotics are described. This study analyzes the importance of MFGM in encapsulating bioactive substances and emphasizes the interaction with probiotics and the gut as well as its resistance to adverse environmental factors in the digestive system when used as a probiotic embedding material. MFGM can enhance the gastric acid resistance and bile resistance of probiotics, mainly manifested in the survival rate of probiotics. Due to the role of digestion, MFGM-coated probiotics can be released in the intestine, and due to the biocompatibility of the membrane, it can promote the binding of probiotics to intestinal epithelial cells, and promote the colonization of some probiotics in the intestine.

Beyond ingredients: Supramolecular structure of lipid droplets in infant formula affects metabolic and brain function in mouse models

Human milk beneficially affects infant growth and brain development. The supramolecular structure of lipid globules in human milk i.e., large lipid globules covered by the milk fat globule membrane, is believed to contribute to this effect, in addition to the supply of functional ingredients. Three preclinical (mouse) experiments were performed to study the effects of infant formula mimicking the supramolecular structure of human milk lipid globules on brain and metabolic health outcomes. From postnatal day 16 to 42, mouse offspring were exposed to a diet containing infant formula with large, phospholipid-coated lipid droplets (structure, STR) or infant formula with the same ingredients but lacking the unique structural properties as observed in human milk (ingredient, ING). Subsequently, in Study 1, the fatty acid composition in liver and brain membranes was measured, and expression of hippocampal molecular markers were analyzed. In Study 2 and 3 adult (Western-style diet-induced) body fat accumulation and cognitive function were evaluated. Animals exposed to STR compared to ING showed improved omega-3 fatty acid accumulation in liver and brain, and higher expression of brain myelin-associated glycoprotein. Early exposure to STR reduced fat mass accumulation in adulthood; the effect was more pronounced in animals exposed to a Western-style diet. Additionally, mice exposed to STR demonstrated better memory performance later in life. In conclusion, early life exposure to infant formula containing large, phospholipid-coated lipid droplets, that are closer to the supramolecular structure of lipid globules in human milk, positively affects adult brain and metabolic health outcomes in pre-clinical animal models.

Quantification of Free Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Raw Cow Milk by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Free short-chain fatty acids (FSCFAs) are a momentous contributor to the flavor of the raw cow milk. Hence, the purpose of this research was to build an approach for the quantification of 10 FSCFAs in raw cow milk. Raw cow milk samples are acidified by hydrochloric acid ethanol (0.5%) solution pretreatment and then processed on the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. With the exception of iso C5:0 and anteiso C5:0 co-flux, the remaining eight FSCFAs were effectively separated by chromatography. The methodological validation data revealed that the linear relationship satisfied the assay requirements (coefficient of determination >0.999), the limits of quantification were 0.167 to 1.250 μg mL^-1, the recoveries ranged from 85.62% to 126.42%, the coefficients of variation were 1.40~12.15%, and no SCFAs in the triglyceride form were potential degradation, and the precision ranging from 0.56% to 9.09%. Our easy, fast, and robust method successfully determined three FSCFAs in raw cow milk without derivatization. Some characteristic features of FSCFAs have been discovered in raw cow milk such as its higher percentages of C4:0 and C6:0. Our research has provided a very valuable method for the future quality and safety control of raw milk and nutritional studies.

Proteomic analysis of milk fat globule membranes from small-sized milk fat globules and their function in promoting lipid droplet fusion in bovine mammary epithelial cells

In mammary epithelial cells, milk fat is synthesized as lipid droplets and secreted in the form of globules. Milk fat globules (MFGs) are covered by a lipid-protein membrane known as the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). We randomly divided 12 Holstein cows into control and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the CLA group was fed the basal diet + CLA (15 g per kg DM) for 10 days. Cow performance, milk composition, and MFG size were measured daily. On day 10, we extracted MFGM proteins (n = 3) and identified them via quantitative proteomic analysis. We investigated the effects of the MFGM proteins from control and CLA-treated milk on the lipid droplet formation in MAC-T cells. Compared with the control group, the CLA group had reduced milk fat content (3.39 g/100 mL vs. 2.45 g/100 mL) and MFG size parameters (D_[4,3] of 3.85 μm vs. 3.37 μm; D_[3,2] of 3.24 μm vs. 2.83 μm). The specific surface area (SSA) increased in the CLA group. A total of 361 differentially expressed proteins were identified in the CLA group by iTRAQ quantitative proteomic analysis. Among these proteins, 100 were upregulated and 251 were downregulated (p < 0.05). In MAC-T cells, CLA-MFGM proteins increased the diameter of the lipid droplets to 1.32 μm. CLA-MFGM proteins decreased the proportion of the small lipid droplets (15.33% vs. 47.78%) and increased the proportion of the large lipid droplets (25.04% vs. 11.65%). CLA-MFGM proteins promoted lipid droplet fusion. Therefore, MFGM proteins play an important role in the regulation of the lipid droplet size.

Lipidomic and Proteomic Profiling of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane from Different Industrial By-Products of the Butter and Butter Oil Manufacturing Process

Recent studies have demonstrated the positive effects of regular intake of milk fat globule membranes (MFGMs) on neural and cognitive development, as well as immune and gastrointestinal health in infants and elders. Dairy products and by-products generated from the butter and butter oil manufacturing process are valuable sources of MFGM. Thus, in view of the growing need to reduce by-products and waste, it is crucial to foster research aimed at the valorization of dairy by-products rich in MFGM. For this purpose, all the by-products coming from butter and butter oil production (from raw milk to the related by-products) were used to study the MFGM isolated fractions, followed by their characterization through a combined lipidomic and proteomic approach. The patterns of polar lipids and proteins indicated that buttermilk (BM), butterserum (BS), and their mix (BM-BS blend) are the most suitable by-products to be employed as starting material for the isolation and purification of MFGMs, thus obtaining MFGM-enriched ingredients for the manufacture of products with high biological activity.

Lectin microarray profiling demonstrates equivalent global glycosylation for whey protein ingredients enriched with α-lactalbumin and milk fat globule membrane

Human milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and whey proteins are nutritionally and functionally valuable, with many beneficial bioactivities associated with their glycosylation. However glycosylation of milk components other than free milk oligosaccharides are underinvestigated. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) ingredients with various enrichments or depletions are used in infant formula (IF) formulations to contribute to human milk equivalence and bioactivity benefits, but their overall or global glycosylation has not been compared. We compared the global glycosylation of commercial WPC ingredients for use in various IF formulations; two MFGM-enriched WPC ingredients (high fat HF1 and lower fat HF2), an α-lactalbumin-enriched WPC (WPC Lac) which has α-lactalbumin concentration closer to human milk and significantly less β-lactoglobulin which is not present in human milk, and two base WPC ingredients (WPC 80 and WPC 35) using lectin microarray profiling. WPC Lac and WPC HF1 glycosylation were highly similar to each other and both somewhat similar to WPC 35, while WPC HF2 was more similar to the base WPC 80 ingredient. N-linked glycosylation analysis demonstrated that WPC HF1 and WPC Lac were qualitatively most similar to one another, with WPC 80 and WPC 35 having similar structures, confirming lectin microarray profiling as a valuable method to compare global glycosylation. Thus WPC Lac may be a valuable ingredient for providing equivalent glycosylation to MFGM supplementation.

Identifying and Analyzing Topic Clusters in a Nutri-, Food-, and Diet-Proteomic Corpus Using Machine Reading

Nutrition affects the early stages of disease development, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. High-throughput proteomic methods are being used to generate data and information on the effects of nutrients, foods, and diets on health and disease processes. In this report, a novel machine reading pipeline was used to identify all articles and abstracts on proteomics, diet, food, and nutrition in humans. The resulting proteomic corpus was further analyzed to produce seven clusters of "thematic" content defined as documents that have similar word content. Examples of publications from several of these clusters were then described in a similar way to a typical descriptive review.

Effects of pre-partum dietary crude protein level on colostrum fat globule membrane proteins and the performance of Hu ewes and their offspring

Dietary proteins play important roles in the growth and reproduction of sheep, and the ewe's demand for proteins increases dramatically during late pregnancy. This research aimed to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels during late pregnancy on colostrum fat globule membrane (MFGM) protein and the growth performance of Hu sheep and their offspring, and provide a reference for the protein intake of ewes during late pregnancy. A total of 108 multiparous Hu sheep (45.6 ± 1.18 kg) were selected for this study, then 60 pregnant ewes confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography were randomly divided into three treatments (20 ewes/treatment) and fed by total mixed ration pellet with CP levels at 9.00% (LP), 12.0% (MP), and 15.0% (HP) during late pregnancy, respectively. The weight and dry matter intake of ewes during late pregnancy were recorded to calculate the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Twin lambs were weighed on days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 180 after birth to calculate ADG. Meanwhile, the colostrum of ewes was collected within 12 h after delivery. The colostrum MFGM proteins were identified and quantified by the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods. In addition, biological functions of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were annotated by Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. The results revealed that a 15.0% CP level had significant effects on the BW of lambs on days 0, 7, and 30 (P &lt; 0.05). Notably, a total of 1,529 MFGM proteins were identified and 286 DEPs were found among three treatments. Functional analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in cell growth, differentiation, and tissue repair, and involved in metabolic pathways, such as the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. In this study, lambs in HP treatment had better growth performance; moreover, dietary 15.0% CP level also affected the colostrum MFGM proteins composition of Hu ewes. These observations can facilitate future studies on the feeding regimen of ewes during late pregnancy.

KRAS Affects the Lipid Composition by Regulating Mitochondrial Functions and MAPK Activation in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), or guanosine triphosphatase KRAS, is a proto-oncogene that encodes the small guanosine triphosphatase transductor protein. Previous studies have found that KRAS can promote cytokine secretion, cell chemotaxis, and survival. However, its effects on milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells are unclear. In this study, the effects of KRAS inhibition on cell metabolism, autophagy, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial function, and lipid composition as well as the potential mechanisms were detected in an immortalized dairy cow mammary epithelial cell line (MAC-T). The results showed that inhibition of KRAS changed the lipid composition (especially the triglyceride level), mitochondrial functions, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress in cells. Moreover, KRAS inhibition regulated the levels of the mammalian target of rapamycin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular regulated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinases, p38) activation. These results indicated that regulation of KRAS would affect the synthesis and composition of milk fat. These results are also helpful for exploring the synthesis and secretion of milk fat at the molecular level and provide a theoretical basis for improving the percentage of fat in milk and the yield of milk from cows.

Effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antibacterial activity of bioactive dairy formulas supplemented with lactoferrin against Cronobacter sakazakii

Milk is a source of proteins with high nutritional value and relevant biological activities. Bioactive milk proteins, like lactoferrin, are important for newborn development and can also be used as ingredients in functional products to improve health. Lactoferrin is essential in infant’s diet, since protects against infections and promotes immune system maturation. Bovine lactoferrin is used to supplement formula milk in order to strengthen baby’s defences against some pathogenic bacteria. Thus, lactoferrin supplemented formula can be a barrier against emergent pathogens, such as Cronobacter sakazakii, which has caused great concern in the last few years. Milk proteins generate bioactive peptides in the digestion process, and it is known that industrial processing can modify their susceptibility to digestion. Treatments such as heating have been shown to denature whey proteins and make them more easily digestible. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effect of technological treatments and gastrointestinal digestion on the antibacterial activity against C. sakazakii of proteins present in dairy formulas supplemented with lactoferrin. Commercial bovine lactoferrin has been shown to have antibacterial activity against C. sakazakii, both in the native state and after static in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. In addition, the digests obtained from dairy formulas subjected to technological treatments, either homogenization or pasteurization, have higher antibacterial activity than non-treated formulas. The release of low molecular weight peptides during the in vitro gastric digestion is probably the cause that would explain the enhanced antibacterial activity of the digested dairy formulas.

The Immunological Role of Milk Fat Globule Membrane

Human milk is the ideal food for newborns until the age of six months. Human milk can be defined as a dynamic living tissue, containing immunological molecules, such as immunoglobulins, supra-molecular structures, such as the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and even entire cells, such as the milk microbiota. The milk composition changes throughout lactation to fulfill the infant’s requirements and reflect the healthy/disease status of the lactating mother. Many bioactive milk components are either soluble or bound to the MFGM. In this work, we focus on the peculiar role of the MFGM components, from their structural organization in fat globules to their route into the gastrointestinal tract. Immunometabolic differences between human and bovine MFGM components are reported and the advantages of supplementing infant formula with the MFGM are highlighted.

Milk fat globule membrane proteins are involved in controlling the size of milk fat globules during conjugated linoleic acid-induced milk fat depression

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins surround the triacylglycerol core comprising milk fat globules (MFG). We previously detected a decrease in the size of fat globules during conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-induced milk fat depression (MFD), and other studies have reported that some MFGM proteins play a central role in regulating mammary cellular lipid droplet size. However, little is known about the relationship between MFD, MFG size, and MFGM proteins in bovine milk. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of MFGM proteins during MFD induced by CLA. Sixteen mid-lactating Holstein cows (145 ± 24 d in milk) with similar body condition and parity were divided into control and CLA groups over a 10-d period. Cows were fed a basal diet (control, n = 8) or control plus 15 g/kg of dry matter (DM) CLA (n = 8) to induce MFD. Cow performance, milk composition, and MFG size were measured daily. On d 10, MFGM proteins were extracted and identified by quantitative proteomic analysis, and western blotting was used to verify a subset of the identified MFGM proteins. Compared with controls, supplemental CLA did not affect milk production, DM intake, or milk protein and lactose contents. However, CLA reduced milk fat content (3.73 g/100 mL vs. 2.47 g/100 mL) and the size parameters volume-related diameter D_[4,3] (3.72 μm vs. 3.35 μm) and surface area-related diameter D_[3,2] (3.13 μm vs. 2.80 μm), but increased specific surface area of MFG (1,905 m²/kg vs. 2,188 m²/kg). In total, 177 differentially expressed proteins were detected in milk from cows with CLA-induced MFD, 60 of which were upregulated and 117 downregulated. Correlation analysis showed that MFG size was negatively correlated with various proteins, including XDH and FABP3, and positively correlated with MFG-E8, RAB19, and APOA1. The results provide evidence for an important role of MFGM proteins in regulating MFG diameter, and they facilitate a mechanistic understanding of diet-induced MFD.

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Proteins in Breast Milk during Different Lactation Periods

Breast milk is an unparalleled food for infants, as it can meet almost all of their nutritional needs. Breast milk in the first month is an important source of acquired immunity. However, breast milk protein may vary with the stage of lactation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use a data-independent acquisition approach to determine the differences in the proteins of breast milk during different lactation periods. The study samples were colostrum (3-6 days), transitional milk (7-14 days), and mature milk (15-29 days). The results identified a total of 2085 different proteins, and colostrum contained the most characteristic proteins. Protein expression was affected by the lactation stage. The proteins expressed in breast milk changed greatly between day 3 and day 14 and gradually stabilized after 14 days. The expression levels of lactoferrin, immunoglobulin, and clusterin were the highest in colostrum. CTP synthase 1, C-type lectin domain family 19 member A, secretoglobin family 3A member 2, trefoil factor 3 (TFF3), and tenascin were also the highest in colostrum. This study provides further insights into the protein composition of breast milk and the necessary support for the design and production of infant formula.

Milk polar lipids composition and functionality: a systematic review

Polar lipids including glycerophospholipids and sphingophospholipids are important nutrients and milk is a major source, particularly for infants. This systematic review describes the human and bovine milk polar lipid composition, structural organization, sources for formulation, and physiological functionality. A total of 2840 records were retrieved through Scopus, 378 were included. Bovine milk is a good source of polar lipids, where yield and composition are highly dependent on the choice of dairy streams and processing. In milk, polar lipids are organized in the milk fat globule membrane as a tri-layer encapsulating triglyceride. The overall polar lipid concentration in human milk is dependent on many factors including lactational stage and maternal diet. Here, reasonable ranges were determined where possible. Similar for bovine milk, where differences in milk lipid concentration proved the largest factor determining variation. The role of milk polar lipids in human health has been demonstrated in several areas and critical review indicated that brain, immune and effects on lipid metabolism are best substantiated areas. Moreover, insights related to the milk fat globule membrane structure-function relation as well as superior activity of milk derived polar lipid compared to plant-derived sources are emerging areas of interest regarding future research and food innovations.

Reduction of multiple reaction monitoring protein target list using correlation analysis

High mass resolution mass spectrometry provides hundreds to thousands of protein identifications per sample, and quantification is typically performed using label-free quantification. However, the gold standard of quantitative proteomics is multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using triple quadrupole mass spectrometers and stable isotope reference peptides. This raises the question how to reduce a large data set to a small one without losing essential information. Here we present the reduction of such a data set using correlation analysis of bovine dairy ingredients and derived products. We were able to explain the variance in the proteomics data set using only 9 proteins across all major dairy protein classes: caseins, whey, and milk fat globule membrane proteins. We term this method Trinity-MRM. The reproducibility of the protein extraction and Trinity-MRM methods was shown to be below 5% in independent experiments (multi-day single-user and single-day multi-user) using double cream. Further application of this reductionist approach might include screening of large sample cohorts for biologically interesting samples before analysis by high-resolution mass spectrometry or other omics methodologies.

Babies, Bugs, and Barriers: Dietary Modulation of Intestinal Barrier Function in Early Life

The intestinal barrier is essential in early life to prevent infection, inflammation, and food allergies. It consists of microbiota, a mucus layer, an epithelial layer, and the immune system. Microbial metabolites, the mucus, antimicrobial peptides, and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) protect the intestinal mucosa against infection. The complex interplay between these functionalities of the intestinal barrier is crucial in early life by supporting homeostasis, development of the intestinal immune system, and long-term gut health. Exclusive breastfeeding is highly recommended during the first 6 months. When breastfeeding is not possible, milk-based infant formulas are the only safe alternative. Breast milk contains many bioactive components that help to establish the intestinal microbiota and influence the development of the intestinal epithelium and the immune system. Importantly, breastfeeding lowers the risk for intestinal and respiratory tract infections. Here we review all aspects of intestinal barrier function and the nutritional components that impact its functionality in early life, such as micronutrients, bioactive milk proteins, milk lipids, and human milk oligosaccharides. These components are present in breast milk and can be added to milk-based infant formulas to support gut health and immunity. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Nutrition, Volume 42 is August 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

Changes in Human Milk Fat Globule Composition Throughout Lactation: A Review

There has been a growing interest in understanding how the relative levels of human milk fat globule (MFG) components change over the course of lactation, how they differ between populations, and implications of these changes for the health of the infant. In this article, we describe studies published over the last 30 years which have investigated components of the MFG in term milk, focusing on changes over the course of lactation and highlighting infant and maternal factors that may influence these changes. We then consider how the potential health benefits of some of the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) components and derived ingredients relate to compositional and functional aspects and how these change throughout lactation. The results show that the concentrations of phospholipids, gangliosides, cholesterol, fatty acids and proteins vary throughout lactation, and such changes are likely to reflect the changing requirements of the growing infant. There is a lack of consistent trends for changes in phospholipids and gangliosides across lactation which may reflect different methodological approaches. Other factors such as maternal diet and geographical location have been shown to influence human MFGM composition. The majority of research on the health benefits of MFGM have been conducted using MFGM ingredients derived from bovine milk, and using animal models which have clearly demonstrated the role of the MFGM in supporting cognitive and immune health of infants at different stages of growth and development.

Functional Significance of Different Milk Constituents in Modulating the Gut Microbiome and Infant Health

Human milk, the gold standard for optimal nourishment, controls the microbial composition of infants by either enhancing or limiting bacterial growth. The milk fat globule membrane has gained interest in gut-related functions and cognitive development. The membrane proteins can directly interact with probiotic bacteria, influencing their survival and adhesion through gastrointestinal transit, whereas membrane phospholipids increase the residence time of probiotic bacteria in the gut. The commensal bacteria in milk act as the initial inoculum in building up the gut colonization of an infant, whereas oligosaccharides promote proliferation of beneficial microorganisms. Interestingly, milk extracellular vesicles are also involved in influencing the microbiota composition but are not well-explored. This review highlights the contribution of different milk components in modulating the infant gut microbiota, particularly the fat globule membrane, and the complex interplay between host- and brain-gut microbiota signaling affecting infant and adult health positively.

Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Milk Fat Globules

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic Gram-negative bacteria. While raw milk cheese consumption is healthful, contamination with pathogens such as STEC can occur due to poor hygiene practices at the farm level. STEC infections cause mild to serious symptoms in humans. The raw milk cheese-making process concentrates certain milk macromolecules such as proteins and milk fat globules (MFGs), allowing the intrinsic beneficial and pathogenic microflora to continue to thrive. MFGs are surrounded by a biological membrane, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which has a globally positive health effect, including inhibition of pathogen adhesion. In this review, we provide an update on the adhesion between STEC and raw MFGs and highlight the consequences of this interaction in terms of food safety, pathogen detection, and therapeutic development.

Identification of mitochondria-related hub genes in sarcopenia and functional regulation of MFG-E8 on ROS-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and cell cycle arrest

Sarcopenia has high prevalence in the elderly population, but the genes and pathways related to aging in elderly patients with sarcopenia are poorly understood. Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a peripheral membrane glycoprotein isolated from the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). It has been found to exhibit various nutritional effects, including antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-sarcopenia, and improving brain development and cognitive effects. This study aimed to investigate key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways associated with the progression of sarcopenia using bioinformatics analysis and in vitro myoblast experiment. The gene expression profiles of GSE8479 and GSE9676, which includes 40 young normal samples and 55 elderly samples, were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus Database (GEO). Over 3253 DEGs were identified in the young and elderly samples (adjusted p value <0.05). A total of 213 co-expressed significantly DEGs were identified with Venn diagrams, including 82 up-regulated DEGs and 131 down-regulated DEGs. Based on the analysis of Gene Ontology (GO), protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, 10 hub genes screened by our study have been proved to play a role in regulating the occurrence and development of aging-related sarcopenia mainly via metabolic pathways, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, oxidative phosphorylation and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathways. To further verify the protective effect of MFG-E8 on oxidative stress injured myoblasts, the cell cycle distribution, cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured. The protein and mRNA levels of Akt, extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), p21Cip1, p27Kip1, cyclin D1, cyclin E1, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 2 and 4 were quantified using qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. The results indicated that MFG-E8 has potential anti-sarcopenia effects by promoting ERK and Akt activation-mediated cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in myoblasts.

Protein Quality in Infant Formulas Marketed in Brazil: Assessments on Biodigestibility, Essential Amino Acid Content and Proteins of Biological Importance

Infant formulas, designed to provide similar nutritional composition and performance to human milk, are recommended when breastfeeding is not enough to provide for the nutritional needs of children under 12 months of age. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the protein quality and essential amino acid content of both starting (phase 1) and follow-up (phase 2) formulas from different manufacturers. The chemical amino acid score and protein digestibility corrected by the amino acid score were calculated. The determined protein contents in most formulas were above the maximum limit recommended by FAO and WHO guidelines and at odds with the protein contents declared in the label. All infant formulas contained lactoferrin (0.06 to 0.44 g·100 g⁻¹) and α-lactalbumin (0.02 to 1.34 g·100 g⁻¹) below recommended concentrations, whereas ĸ-casein (8.28 to 12.91 g·100 g⁻¹), α-casein (0.70 to 2.28 g·100 g⁻¹) and β-lactoglobulin (1.32 to 4.19 g·100 g⁻¹) were detected above recommended concentrations. Essential amino acid quantification indicated that threonine, leucine and phenylalanine were the most abundant amino acids found in the investigated infant formulas. In conclusion, infant formulas are still unconforming to nutritional breast milk quality and must be improved in order to follow current global health authority guidelines.

A complete proteomic profile of human and bovine milk exosomes by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

BACKGROUND

The present study investigates the proteomic content of milk-derived exosomes. A detailed description of the content of milk exosomes is essential to improve our understanding of the various components of milk and their role in nutrition.

METHODS

The exosomes used in this study were isolated as previously described and characterized by their morphology, particle concentration, and the presence of exosomal markers. Human and bovine milk exosomes were evaluated using Information-Dependent Acquisition (IDA) Mass Spectrometry. A direct comparison is made between their proteomic profiles.

RESULTS

IDA analyses revealed similarities and differences in protein content. About 229 and 239 proteins were identified in the human and bovine milk exosome proteome, respectively, of which 176 and 186 were unique to each species. Fifty-three proteins were common in both groups. These included proteins associated with specific biological processes and molecular functions. Most notably, the 4 abundant milk proteins lactadherin, butyrophilin, perilipin-2, and xanthine dehydrogenase/oxidase were present in the top 20 list for both human and bovine milk exosomes.

CONCLUSION

The milk exosome protein profiles we have provided are crucial new information for the field of infant nutrition. They provide new insight into the components of milk from both humans and bovines.

A Comprehensive Review of the Composition, Nutritional Value, and Functional Properties of Camel Milk Fat

Recently, camel milk (CM) has been considered as a health-promoting icon due to its medicinal and nutritional benefits. CM fat globule membrane has numerous health-promoting properties, such as anti-adhesion and anti-bacterial properties, which are suitable for people who are allergic to cow's milk. CM contains milk fat globules with a small size, which accounts for their rapid digestion. Moreover, it also comprises lower amounts of cholesterol and saturated fatty acids concurrent with higher levels of essential fatty acids than cow milk, with an improved lipid profile manifested by reducing cholesterol levels in the blood. In addition, it is rich in phospholipids, especially plasmalogens and sphingomyelin, suggesting that CM fat may meet the daily nutritional requirements of adults and infants. Thus, CM and its dairy products have become more attractive for consumers. In view of this, we performed a comprehensive review of CM fat's composition and nutritional properties. The overall goal is to increase knowledge related to CM fat characteristics and modify its unfavorable perception. Future studies are expected to be directed toward a better understanding of CM fat, which appears to be promising in the design and formulation of new products with significant health-promoting benefits.

Potential Benefits of Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Nutrition and Health

Bovine colostrum (BC), the first milk produced from cows after parturition, is increasingly used as a nutritional supplement to promote gut function and health in other species, including humans. The high levels of whey and casein proteins, immunoglobulins (Igs), and other milk bioactives in BC are adapted to meet the needs of newborn calves. However, BC supplementation may improve health outcomes across other species, especially when immune and gut functions are immature in early life. We provide a review of BC composition and its effects in infants and children in health and selected diseases (diarrhea, infection, growth-failure, preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), short-bowel syndrome, and mucositis). Human trials and animal studies (mainly in piglets) are reviewed to assess the scientific evidence of whether BC is a safe and effective antimicrobial and immunomodulatory nutritional supplement that reduces clinical complications related to preterm birth, infections, and gut disorders. Studies in infants and animals suggest that BC should be supplemented at an optimal age, time, and level to be both safe and effective. Exclusive BC feeding is not recommended for infants because of nutritional imbalances relative to human milk. On the other hand, adverse effects, including allergies and intolerance, appear unlikely when BC is provided as a supplement within normal nutrition guidelines for infants and children. Larger clinical trials in infant populations are needed to provide more evidence of health benefits when patients are supplemented with BC in addition to human milk or formula. Igs and other bioactive factors in BC may work in synergy, making it critical to preserve bioactivity with gentle processing and pasteurization methods. BC has the potential to become a safe and effective nutritional supplement for several pediatric subpopulations.

Bioactive Compounds in Infant Formula and Their Effects on Infant Nutrition and Health: A Systematic Literature Review

Infant formulas are an alternative to replace or supplement human milk when breastfeeding is not possible. The knowledge of human milk's bioactive compounds and their beneficial effects has attracted the interest of researchers in the field of infant nutrition, as well as researchers of technology and food sciences that seek to improve the nutritional characteristics of infant formulas. Several scientific studies evaluate the optimization of infant formula composition. The bioactive compound inclusion has been used to upgrade the quality and nutrition of infant formulas. In this context, the purpose of this systematic literature review is to assess the scientific evidence of bioactive compounds present in infant formulas (α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, taurine, milk fat globule membrane, folates, polyamines, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics) and their effects on infant nutrition and health. Through previously determined criteria, studies published in the last fifteen years from five different databases were included to identify the advances in the optimization of infant formula composition. Over the last few years, there has been optimization of the infant formula composition, not only to increase the similarities in their content of macro and micronutrients but also to include novel bioactive ingredients with potential health benefits for infants. Although the infant food industry has advanced in the last years, there is no consensus on whether novel bioactive ingredients added to infant formulas have the same functional effects as the compounds found in human milk. Thus, further studies about the impact of bioactive compounds in infant nutrition are fundamental to infant health.

Serum cytokine patterns are modulated in infants fed formula with probiotics or milk fat globule membranes: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Proteins and lipids of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and probiotics are immunomodulatory. We hypothesized that Lactobacillus paracasei ssp. paracasei strain F19 (F19) would augment vaccine antibody and T helper 1 type immune responses whereas MFGM would produce an immune response closer to that of breastfed (BF) infants.

Objective

To compare the effects of supplementing formula with F19 or bovine MFGM on serum cytokine and vaccine responses of formula-fed (FF) and BF infants.

Design

FF infants were randomized to formula with F19 (n = 195) or MFGM (n = 192), or standard formula (SF) (n = 194) from age 21±7 days until 4 months. A BF group served as reference (n = 208). We analyzed seven cytokines (n = 398) in serum at age 4 months using magnetic bead-based multiplex technology. Using ELISA, we analyzed anti-diphtheria IgG (n = 258) and anti-poliovirus IgG (n = 309) concentrations in serum before and after the second and third immunization, respectively.

Results

Compared with SF, the F19 group had greater IL-2 and lower IFN-γ concentrations (p<0.05, average effect size 0.14 and 0.39). Compared with BF, the F19 group had greater IL-2, IL-4 and IL-17A concentrations (p<0.05, average effect size 0.42, 0.34 and 0.26, respectively). The MFGM group had lower IL-2 and IL-17A concentrations compared with SF (p<0.05, average effect size 0.34 and 0.31). Cytokine concentrations were comparable among the MFGM and BF groups. Vaccine responses were comparable among the formula groups.

Conclusions

Contrary to previous studies F19 increased IL-2 and lowered IFN-γ production, suggesting that the response to probiotics differs across populations. The cytokine profile of the MFGM group approached that of BF infants, and may be associated with the previous finding that infectious outcomes for the MFGM group in this cohort were closer to those of BF infants, as opposed to the SF group. These immunomodulatory effects support future clinical evaluation of infant formula with F19 or MFGM.