Improving Human Health with Milk Fat Globule Membrane, Lactic Acid Bacteria, and Bifidobacteria

Evaluation of kefir grain microbiota, grain viability, and bioactivity from fermenting dairy processing by-products

Four dairy foods processing by-products (acid whey permeate [AWP], buttermilk [BM], sweet whey permeate [SWP], and sweet whey permeate with added milk fat globule ingredient [SWP+MFGM]) were fermented for 4 wk and compared with traditional kefir milks for production of novel kefir-like dairy products. Sweet whey permeates and SWP supplemented with 1.5% milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proved to be the most viable by-products for kefir grain fermentation, exhibiting diverse abundance of traditional kefir microorganisms and positive indicators of bioactive properties. Grain viability was assessed with shotgun metagenomics, texture profile analysis, live cell counts, and scanning electron microscopy. Assessed bioactivities of the kefir-like products included antibacterial, antioxidant, potential anticancerogenic properties, and membrane barrier effects on human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells. All kefir grains were most abundant in Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens when analyzed with shotgun metagenomics. When analyzed with live cell counts on selective media, AWP kefir-like product had no countable Lactococcus spp., indicating suboptimal conditions for kefir grain microbiota survival and application for fermented dairy starter culture bacterium. Live cell counts were affirmed with kefir grain surface scanning electron microscopy images. The SWP treatment had the most adhesive kefir grain surface, and SWP+MFGM had the largest exopolysaccharide yield from grain extraction. All kefir and kefir-like products were able to achieve a 6-log reduction against Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli. Traditional milk kefirs had the highest antioxidant capacity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and the 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid; ABTS) assay. The AWP formulation had a significantly higher DPPH antioxidant activity compared with the other kefir and kefir-like products, and SWP had the lowest Trolox equivalence concentration in the ABTS assay. Sweet whey and supplemented milk fat sweet whey had upregulation of Cldn-1 and Ocln-1 gene expression, which correspond with a significant increase in transepithelial electrical resistance.

Proteomic Analysis of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Protein Modulation of Differently Expressed Proteins in Lactobacillus plantarum under Bile Salt Stress

Tolerance to bile stress is a crucial property for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to survive in the gastrointestinal tract and exert their beneficial effects. Whey powder enriched with milk fat globule membrane proteins (M-WPI) as a functional component is protective for strains under stress conditions. The current study investigated the key mechanisms of action involved in Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) CGMCC 23701 survival in the presence of bile and the protective mechanism of M-WPI. According to proteomic analysis (proteomics), there could be several reasons for the greater protective effect of M-WPI. These include promoting the synthesis of fatty acids and peptidoglycans to repair the structure of the cell surface, regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids to release energy and produce a range of precursors, enabling the expression of the repair system to repair damaged DNA, and promoting the expression of proteins associated with the multidrug efflux pump, which facilitates the exocytosis of intracellular bile salts. This study helps us to better understand the changes in proteome of L. plantarum CGMCC 23701 under bile salt stress and M-WPI protection, which will provide a new method for the protection and development of functional LAB.

Milk Fat Globule Membranes for Mental Health across the Human Lifespan

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) contains bioactive proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Polar lipids found in the MFGM play a critical role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and neuronal signalling capacity, thereby supporting brain health. This review summarises the literature on the MFGM and its phospholipid constituents for improvement of mental health across three key stages of the human lifespan, i.e., infancy, adulthood, and older age. MFGM supplementation may improve mental health by reducing neuroinflammation and supporting neurotransmitter synthesis through the gut-brain axis. Fortification of infant formula with MFGMs is designed to mimic the composition of breastmilk and optimise early gut and central nervous system development. Early behavioural and emotional development sets the stage for future mental health. In adults, promising results suggest that MFGMs can reduce the negative consequences of situational stress. Preclinical models of age-related cognitive decline suggest a role for the MFGM in supporting brain health in older age and reducing depressive symptoms. While there is preclinical and clinical evidence to support the use of MFGM supplementation for improved mental health, human studies with mental health as the primary target outcome are sparce. Further high-quality clinical trials examining the potential of the MFGM for psychological health improvement are important.

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.

The effect of heat treatment on the lactosylation of milk proteins

Protein lactosylation is a significant modification that occurs during the heat treatment of dairy products, causing changes in proteins' physical-chemical and nutritional properties. Knowledge of the detailed lactosylation information on milk proteins under various heat treatments is important for selecting appropriate thermo-processing and identifying markers to monitor heat load in dairy products. In the present study, we used proteomics techniques to investigate lactosylated proteins under different heating temperatures. We observed a total of 123 lactosylated lysines in 65 proteins, with lactosylation even occurring in raw milk. The number of lactosylated lysines and proteins increased moderately at 75°C to 130°C, but dramatically at 140°C. We found that 6 out of 10, 9 out of 16, 6 out of 12, and 5 out of 15 lysine residues in κ-casein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and αS1-casein, respectively, were lactosylated under the applied heating treatment. Moreover, different lactosylation states of individual lysines and proteins can indicate the intensity of heating processes. Lactosylation of K14 in β-lactoglobulin could distinguish pasteurized and UHT milk, while lactosylation of lactotransferrin can reflect moderate heat treatment of products.

The role of milk fat globule size in modulating the composition of postbiotics produced by Bacillus subtilis and their effect on mammary epithelial cells

Milk lipids are secreted into the milk collecting ducts as milk fat globule (MFG) where they are exposed to microflora of the udder. We hypothesized that MFG size modulates the metabolic fingerprint of B. subtilis. Accordingly, small and large (2.3 and 7.0 µm, respectively) MFG were isolated from cow milk and used as a substrate for B. subtilis. Small MFG enhanced growth, whereas large MFG enhanced biofilm formation. Bacteria incubated with small MFG had increased concentration of metabolites related to energy production whereas metabolome of the bacteria incubated with large MFG had reduced concentrations of metabolites important for biofilm formation. Postbiotics from bacteria grown on large MFG exacerbated the proinflammatory response of MEC to LPS, and changed the expression of key enzymes involved in lipid and protein synthesis. Our results suggest that MFG size modulate growth trajectories and metabolome of B. subtilis, and consequently the stress response of host cells.

The Potential of Meta-Proteomics and Artificial Intelligence to Establish the Next Generation of Probiotics for Personalized Healthcare

The symbiosis of probiotic bacteria with humans has rendered various health benefits while providing nutrition and a suitable environment for their survival. However, the probiotics must survive unfavorable gut conditions to exert beneficial effects. The intrinsic resistance of probiotics to survive harsh conditions results from a myriad of proteins. Interaction of microbial proteins with the host is indispensable for modulating the gut microbiome, such as interaction with cell receptors and protective action against pathogens. The complex interplay of proteins should be unraveled by utilizing metaproteomic strategies. The contribution of probiotics to health is now widely accepted. However, due to the inconsistency of generalized probiotics, contemporary research toward precision probiotics has gained momentum for customized treatment. This review explores the application of metaproteomics and AI/ML algorithms in resolving multiomics data analysis and in silico prediction of microbial features for screening specific beneficial probiotic organisms. Implementing these integrative strategies could augment the potential of precision probiotics for personalized healthcare.

Milk phospholipids protect Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis during in vitro digestion and enhance polysaccharide production

Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis is associated with the gut microbiota of breast-fed infants. Bifidobacterium infantis promotes intestinal barrier and immune function through several proposed mechanisms, including interactions between their surface polysaccharides, the host, and other gut microorganisms. Dairy foods and ingredients are some of the most conspicuous food-based niches for this species and may provide benefits for their delivery and efficacy in the gut. Milk phospholipid (MPL)-rich ingredients have been increasingly recognized for their versatile benefits to health, including interactions with the gut microbiota and intestinal cells. Therefore, our objective was to investigate the capacity for MPL to promote survival of B. infantis during simulated digestion and to modulate bacterial polysaccharide production. To achieve these aims, B. infantis was incubated with or without 0.5% MPL in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) media at 37°C under anaerobiosis. Survival across the oral, gastric, and intestinal phases using in vitro digestion was measured using plate count, along with adhesion to goblet-like intestinal cells. MPL increased B. infantis survival at the end of the intestinal phase by at least 7% and decreased adhesion to intestinal cells. The bacterial surface characteristics, which may contribute to these effects, were assessed by ζ-potential, changes in surface proteins using comparative proteomics, and production of bound polysaccharides. MPL decreased the surface charge of the bifidobacteria from -17 to -24 mV and increased a 50 kDa protein (3-fold) that appears to be involved in protection from stress. The production of bound polysaccharides was measured using FTIR, HPLC, and TEM imaging. These techniques all suggest an increase in bound polysaccharide production at least 1.7-fold in the presence of MPL. Our results show that MPL treatment increases B. infantis survival during simulated digestion, induces a stress resistance surface protein, and yields greater bound polysaccharide production, suggesting its use as a functional ingredient to enhance probiotic and postbiotic effects.

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.

Characterization of Cow, Goat, and Water Buffalo Milk Fat Globule Lipids by High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography

Ruminant milk is an essential part of the human diet and is widely accepted as a major nutrient source in developing countries. However, the polar and neutral lipid content variation in milk fat globules (MFG)among cow, goat, and water buffalo is poorly understood. This study used high-performance thin layer chromatography to identify and quantify five major polar (PL) and three neutral lipids (NL) from the MFG of cow, goat, and water buffalo. Optimal separation was achieved for PLs using chloroform: methanol: water (65:25:4), and hexane: diethyl ether: acetic acid (70:30:1) for NLs. The lower detectable (0.12 to 1.53 μg/mL) and quantification (0.12 to 1.53 μg/mL) limits indicated the high sensitivity of the method. Quantification at 540 nm showed the highest abundance of phosphatidylethanolamine and triglycerides. Fat globules were further characterized for size and microstructural properties, which revealed smaller globules in goats (0.99 ± 0.04 μm) than cows (1.85 ± 0.03 μm) and water buffaloes (2.91 ± 0.08 μm), indicating a negative correlation with PL but a positive correlation with NL. The variation in lipid quantity among different animal species suggests more research to support their selection as a suitable source for developing functional food to impact human health positively.

Strain- and serotype-dependent affinity of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli for bovine milk fat globules

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are widely detected in raw milk products intended for human consumption. Although STEC are a worldwide public health problem, the pathogenicity of STEC in cheese remains unclear. In fact, bacterial association with compounds in raw milk cheeses could reduce their pathogenicity. A previous study showed the association of 2 STEC strains with raw milk cream in a natural creaming assay. Different concentrations of each strain were required to saturate the cream. In this study, we hypothesized that all STEC strains could be associated with milk fat globules (MFG) in raw milk and that the bacterial load required for saturation of the cream is serotype dependent. We evaluated the affinity of STEC strains belonging to the O157:H7, O26:H11, and O103:H2 serotypes for bovine raw milk cream and analyzed saturation of the cream layer by natural creaming assay. We used 12 STEC strains and 3 strains belonging to another pathotype to assess the effects of serotypes on this phenomenon. We performed sucrose density gradient centrifugation assays with 2 STEC model strains to confirm the results obtained by natural creaming. The localization of STEC within MFG-enriched creams was observed by confocal and electron microscopy. We recovered approximately 10 times more STEC from the cream layer after natural creaming than from raw bovine milk. The concentration of STEC required to saturate the cream layer (the saturation concentration) was estimated for each strain by nonlinear regression, highlighting a strain and serotype effect. Moreover, the concentration of STEC in the cream was milk fat level dependent. However, even in nonsaturating conditions, a high level of STEC was still present in the aqueous phase, after fat separation. Thus, natural creaming should not be used as the sole preventive measure to remove STEC from naturally contaminated raw milk. The results of our study suggest that cream saturation is a complex mechanism, most likely involving specific interactions between STEC and raw MFG.

Influence of gestational diabetes mellitus on lipid signatures in breast milk and association with fetal physical development

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) commonly leads to adverse pregnancy outcomes and long-term metabolic complications in offspring. Breastfeeding has been shown to rewrite the fetal “metabolic programming” resulting from maternal diabetes and finally lead to a lower risk of future metabolic disease. Lipids in breast milk act like hormones to promote infant growth and development, but there is minimal information invested thus far in constitution changes of lipids in breast milk, especially in the context of GDM. In the present study, we performed a lipidomics analysis to compare the lipid composition in breast milk collected from women with or without GDM. We further revealed the correlations of dysregulated lipids in breast milk with maternal glucose and infant physical development. A total of 833 lipid species from 15 classes were identified, 60 of which were found to be significantly altered in response to the high glucose, suggesting a remarkable lipid profiling change in breast milk induced by GDM. Our results showed significant associations between dysregulated lipids (e.g., neutral lipids, phospholipids, sphingolipids) and maternal glucose. Furthermore, correction analysis demonstrated that GDM related lipids were also associated with indicators of infant physical development, including body weight, length, and head circumference. These findings may help to understand the protective effects of breastfeeding especially during GDM pregnancy.

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.

Effects of Antioxidants in Human Milk on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Prevention and Treatment: A Review

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a severe chronic lung illness that affects neonates, particularly premature infants. It has far-reaching consequences for infant health and their families due to intractable short- and long-term repercussions. Premature infant survival and long-term quality of life are severely harmed by BPD, which is characterized by alveolarization arrest and hypoplasia of pulmonary microvascular cells. BPD can be caused by various factors, with oxidative stress (OS) being the most common. Premature infants frequently require breathing support, which results in a hyperoxic environment in the developing lung and obstructs lung growth. OS can damage the lungs of infants by inducing cell death, inhibiting alveolarization, inducing inflammation, and impairing pulmonary angiogenesis. Therefore, antioxidant therapy for BPD relieves OS and lung injury in preterm newborns. Many antioxidants have been found in human milk, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, vitamins, melatonin, short-chain fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Human milk oligosaccharides, milk fat globule membrane, and lactoferrin, all unique to human milk, also have antioxidant properties. Hence, human milk may help prevent OS injury and improve BPD prognosis in premature infants. In this review, we explored the role of OS in the pathophysiology of BPD and related signaling pathways. Furthermore, we examined antioxidants in human milk and how they could play a role in BPD to understand whether human milk could prevent and treat BPD.

Advances in MUC1-Mediated Breast Cancer Immunotherapy

Breast cancer (BRCA) is the leading cause of death from malignant tumors among women. Fortunately, however, immunotherapy has recently become a prospective BRCA treatment with encouraging achievements and mild safety profiles. Since the overexpression and aberrant glycosylation of MUC1 (human mucin) are closely associated with BRCA, it has become an ideal target for BRCA immunotherapies. In this review, the structure and function of MUC1 are briefly introduced, and the main research achievements in different kinds of MUC1-mediated BRCA immunotherapy are highlighted, from the laboratory to the clinic. Afterward, the future directions of MUC1-mediated BRCA immunotherapy are predicted, addressing, for example, urgent issues in regard to how efficient immunotherapeutic strategies can be generated.

Coffee Polyphenol, Chlorogenic Acid, Suppresses Brain Aging and Its Effects Are Enhanced by Milk Fat Globule Membrane Components

Mice feed with coffee polyphenols (CPP, chlorogenic acid) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) has increased survival rates and helps retain long-term memory. In the cerebral cortex of aged mice, CPP intake decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, and lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B. The suppression of inflammation in the brain during aging was thought to result in the suppression of the repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST) and prevention of brain aging. In contrast, CPP increased the expression of REST, cAMP-responsive element binding (CREB) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in the young hippocampus. The increased expression of these factors may contribute to the induction of neuronal differentiation and the suppression of memory decline with aging. Taken together, these results suggest that CPP increases CREB in the young hippocampus and suppresses inflammation in the old brain, resulting in a preventive effect on brain aging. The endotoxin levels were not elevated in the serum of aged mice. Although the mechanism of action of MFGM has not yet been elucidated, the increase in survival rate with both CPP and MFGM intake suggests that adding milk to coffee may improve not only the taste, but also the function.

Roles of Milk Fat Globule Membrane on Fat Digestion and Infant Nutrition

Milk fats are present as globules emulsified in the aqueous phase of milk and stabilized by a delicate membrane architecture called milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). The unique structure and composition of the MFGM play an important role in fat digestion and the metabolic programming of neonates. The objective of this review is to compare the structure, composition, and physicochemical characteristics of fat globules in human milk, bovine milk, and infant formula. It provides an overview of the fat digestion process and enzymes in healthy infants, and describes the possible roles of the MFGM in association with factors affecting fat digestion. Lastly, the health benefits of the MFGM on infant nutrition and future perspectives are discussed with a focus on brain development, metabolic response, and gut health.

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.

The Impact of Homogenization on Donor Human Milk and Human Milk-Based Fortifiers and Implications for Preterm Infant Health

An exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) has been shown to reduce health complications of prematurity in infants born weighing ≤1250 g compared with cow milk-based diets. Accordingly, the number of available human milk (HM)-based nutritional products continues to increase. Newly available products, and those reportedly soon to enter the market, include homogenized donor HM and homogenized HM-based fortifiers. Existing literature demonstrating the benefits of an EHMD, however, is limited to non-homogenized HM-based products. Herein, we summarize existing evidence on the impact of homogenization on HM, with a particular focus on changes to the macromolecular structure of the milk fat globule and the subsequent impact on digestion kinetics. We use these published data to create a conceptual framework for the potential implications of homogenized HM-based nutritional products on preterm infant health. Importantly, we underscore that the safety and efficacy of homogenized HM-based products warrant investigation.

Comparative Analyses of the Transport Proteins Encoded within the Genomes of nine Bifidobacterium Species

The human microbiome influences human health in both negative and positive ways. Studies on the transportomes of these organisms yield information that may be utilized for various purposes, including the identification of novel drug targets and the manufacture of improved probiotic strains. Moreover, these genomic analyses help to improve our understanding of the physiology and metabolic capabilities of these organisms. The present study is a continuation of our studies on the transport proteins of the major gut microbes. Bifidobacterium species are essential members of the human gut microbiome, and they initiate colonization of the gut at birth, providing health benefits that last a lifetime. In this study we analyze the transportomes of nine bifidobacterial species: B. adolescentis, B. animalis, B. bifidum, B. breve, B. catenulatum, B. dentium, B. longum subsp. infantis, B. longum subsp. longum, and B. pseudocatenulatum. All of these species have proven probiotic characteristics and exert beneficial effects on human health. Surprisingly, we found that all nine of these species have similar pore-forming toxins and drug exporters that may play roles in pathogenesis. These species have transporters for amino acids, carbohydrates, and proteins, essential for their organismal lifestyles and adaption to their respective ecological niches. The strictly probiotic species, B. bifidum, however, contains fewer such transporters, thus indicative of limited interactions with host cells and other gut microbial counterparts. The results of this study were compared with those of our previous studies on the transportomes of multiple species of Bacteroides, Escherichia coli/Salmonella, and Lactobacillus. Overall, bifidobacteria have larger transportomes (based on percentages of total proteins) than the previously examined groups of bacterial species, with a preference for primary active transport systems over secondary carriers. Taken together, these results provide useful information about the physiologies and pathogenic potentials of these probiotic organisms as reflected by their transportomes.

Evaluation of 2'-Fucosyllactose and Bifidobacterium longum Subspecies infantis on Growth, Organ Weights, and Intestinal Development of Piglets

Human milk is rich in oligosaccharides that influence intestinal development and serve as prebiotics for the infant gut microbiota. Probiotics and 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) added individually to infant formula have been shown to influence infant development, but less is known about the effects of their synbiotic administration. Herein, the impact of formula supplementation with 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis Bi-26 (Bi-26), or 2’-FL + Bi-26 on weight gain, organ weights, and intestinal development in piglets was investigated. Two-day-old piglets (n = 53) were randomized in a 2 × 2 design to be fed a commercial milk replacer ad libitum without (CON) or with 1.0 g/L 2’-FL. Piglets in each diet were further randomized to receive either glycerol stock alone or Bi-26 (10⁹ CFU) orally once daily. Body weights and food intake were monitored from postnatal day (PND) 2 to 33/34. On PND 34/35, animals were euthanized and intestine, liver and brain weights were assessed. Intestinal samples were collected for morphological analyses and measurement of disaccharidase activity. Dry matter of cecum and colon contents and Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis abundance by RT-PCR were also measured. All diets were well tolerated, and formula intake did not differ among the treatment groups. Daily body weights were affected by 2’-FL, Bi-26, and day, but no interaction was observed. There was a trend (p = 0.075) for greater total body weight gain in CON versus all other groups. Jejunal and ascending colon histomorphology were unaffected by treatment; however, there were main effects of 2’-FL to increase (p = 0.040) and Bi-26 to decrease (p = 0.001) ileal crypt depth. The addition of 2’-FL and/or Bi-26 to milk replacer supported piglet growth with no detrimental effects on body and organ weights, or intestinal structure and function.

Characterization of milk and soy phospholipid liposomes and inflammation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Milk phospholipids (PL) are valuable dairy components that appear to impart human health benefits, including improved cognitive function in infants and adults. The commercial food industry uses primarily plant-based sources of PL, such as soy lecithin. However, it remains unclear whether different compositions of PL from different dietary sources, such as milk, convey the same benefits. We hypothesized that PL derived from bovine milk or soy have differing physiological effects in terms of inflammation due to their differences in composition. The objectives of this study were to characterize milk and soy liposomes by their physicochemical properties and composition and to evaluate their effects in vitro by means of inflammatory gene expression analyses. Milk and soy phospholipid large unilamellar vesicles (MPL-LUV and SPL-LUV, respectively) prepared using thin-film hydration coupled with extrusion were similar in terms of structure, size, and stability; however, they differed significantly in composition. The 3T3-L1 adipocytes were selected for this work because adipocytes are the main site of uptake, synthesis, modification, and breakdown of lipids and are important inflammatory mediators in mammalian systems. In this work, these cells exposed to both liposome varieties showed high biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity up to concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL as measured by colorimetric MTT and lactate dehydrogenase assays. Furthermore, SPL-LUV showed trends toward stimulating inflammation compared with MPL-LUV as measured by expression of 2 proinflammatory cytokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-6. Expression of MCP-1 significantly increased 1.82-fold relative to the control upon SPL-LUV treatment, with similar trends for IL-6 (increased 1.59-fold). The MPL-LUV showed relatively no change in cytokine expression. The results obtained in this work suggest that the methodology used to prepare LUV and the composition and proportion of milk PL are important in measuring cell physiology changes and inflammatory status in mammalian cells.

MUC1: Structure, Function, and Clinic Application in Epithelial Cancers

The transmembrane glycoprotein mucin 1 (MUC1) is a mucin family member that has different functions in normal and cancer cells. Owing to its structural and biochemical properties, MUC1 can act as a lubricant, moisturizer, and physical barrier in normal cells. However, in cancer cells, MUC1 often undergoes aberrant glycosylation and overexpression. It is involved in cancer invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and apoptosis by virtue of its participation in intracellular signaling processes and the regulation of related biomolecules. This review introduces the biological structure and different roles of MUC1 in normal and cancer cells and the regulatory mechanisms governing these roles. It also evaluates current research progress and the clinical applications of MUC1 in cancer therapy based on its characteristics.