Fat Globule Research Articles

Ultrasound-induced structural changes of different milk fat globule membrane protein-phospholipids complexes and their effects on physicochemical and functional properties of emulsions

Ultrasonic technology is a non-isothermal processing technology that can be used to modify the physicochemical properties of food ingredients. This study investigated the effects of ultrasonic time (5 min, 10 min, 15 min) and power (150 W,300 W,500 W) on the structural properties of three types of phospholipids composed of different fatty acids (milk fat globule membrane phospholipid (MPL), egg yolk lecithin (EYL), soybean lecithin (SL)) and milk fat globule membrane protein (MFGMP). We found that the ultrasound treatment changed the conformation of the protein, and the emulsions prepared by the pretreatment showed better emulsification and stability, the lipid droplets were also more evenly distributed. Meanwhile, the flocculation phenomenon of the lipid droplets was significantly improved compared with the non-ultrasonic emulsions. Compared with the three complexes, it was found that ultrasound had the most significant effect on the properties of MPL-MFGMP, and its emulsion state was the most stable. When the ultrasonic condition was 300 W, the particle size of the emulsion decreased significantly (from 441.50 ± 4.79 nm to 321.77 ± 9.91 nm) at 15 min, and the physical stability constants KE decreased from 14.49 ± 0.702 % to 9.4 ± 0.261 %. It can be seen that proper ultrasonic pretreatment can effectively improve the stability of the system. At the same time, the emulsification performance of the emulsion had also been significantly improved. While the accumulation phenomenon occurred when the ultrasonic power was 150 W and 500 W. These results showed that ultrasonic pretreatment had great potential to improve the properties of emulsions, and this study would provide a theoretical basis for the application of emulsifier in the emulsions.

In Vitro Characterization of Fat Grafts Processed Using the REVOLVE ENVI System versus Decantation

Background: This preclinical study evaluated benchtop/in vitro properties and fat viability and activity of grafts processed using the REVOLVE ENVI 600 system compared with decantation and evaluated properties of REVOLVE ENVI waste. Methods: Lipoaspirate from six donors was processed using REVOLVE ENVI or decantation. The composition of each graft, hematocrit/red blood cell content, fat particle size/macrostructure, viable adipocyte count, and adipocyte activity were analyzed. Stromal vascular fraction was analyzed for viable progenitor cell count and colony-forming units. Results: REVOLVE ENVI grafts had a higher mean (±SD) fat content at 85.6% ± 6.1% than decanted grafts at 72.1% ± 4.0% (P < 0.001), with negligible free oil (0.4% ± 1.1%) and cellular debris (<0.1%), whereas REVOLVE ENVI waste contained primarily aqueous fluid (91.0% ± 2.2%) with negligible viable fat. REVOLVE ENVI grafts had significantly lower hematocrit levels (P < 0.001) and contained significantly more large fat globules (P < 0.001) than decanted grafts or REVOLVE ENVI waste. The percentage of tissue particles of more than 1000 µm was highest for REVOLVE ENVI grafts at 61.6% ± 9.2% (decantation: 52.5% ± 13.4%; REVOLVE ENVI waste: 0.49% ± 1.50%), and the percentage of particles less than 200 µm was lowest for REVOLVE ENVI grafts at 15.7% ± 2.6% (decantation: 32.2% ± 8.9%; REVOLVE ENVI waste: 97.9% ± 4.5%). REVOLVE ENVI grafts contained 145.2% ± 36.0% more viable adipocytes, 145.7% ± 46.2% greater activity, 195.5% ± 104.2% more progenitors in SVF, and 363.5% ± 161.2% more SVF colony-forming units than decanted grafts. Conclusion: Fat grafts processed using REVOLVE ENVI demonstrated greater viability and activity than decanted grafts in vitro.

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.

Mild processing and addition of milk fat globule membrane in infant formula may better mimic intragastric behavior of human milk: A proof of concept trial in healthy males

BackgroundDuring breastfeeding the macronutrient composition of breastmilk changes gradually from relatively low-fat (foremilk) to relatively high-fat (hindmilk), initially exposing the gastrointestinal tract to a relatively low fat concentration. In contrast, infant formulae (IF) are homogenous. Mild processing and addition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) may impact gastric emulsion instability, potentially impacting the phased release of nutrients as observed during breastfeeding. ObjectiveTo assess gastric emulsion stability, gastric emptying, and the postprandial plasma metabolome of an experimental minimally processed IF (EF) with an altered fat-globule interface and a control IF (CF). MethodsTwenty healthy males participated in this double-blind randomized crossover trial. Gastric MRI scans and blood samples were obtained before and after consumption of 600 ml CF or EF over a 2-h period. Outcomes included gastric top layer formation, total gastric volume, and blood parameters (free fatty acids (FFA), insulin, glucose, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR-)metabolomics). ResultsEF showed an earlier onset (13.4 min, p = 0.017), smaller maximum volume (49.0 ml, p = 0.033), and a shorter time to maximum top layer volume (13.9 min, p = 0.022), but similar AUC (p = 0.915) compared to CF. Total gastric volume did not show a treatment*time effect. Insulin concentrations were lower for EF. FFA and glucose did not differ. EF yielded higher serum concentrations of phospholipid- and cholesterol-related metabolites. ConclusionAn EF displayed faster gastric creaming than a CF, thereby potentially better mimicking the behavior of breastmilk which leads to phased release of nutrients into the intestine. Overall physiological benefits of this difference in gastric behavior remain to be studied further in infants.

Effect of infant formula production processes on phospholipid composition and structure of milk fat globules

The phospholipid (PL) composition and milk fat globule (MFG) structure are important for MFG membrane function. However, the effects of various processing methods on these factors remain unclear. In the present study, we compared the effects of different processing methods for infant formula (IF) production on PLs and MFGs. Homogenization and heat sterilization significantly decreased the number of PL species in raw milk (RM, 104). Heat sterilization and spray drying significantly reduced PL content in RM (160.3 ± 12.2 mg/L; p < 0.05). During processing, the average volume diameter (5.67 ± 0.81 μm) and zeta potential (−7.37 ± 0.27 mV) of RM were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). After homogenization, PLs were distributed in a circular and dotted manner around the MFGs. After spray drying, PL fluorescent rings lost structural integrity. Therefore, the tested processing methods substantially damaged the PL composition and MFG structure. These results may provide a scientific basis for future IF development.

A novel approach to insulin delivery via oral route: Milk fat globule membrane derived liposomes as a delivery vehicle

The current research endeavor seeks to unlock the potential of orally administered insulin formulations by utilizing liposomes derived from the fat globule membrane (MFGM) of camel milk as carriers for insulin. This pursuit emerges as a result of the recognized limitations of subcutaneous insulin therapy. The liposomes were meticulously created using the thin film hydration method, followed by comprehensive chemical and morphological analyses. Additionally, comprehensive safety assessments were carried out in vitro and in vivo, revealing significant findings.The Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the presence of insulin within the liposomes, demonstrating changes in their size and charge. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis, performed on HEK-293 cell lines through the MTT assay, yielded results indicating a cell viability of over 90%. In the in vivo investigation, diabetic rats induced by STZ were utilized to evaluate the effects of the liposomes, revealing substantial reductions in blood glucose levels, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Hepatic histopathological assessments showed signs of recovery across all treatment groups, with no observable microscopic changes in renal tissue. This investigation highlights the significant hypoglycemic effects observed in insulin-loaded liposomes derived from MFGM obtained from camel milk when administered orally.

HUC-MSCs-derived MFGE8 ameliorates locomotor dysfunction via inhibition of ITGB3/ NF-κB signaling in an NMO mouse model

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is a severe autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system that affects motor function and causes relapsing disability. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been used extensively in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, due to their potent regulatory roles that can mitigate inflammation and repair damaged tissues. However, their use in NMO is currently limited, and the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of hUC-MSCs on motor function in NMO remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the effects of hUC-MSCs on the recovery of motor function in an NMO systemic model. Our findings demonstrate that milk fat globule epidermal growth 8 (MFGE8), a key functional factor secreted by hUC-MSCs, plays a critical role in ameliorating motor impairments. We also elucidate that the MFGE8/Integrin αvβ3/NF-κB signaling pathway is partially responsible for structural and functional recovery, in addition to motor functional enhancements induced by hUC-MSC exposure. Taken together, these findings strongly support the involvement of MFGE8 in mediating hUC-MSCs-induced improvements in motor functional recovery in an NMO mouse model. In addition, this provides new insight on the therapeutic potential of hUC-MSCs and the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects in NMO.

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) human milk for preterm infants: a scoping review.

Freeze-drying (FD), or lyophilization, is commonly used to preserve foods. FD offers potential to create a human milk-derived human milk fortifier, and an alternative to freeze-storing human milk. However, processing human milk is known to affect its components. This scoping review explores the effect of FD on the; macronutrient, micronutrient, vitamin, bioactive components, microbes and anti-microbial factors in human milk, and studies where lyophilized human milk has been given to newborn infants. 48 articles were identified after full text review. FD human milk reduces the fat globule size and as well as the quantity of enzymes, vitamin C and immunoglobulin. Common serum electrolyte disturbances have been reported when preterm infants' are fed FD human milk however it appears a promising method to avoid exposure of preterm infants' to cows' milk. Due to limited data, further studies exploring the safety and efficacy of FD human milk in preterm infants are needed.

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

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

Effect of composition, casein genetic variants and glycosylation degree on bovine milk whipping properties

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of ĸ-Casein (ĸ-CN; AA, AB, BB), β-Casein (β-CN; A1A1, A1A2, A2A2) and high and low ratios of glycosylated ĸ-CN to total ĸ-CN, referred to as the glycosylation degree (GD), on bovine cream whipping properties. The genetic variants of individual cows were identified using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and verified through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A previously discovered relationship between days-in-milk and GD was validated and used to obtain high and low GD milk. Whipped creams were created through the mechanical agitation of fat standardised cream from milk of different ĸ-CN, β-CN, and GD combinations, and whipping properties (the ability to whip, overrun, whipping time and firmness) were evaluated. No significant correlation was measured in whipping properties for cream samples from milks with different ĸ-CN and β-CN genetic variants. However, 80 % of samples exhibiting good whipping properties (i.e., the production of a stiffened peak) were from milk with low GD suggesting a correlation between whipping properties and levels of glycosylation. Moreover, cream separated from skim milk of larger casein micelle size showed superior whipping properties with shorter whipping times (<5 min), and higher firmness and overrun. Milk fat globule (MFG) size, on the other hand, did not affect whipping properties. Results indicate that the GD of κ-CN and casein micelle size may play a role in MFG adsorption at the protein and air interface of air bubbles formed during whipping; hence, they govern the dynamics of fat network formation and influencing whipping properties.

PTP1B mediates the inhibitory effect of MFGE8 on insulin signaling through the β5 integrin

Integrins are cell adhesion receptors that dimerize to mediate cell-cell interactions and regulate processes, including proliferation, inflammation, and tissue repair. The role of integrins in regulating insulin signaling is incompletely understood. We have previously shown that binding of the integrin ligand milk fat globule epidermal growth factor like 8 (MFGE8) to the αvβ5 integrin promotes termination of insulin receptor signaling in mice. Upon ligation of MFGE8, integrin β5 complexes with the insulin receptor beta (IRβ) in skeletal muscle, resulting in dephosphorylation of IRβ and reduction of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. Here, we investigate the mechanism by which the interaction between β5 and IRβ impacts IRβ phosphorylation status. We show in invitro and invivo in skeletal muscle in mice that antibody-mediated blockade of the β5 integrin inhibits and recombinant MFGE8 promotes PTP1B binding to and dephosphorylation of IRβ resulting in increased or reduced insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, respectively. The β5-PTP1B complex is recruited by MFGE8 to IRβ leading to termination of canonical insulin signaling. β5 blockade enhances insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in wildtype but not Ptp1b KO mice indicating that PTP1B functions downstream of MFGE8 in modulating insulin receptor signaling. Furthermore, in a human cohort, we report serum MFGE8 levels correlate with indices of insulin resistance. These data provide mechanistic insights into the role of MFGE8 and β5 in regulating insulin signaling.

The novel lactoferrin and DHA-codelivered liposomes with different membrane structures: Fabrication, in vitro infant digestion, and suckling pig intestinal organoid absorption

Inspired by membrane structure of breast milk and infant formula fat globules, four liposomes with different particle size (large and small) and compositions (Single phospholipids contained phosphatidylcholine, complex phospholipids contained phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingomyelin) were fabricated to deliver lactoferrin and DHA. In vitro infant semi-dynamic digestive behavior and absorption in intestinal organoids of liposomes were investigated. Liposomal structures were negligible changed during semi-dynamic gastric digestion while damaged in intestine. Liposomal degradation rate was primarily influenced by particle size, and complex phospholipids accelerated DHA hydrolysis. The release rate of DHA (91.7 ± 1.3 %) in small-sized liposomes (0.181 ± 0.001 μm) was higher than free DHA (unencapsulated, 64.6 ± 3.4 %). Complex phospholipids liposomal digesta exhibited higher transport efficiency (3.4-fold for fatty acids and 2.0-fold for amino acids) and better organoid growth than digesta of bare nutrients. This study provided new insights into membrane structure-functionality relationship of liposomes and may aid in the development of novel infant nutrient carriers.

Comparative Site-Specific O-Glycosylation Analysis of the Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteome in Donkey Colostrum and Mature Milk.

Donkey milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins are a class of membrane-bound secreted proteins with broad-spectrum biofunctional activities; however, their site-specific O-glycosylation landscapes have not been systematically mapped. In this study, an in-depth MFGM O-glycoproteome profile of donkey milk during lactation was constructed based on an intact glycopeptide-centered, label-free glycoproteomics pipeline, with 2137 site-specific O-glycans from 1121 MFGM glycoproteins and 619 site-specific O-glycans from 217 MFGM glycoproteins identified in donkey colostrum and donkey mature milk, respectively. As lactation progressed, the number of site-specific O-glycans from three glycoproteins significantly increased, whereas that of 11 site-specific O-glycans from five glycoproteins significantly decreased. Furthermore, donkey MFGM O-glycoproteins with core-1 and core-2 core structures and Lewis and sialylated branch structures may be involved in regulating apoptosis. The findings of this study reveal the differences in the composition of donkey MFGM O-glycoproteins and their site-specific O-glycosylation modification dynamic change rules during lactation, providing a molecular basis for understanding the complexity and biological functions of donkey MFGM protein O-glycosylation.

Improving lipid digestion by modulating interfacial structure of fat globule based on milk fat globule membrane and different phospholipids

Combining milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and phospholipid (PL) could compensate for the low content of polar lipids in MFGM and supplement specific sphingomyelin, and ceramide lipids. This study investigated the effects of MFGM combined with PL from different sources (soy, egg yolk, and milk) as membrane components on the physicochemical properties, structure, and lipid digestion of simulated human milk fat globule (HMFG) emulsions for the first time. The emulsion prepared by MFGM with PL performed a larger and more uniform particle size distribution (1.25–1.77 μm), and an interface structure similar to the PL-protein membrane of human milk. Meanwhile, MFGM combined with milk PL simulated HMFG emulsion performed the highest stability. During gastric digestion, the MFGM combined with PL emulsions could better maintain the MFG structure and reduce the aggregation of proteins and lipids. This ultimately resulted in higher levels of lipolysis degree (65.86%–77.37%) and the release of free fatty acids. Overall, modulating the interfacial structure of MFG based on MFGM and PL could be an effective strategy to improve the stability and lipid digestion of simulated HMFG emulsion.

Lactadherin immunoblockade in small extracellular vesicles inhibits sEV-mediated increase of pro-metastatic capacities

BackgroundTumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) can promote tumorigenic and metastatic capacities in less aggressive recipient cells mainly through the biomolecules in their cargo. However, despite recent advances, the specific molecules orchestrating these changes are not completely defined. Lactadherin is a secreted glycoprotein typically found in the milk fat globule membrane. Its overexpression has been associated with increased tumorigenesis and metastasis in breast cancer (BC) and other tumors. However, neither its presence in sEVs secreted by BC cells, nor its role in sEV-mediated intercellular communication have been described. The present study focused on the role of lactadherin-containing sEVs from metastatic MDA-MB-231 triple-negative BC (TNBC) cells (sEV-MDA231) in the promotion of pro-metastatic capacities in non-tumorigenic and non-metastatic recipient cells in vitro, as well as their pro-metastatic role in a murine model of peritoneal carcinomatosis.ResultsWe show that lactadherin is present in sEVs secreted by BC cells and it is higher in sEV-MDA231 compared with the other BC cell-secreted sEVs measured through ELISA. Incubation of non-metastatic recipient cells with sEV-MDA231 increases their migration and, to some extent, their tumoroid formation capacity but not their anchorage-independent growth. Remarkably, lactadherin blockade in sEV-MDA231 results in a significant decrease of those sEV-mediated changes in vitro. Similarly, intraperitoneally treatment of mice with MDA-MB-231 BC cells and sEV-MDA231 greatly increase the formation of malignant ascites and tumor micronodules, effects that were significantly inhibited when lactadherin was previously blocked in those sEV-MDA231.ConclusionsAs to our knowledge, our study provides the first evidence on the role of lactadherin in metastatic BC cell-secreted sEVs as promoter of: (i) metastatic capacities in less aggressive recipient cells, and ii) the formation of malignant ascites and metastatic tumor nodules. These results increase our understanding on the role of lactadherin in sEVs as promoter of metastatic capacities which can be used as a therapeutic option for BC and other malignancies.

ХИМИЧЕСКИЙ СОСТАВ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ СВОЙСТВА МОЛОКА КОРОВ-ПЕРВОТЕЛОК ПРИ РАЗНЫХ СПОСОБАХ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ И ТЕХНОЛОГИЯХ ДОЕНИЯ

Industrial milk production is based on high-tech processes at the current stage. Strong requirements imposed on milk quality are due to the quality of raw materials for producing a wide range of dairy products. The production of milk that meets sanitary and hygienic standards and the requirements of regulatory and technical documents (regulations and standards) is a priority in dairy cattle breeding. Analysis of the chemical composition of milk obtained from the control and experimental groups showed that the milk fat content was the highest (4.06 %) in the 1st experimental group and exceeded the control (3.93 %) and the 2nd experimental (3.94 %) groups. Under the loose housing system the mass fraction of protein was 3.15 %; the value was 0.02 points larger compared with the tie housing system. The milk density in the animal groups ranged from 1027.0 to 1029.0 kg/m3 , which meets the requirements of GOST 31449-2013. The largest mass fraction of dry solids in milk was found in the 2nd experimental group (12.58 %). The data analysis indicates that the housing system type and the milking technology of first-calf heifers have an effect on the number of milk fat globules per 1 cm3 and their diameter. The analysis of the quantitative and qualitative composition of fat globules has provided more complete data about the milk fat fraction, which is a crucial index in milk production. The milk obtained from the Holstein breed heifers in the studied groups can be used for cheese making. The third yogurt sample had a milky white colour, homogeneous throughout the mass; the consistency was homogeneous, with good curd tension and low viscosity; the sample had a pure, fermented milk flavour, without foreign traces.

Study on storage technology of corn wax based ice cream

Abstract Ice cream is a complex food colloidal system; saturated fat is an essential element given the taste and texture of ice cream (viscosity, hardness). In recent years, research on fat ice cream has focused on adding fat substitutes. Looking for a suitable source of lipid-based fat substitute instead of fat ice cream, developed more conducive to human health, low in saturated / zero trans fatty ice cream products. The study will use linoleic acid-rich soybean and corn oil gel waxes as a fat source for ice cream, make gel-oil-based ice cream, and study changes in its quality during storage. With an incremental storage time index, we can inspect the effects of different storage times on melting rate, hardness, and fat globule diameter changes. The hardness and melt rates show an increasing trend while the fat globule diameter decreases. We found that the quality of ice cream has reduced over time, but it does not affect the sensory evaluation. By analyzing the acidity, peroxidation value, and F.A. composition changes, we found that the acidity and peroxidation values are low, indicating that the shelf-life of ice cream gel is higher due to using better quality fresh oil. The fatty acid composition did not change during storage, and no trans fatty acids were produced.

Does lactoferrin, free, encapsulated or in dairy matrices, maintain its antibacterial activity after in vitro digestion?

Milk is a source of active compounds with defensive properties, such as lactoferrin and milk fat globule membrane proteins. These proteins generate bioactive peptides in the gastrointestinal tract and it is known that industrial processing can modify their susceptibility to digestion. However, does lactoferrin maintain its antibacterial activity after passing through the gastrointestinal tract? The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of technological treatments, encapsulation and in vitro digestion on lactoferrin antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. The results showed that the gastric digest of free lactoferrin presented greater effect against L. monocytogenes than the intestinal digest; although less than undigested lactoferrin. Alginate-lactoferrin microbeads allowed the release of lactoferrin into the intestine, protecting it from pepsin, although it was not sufficient to maintain its antibacterial activity to the intestine. However, homogenization and pasteurization favoured the antibacterial activity of dairy formulas supplemented with lactoferrin and of their digests.

Milk fat globule membrane and its polar lipids: reviewing preclinical and clinical trials on cognition.

In most parts of the world, life expectancy is increasing thanks to improved healthcare, public health policies, nutrition, and treatment. This increase in lifespan is often not accompanied by an increase in health span, which severely affects people as they age. One notable consequence of this is the increasing prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, dietary and pharmaceutical measures must be taken to reduce the burden of such pathologies. Among the different types of nutrients found in the diet, lipids and especially polar lipids are very important for cognition due to their abundance in the brain. Amid the most studied sources of polar lipids, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) stands out as it is abundant in industrial by-products such as buttermilk. In this narrative review, we discuss the latest, i.e. less than five years old, scientific evidence on the use of MFGM and its polar lipids in cognitive neurodevelopment in early life and their potential effect in preventing neurodegeneration in old age. We conclude that MFGM is an interesting, abundant and exploitable source of relatively inexpensive bioactive molecules that could be properly formulated and utilized in the areas of neurodevelopment and cognitive decline. Sufficiently large randomized controlled trials are required before health-related statements can be made. However, research in this area is progressing rapidly and the evidence gathered points to biological, health-promoting effects.

Human milk oligosaccharides and milk fat globule membrane reduce allergic reactions in mice through the modulation of gut microbiota and metabolic functions.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) represent novel treatments for cow's milk allergy (CMA). They exhibit the beneficial attribute of diminishing nutrient damage when compared to conventional enzymatic digestion of milk proteins. However, the effects and mechanisms underlying the synergistic interaction between HMOs and the MFGM in allergy treatment remain unclear. Consequently, this study was undertaken to assess the protective properties of HMOs and the MFGM against CMA and to elucidate their potential mechanisms in a mouse model of β-lactoglobulin (BLG)-induced allergy. The findings demonstrated that HMOs and the MFGM could significantly reduce the allergy score and splenic index, and they diminished the levels of inflammatory mediators (total immunoglobulin E (IgE), specific IgE, histamine, and mMCP-1), while concurrently bolstering tight junctions (ZO-1, claudin-1, and occludin), and reducing intestinal permeability. Notably, HMOs and the MFGM exhibited optimal synergy. In addition, HMOs and the MFGM synergistically mitigated the immune response to Th2 overactivity in allergy by the promotion of Th1 and Treg cell responses, thereby suppressing the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-5. Analysis of the gut microbiota and its metabolic activities revealed that HMOs and the MFGM increased the abundance of Lactobacillus and Butyricicoccus, leading to higher production of butyrate. Furthermore, these beneficial bacteria and the resultant butyrate also contributed to the suppression of allergy-associated bacterial populations such as Desulfovibrio and Rikenellaceae. In summary, HMOs and the MFGM acted in synergy to modulate inflammatory responses and ameliorate barrier damage, contributing to the mitigation of CMA, a process potentially linked to gut microbiota dynamics and the resultant butyrate metabolism. This effect may be related to the gut microbiota and its metabolic production of butyrate.