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Research data on milk composition in cetaceans are scattered and fragmentary. This paper analyses the gross and mineral composition, the fatty acids profile and the fat globule size of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) colostrum and milk at early lactation. The milk samplings were carried out on three lactating female of bottlenose dolphins at the 1st, 4-5 and 20- 42 day post partum. High percentages of dry matter (51.88%), fat (26.08%) and protein (13.83%) were found in the colostrum on the first day, while there was a tendency for these components to decrease in the milk. The average diameter the milk fat globule (7.07 μm) of this species was assessed for the first time. The milk was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which were more than twice compared to the saturated fatty acids (unsaturated / saturated ratio = 2.6). The main fatty acids of dolphin milk were C16: 0, C16:1 n-7, C18: 1n-9, C20: 1 n-11 C20: 5 and C22:6n-3. Several FA tended to increase from colostrum to milk: C12: 0 doubled, C20: 1 n-7 and C22:1 n-11 tripled, C20: 1 n-9 quintupled in later milk samples. Differently, other FA tended to decrease: C18: 3 n-3 was approximately 4 times lower and C24: 0 and C24: 1 halved in milk compared to colostrum. In conclusion, this paper contributes to the knowledge of the nutritional value of milk from bottlenose dolphins maintained under human care. Higher content of nutritional components such as fat and protein was found in the first day colostrum compared to milk. Moreover, the findings of this study highlight abundance of unsaturated fatty acids and large sized milk fat globules in dolphin milk.

Aim: of the work to determine serum levels of vitamin D and Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) compared to healthy controls and their possible associations. Patients and methods: The study included 30 RA and 30 primary knee OA patients as well as 25 control. The disease activity was measured by disease activity score 28 (DAS28) in RA. The functional status was estimated by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index (WOMAC index) in OA. While the assessment of pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) in both RA and OA. Serum vitamin D and MFG-E8 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The mean age of RA patients was 41.1 ± 9.2 years; 25 females and 5 males (F:M 5:1) and a disease duration of 6.9 ± 4.6 years. The mean age of OA patients was 48.7 ± 8.3 years; 28 females and 2 males (F:M 14:1) and disease duration was 5.4 ± 3.3 years. The mean vitamin D was significantly lower in RA (9.7 ± 5.04 ng/ml) than OA (16.4 ± 4 ng/ml) and controls (17.7 ± 3.4 ng/ml), p

Milk fat globules (MFGs) are secreted from the mammalian gland and are composed of a triacylglycerol core surrounded by a triple membrane structure, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). The MFGM contains complex lipids and proteins reported to have nutritional, immunological, neurological and digestive functions. Human and ruminant milk are shown to share a similar MFG structure but with different size, profile and abundance of protein and polar lipids. This review summarizes the reported data on human, bovine, caprine and ovine MFG composition and concentration of bioactive components in different MFG-size fractions. A comprehensive understanding of compositional variations between milk from different species and MFG size fractions may help promote various milk sources as targeted supplements to improve human development and health. MFG size and MFGM composition are species-specific and affected by lactation, diet and breed (or maternal origin). Purification and enrichment methods for some bioactive proteins and lipids present in the MFGM have yet to be established or are not scaled sufficiently to be used to supplement human diets. To overcome this problem, MFG size selection through fractionation or herd selection may provide a convenient way to pre-enrich the MFG fraction with specific protein and lipid components to fulfill human dietary and health requirements.

Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) possesses various nutritional and biological benefits for mammals, whereas its effects on neonatal gut microbiota and barrier integrity remained unclear. This study investigated the effects of MFGM administration on microbial compositions and intestinal barrier functions of neonatal piglets. Sixteen newborn piglets were randomly allocated into a CON group or MFGM group, orally administered with saline or MFGM solution (1 g/kg body weight) respectively during the first postnatal week, and all piglets were breastfed during the whole neonatal period. The present study found that the MFGM oral administration during the first postnatal week increased the plasma immunoglobulin (Ig) G level, body weight and average daily gain of piglets (P

Background: Milk Fat Globule-Epidermal Growth Factor 8 (MFG-E8) has been shown to be involved in various biological functions including the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells, neovascularization and epithelial restitution. Recently, emerging studies have reported that MFG-E8 plays a role in inflammatory responses and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of serum MFG-E8 in early diagnosis of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. Methods: The study included 80 patients with T2D; they were divided in to 4 groups depending on the value of clinical and laboratory parameters. Group A: included 20 patients free of any vascular complications. Group B: included 20 patients with subclinical atherosclerosis. Group C: included 20 patients with early microvascular complications without subclinical atherosclerosis. Group D: included 20 patients with both subclinical atherosclerosis and early microvascular complications. Serum (MFG-E8) was measured by ELISA technique. Results: There was a significant decrease in the mean value of serum MFG-E8 concentrations in groups C (T2D with early microvascular complications) and D (T2D with both early microvascular complications and subclinical atherosclerosis) when compared to those in groups A (T2D without any vascular complications) and B (T2D with subclinical atherosclerosis only). It negatively correlated with age, fasting and postprandial glucose level, HbA1C, urinary albumin excretion rate, hs-CRP and positively correlated with HDL-C while didn't correlate with body mass index, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL-C or carotid intima media thickness. Conclusions: Serum MFG-E8 may be used as an early diagnostic marker of microvascular complications in T2D. MFG-E8 seemed not to be a sensitive biomarker for early diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in T2DM.

Sphingomyelins, the most abundant sphingolipids in most mammalian cells, appear to be among the most represented polar lipids in breast milk. Despite the variability of the data reported in the literature, human milk sphingomyelins are qualitatively unique and their quantities are five times higher than in most formula milk. The structural and functional role within the milk fat globule membranes, the involvement in neonatal neurological maturation both in neuro-typical development and in some pathological circumstances, together with the possible contribution in the intestinal development of newborns, are certainly among the main characteristics that have fueled the curiosity of the scientific world. Metabolomics studies, providing a unique metabolic fingerprint, allow an in-depth analysis of the role of these molecules in the extreme variability and uniqueness of breast milk. In the perspective of preventive medicine, at the base of which there is certainly personalized nutrition, it is possible, in the presence of particular conditions, such as neonatal growth retardation or in preterm infants, to consider supplementation of some target nutrients, such as certain sphingomyelins. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to more accurately assess whether and how the type and quantity of sphingomyelins present in breast milk could affect the metabolic health of newborns.HIGHLIGHTSBreast milk is the golden standard for infants' nutritionSphingomyelins are the most represented polar lipids in breast milkThese molecules are involved in both intestinal and neural developments of newbornsMetabolomics is a very useful tool to investigate their precise roleFurther studies are needed to provide eventual nutritional treatment.

Morphological changes in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which are synapses formed between α-motor neurons and skeletal muscle fibers, are considered to be important in age-related motor dysfunction. We have previously shown that the intake of dietary milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) combined with exercise attenuates age-related NMJ alterations in the early phase of aging. However, it is unclear whether the effect of MFGM with exercise on age-related NMJ alterations persists into old age, and whether intervention from old age is still effective when age-related changes in NMJs have already occurred. In this study, 6- or 18-month-old mice were treated with a 1% MFGM diet and daily running wheel exercise until 23 or 24 months of age, respectively. MFGM treatment with exercise was effective in suppressing the progression of age-related NMJ alterations in old age, and even after age-related changes in NMJs had already occurred. Moreover, the effect of MFGM intake with exercise was not restricted to NMJs but extended to the structure and function of peripheral nerves. This study demonstrates that MFGM intake with exercise may be a novel approach for improving motor function in the elderly by suppressing age-related NMJ alterations.

While proteomic techniques allow the identification and relative quantification of thousands of proteins in a single run, methods for absolute quantification remain laborious. In this study, a newly developed multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) that enables the simultaneous quantification of twenty key milk proteins is presented. The selected proteins comprise all individual caseins, the major whey proteins and most well-known milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins. For validation, the twenty milk proteins in raw milk, raw cream, raw milk Emmental cheese and whey, were quantified as well as in eighteen commercial heat-treated dairy products. The method presented is ideally suited for various applications, for example, the comparison of the protein patterns in raw milk of cows at different stages of lactation or of different breeds.

To investigate the effects of exercise and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation on walking ability and walking parameters in community-dwelling elderly Japanese women with declined walking ability.A randomized placebo controlled trial was performed on 126 elderly community-dwelling women over 79 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four three-month interventions: exercise and MFGM (Ex + MFGM), exercise and placebo (Ex + P), MFGM, and placebo interventions. The exercise intervention group performed one-hour progressive exercise classes twice a week. The MFGM supplementation included ingesting 1 g of MFGM per day. Medical history, physical function measurements included grip strength, knee extension strength, walking speed, as well as walking parameters, and blood components were analyzed.Significant group × time interactions were observed in usual walking speed, stride, and foot progression angle between the groups. Walking speed improved in both exercise groups (P 0.001). Similarly, stride significantly increased in the exercise groups compared to the MFGM and placebo groups (P 0.001). Foot progression angle decreased in the exercise groups (P = 0.023) but not in MFGM or placebo groups. Participants with decreased or unchanged walking speed had significantly lower knee extension strength at baseline (P = 0.016), and a higher prevalence of knee OA (P = 0.033, P = 0.010, respectively).The exercise interventions alone or combined with nutrition were effective in improving walking speed as well as other walking parameters. Improvement in stride and foot progression angle may have contributed to the increase in walking speed. However, augmented effects of MFGM with exercise could not be confirmed.

The major milk proteins are well-studied but the particular activities of some important enzymes (such as milk ATPases) are largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of age and lactation time (in comparison, for the black-and-white and Simmental breeds) on the activity levels of the most important ATPases in the milk fat globule membranes (MFGM), as well as those with season parameters, etc. The significant increases were found for the total- and Na+, K+–ATPase activities in MFGM (21–22% and 51–53% for the abovementioned breeds) with the cow age, whereas only small changes in Mg2+-ATPase activity were obtained (6–7%). The activities of all ATPases studied had the pronounced maximum almost in the middle of lactation time. The major correlations of the ATPase activities in MFGM during all four seasons were found. According to the data obtained, the enzyme activities for all MFGM ATPases studied (of both breeds) could be arranged in the following order: Na+, K+–ATPase > Ca2+-ATPase > HCO3−-ATPase ≥ Mg2+-ATPase. The novel regression equations and data obtained can be used to estimate the MFGM ATPase activities without making all the biochemical measurements.

To date, there exists a debate on the effect of milk added to coffee infusions/beverages concerning the nutritional quality of coffee and the functional properties of its phenolic compounds. Yet, the full nutritional quality and functional properties of a coffee beverage without a significant negative impact on its sensorial profile are highly desired by the consumers. Negative/masking, positive, and neutral effects of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioavailability of coffee phenolics (particularly, chlorogenic acids) have been reported. Some potential factors including the type and amount of milk added, type of coffee beverage, the composition of both milk (protein and fat) and coffee (phenolic compounds), preparation method, assays used to measure antioxidant properties, and sampling size may account for the various reported findings. Interactions between phenolic compounds in coffee and milk proteins could account as the main responsible aspect for the reported masking/negative impact of milk on the antioxidant activity and bioaccessibility/bioavailability of coffee bioactives. However, considering the interactions between milk components and coffee phenolics, which result in the loss of their functionality, the role of milk fat globules and the milk fat globule membrane can also be crucial, but this has not been addressed in the literature so far.HighlightsIn most cases, milk is added to the coffee beverages in several various ways.Effect of milk on the nutritional/functional properties of coffee is controversial.Enough evidence suggests negative effects of milk addition on properties of coffee.Interactions of coffee phenolics and milk proteins could account as the main aspect.The role of milk fat globules and milk fat globule membrane may also be crucial.

(1) Background: Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), composing fat droplets responsible for lipid transport in breast milk, has been shown to possess immunological and antimicrobial effects. Standard formulas (SF) are devoid of MFGMs during the production process. The study’s aim was to evaluate the safety and benefits of MFGMs supplementation in children. (2) Methods: We searched four databases for randomized controlled trials evaluating the supplementation of MFGMs in children. Growth parameters were chosen as the primary outcome. (3) Results: Twenty-four publications of seventeen studies were included. Meta-analyses assessing the primary outcomes at the age of 4 months included four studies (814 children) comparing the MFGM-supplemented formulas and SF, and two trials (549 children) comparing the MFGM-supplemented formulas and breastfeeding. The primary outcomes were non-inferior in all the experimental MFGM formulas compared to SF, or even represented more similar results to breastfed infants. The promising effects, including a lower incidence of acute otitis media and improved cognitive development, cannot be firmly confirmed due to the small amount of existing evidence. No significant adverse effects were reported in any of the assessed products. (4) Conclusions: The available data signaled beneficial effects and a good safety profile, requiring future research with well-designed trials.

Human milk contains myriad bioactive lipids, many originating from the milk fat globule membrane. The mean ganglioside, cholesterol, and phospholipid concentrations range (per 100 mL) from 3.015.0 μg total lipid-bound sialic acid to 12.1–21.4 mg, to 16.0–36.0 mg, respectively. When measured, there are several other minor sterols found in milk. Sampling procedures, time postpartum, preterm birth, and analytical methodology all influence, to varying degrees, the estimated content of these lipids. Despite being in small and somewhat variable amounts in a mothers’ milk, these bioactive lipids likely contribute to the optimal development of her infant. The objective of this chapter is to review and summarize the published literature on what is known (and in many cases not known) about the content of these minor lipids in human milk across lactation and the methodologies used to quantify them.

This study investigated the seasonal variations in the fatty acid composition and the melting behaviour of milk fat and the whipping properties of cream in New Zealand. Major changes in the fatty acid composition from early to mid-season were consistent with those reported during the early stage of lactation, whereas some of these changes reverted from mid-to late season. The milk fat globule size was largest in the early season while the solid fraction of milk fat was largest in the mid-season (P

Background Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor (MFG-E8) is related secreted protein which links phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells and integrin αvβ3/5 on phagocytes. To clarify the clinical significance of MFG-E8 in SLE, we analyzed the correlation between expression level of MFG-E8 in circulating phagocytic leukocytes and clinical parameters of patients. Methods The study was conducted under a multi-center, prospective cohort design. Patients with one or both BILAG A or B, or SLEDAI- 2 K ≥ 4 with clinical symptoms were defined as the active SLE group. Expression of MFG-E8 on monocytes and concentration in serum were measured by FACS and ELISA, respectively. Results 96 subjects were enrolled. The absolute number and proportion of MFG-E8-positive monocytes to total monocytes were significantly higher in the active SLE group (p Conclusions The proportion of MFG-E8-positive monocytes to total monocytes in peripheral blood was positively associated with disease activity in SLE and may be a novel biomarker of disease activity.

Scope Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which contains abundant polar lipids and glycoproteins, can narrow the gap in growth and development between breast-fed and infant-formula-fed babies. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of MFGM supplementation in infant formula on intestinal epithelium maturation, tight junctions, and gut colonization in rat pups. Methods and results Sprague Dawley rat pups consume one of the five diets from postnatal day 8, including rat breastfeeding (BF), infant formula (IF), and infant formula containing MFGM at 260 mg kg-1 body weight (BW), 520 mg kg-1 BW, or 1040 mg kg-1 BW. Results show that MFGM supplementation in infant formula can facilitate intestinal mucosal barrier maturation via promoting intestinal proliferation and differentiation, and increasing tight junction proteins. In addition, compared with that of the IF pups, the intestinal flora composition of MFGM-supplemented pups is more similar to that of BF pups. Conclusion MFGM supplementation in infant formula can restore the intestinal development in infant-formula-fed pups, which suggests that the supplementation of MFGM in infant formula can better mimic breast milk.

Background Milk lipids originate from cytoplasmic lipid droplets (LD) that are synthesized and secreted from mammary epithelial cells by a unique membrane-envelopment process. Butyrophilin 1A1 (BTN1A1) is one of the membrane proteins that surrounds LD, but its role in bovine mammary lipid droplet synthesis and secretion is not well known. Methods The objective was to knockout BTN1A1 in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) via the CRISPR/Cas9 system and evaluate LD formation, abundance of lipogenic enzymes, and content of cell membrane phospholipid (PL) species. Average LD diameter was determined via Oil Red O staining, and profiling of cell membrane phospholipid species via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results Lentivirus-mediated infection of the Cas9/sgRNA expression vector into BMEC resulted in production of a homozygous clone BTN1A1 (−/−) . The LD size and content decreased following BTN1A1 gene knockout. The mRNA abundance of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARG) was downregulated in the BTN1A1 (−/−) clone. Subcellular analyses indicated that BTN1A1 and LD were co-localized in the cytoplasm. BTN1A1 gene knockout increased the percentage of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and decreased phosphatidylcholine (PC), which resulted in a lower PC/PE ratio. Conclusions Results suggest that BTN1A1 plays an important role in regulating LD synthesis via a mechanism involving membrane phospholipid composition.

Objectives To investigate the relationships between dietary intake and fecal concentrations of milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8), and between fecal concentrations of MFG-E8 and markers of intestinal inflammation in infants born preterm. Study design Fecal samples were collected daily and enteral feedings were sampled weekly. MFG-E8 in enteral feedings and feces, and cytokine concentrations in feces were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Milk MFG-E8 concentrations were significantly greater in unfortified mother's own milk (MOM) and MOM with human milk fortifier than either donor human milk or preterm formula. MFG-E8 concentrations in fecal samples were positively correlated with MFG-E8 concentrations in respective milks. High MFG-E8 exposure (≥60 mL/kg/day of feedings that include MOM or MOM with human milk fortifier) was associated with lower concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and higher concentrations of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 in feces, compared with low MFG-E8 exposure. Conclusions Infants born preterm who were fed MOM had greater concentrations of MFG-E8 and lower concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in fecal samples than other diets or no feedings. These data further support the protective role of MOM, possibly because of MFG-E8, against intestinal inflammation.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation on motor unit adaptation following resistance training in older adults. Twenty‐five older males and females took MFGM (n = 12) or a placebo (PLA; n = 12) while performing 8 weeks of isometric knee extension training. During the training, the motor unit firing pattern during submaximal contractions, muscle thickness, and maximal muscle strength of knee extensor muscles were measured every 2 weeks. None of the measurements showed significant differences in muscle thickness or maximal muscle strength (MVC) between the two groups (p > .05). Significant decreases in motor unit firing rate following the intervention were observed in PLA, that is, 14.1 ± 2.7 pps at 0 weeks to 13.0 ± 2.4 pps at 4 weeks (p = .003), but not in MFGM (14.4 ± 2.5 pps to 13.8 ± 1.9 pps). Motor unit firing rates in MFGM were significantly higher than those in PLA at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of the intervention, that is, 15.1 ± 2.3 pps in MFGM and 14.5 ± 3.3 pps in PLA at 70% of MVC for motor units recruited at 40% of MVC at 6 weeks (p = .034). Significant differences in firing rates among motor units with different recruitment thresholds were newly observed following the resistance training intervention in MFGM, indicating that motor unit firing pattern is changed in this group. These results suggest that motor unit adaptation following resistance training is modulated by MFGM supplementation in older adults., The positive effect of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation with exercise on age‐related dysfunctions in neuromuscular system had been reported in animal and human studies. This study found that MFGM supplementation with exercise can modify adaptations in motor unit firing pattern in older adults. Whereas the same exercise regimen was applied, different neural adaptation may be able to induce by ingestion of MFGM in older adults.

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 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.

Human breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infant growth and development. Breast milk fats and their downstream derivatives of fatty acids and fatty acid-derived terminal mediators not only provide an energy source but also are important regulators of development, immune function, and metabolism. The composition of the lipids and fatty acids determines the nutritional and physicochemical properties of human milk fat. Essential fatty acids, including long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) and specialized pro-resolving mediators, are critical for growth, organogenesis, and regulation of inflammation. Combined data including in vitro, in vivo, and human cohort studies support the beneficial effects of human breast milk in intestinal development and in reducing the risk of intestinal injury. Human milk has been shown to reduce the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a common gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants. Preterm infants fed human breast milk are less likely to develop NEC compared to preterm infants receiving infant formula. Intestinal development and its physiological functions are highly adaptive to changes in nutritional status influencing the susceptibility towards intestinal injury in response to pathological challenges. In this review, we focus on lipids and fatty acids present in breast milk and their impact on neonatal gut development and the risk of disease.

Dietary supplementation with bovine milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) concentrates has recently emerged as a possible means to improve the health of infants and young children, or defense against infections. We identified 5 double-blind, randomized, controlled trials (DBRCT) exploring the effects of supplementing the diet of infants and children with bovine MFGM concentrates on infections. We reviewed 3 studies which found a protective effect against infections at different ages during infancy and early childhood. Two of them have reported effects on the metabolome, and 1 study also on the microbiome and lipidome. MFGM supplementation had moderate, albeit interesting, effects on the oral and fecal microbiome, fecal and serum/plasma metabolome, and serum and erythrocyte membrane lipidome, which also are reviewed. We conclude that studies on MFGM supplementation during infancy and childhood indicate positive effects on the defense against infections and other outcomes, but more high-quality DBRCTs with well-defined MFGM fractions and outcome measures are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

Cognitive decline is one of the hallmarks of aging and can vary from mild cognitive impairment to dementia to Alzheimer's disease. In addition to some lifestyle interventions, there is room for the use of nutraceuticals/functional foods as pharma-nutritional tools to lessen the burden of cognitive decline before it worsens. We previously reported the promising molecular actions of milk fat globule membranes and krill oil concentrates in a rat model of aging. In this study, we concentrated on the activities on cognition, using an array of validated tests. We also performed lipidomic analyses of plasma, erythrocytes, and different brain areas. We report lower emotional memory (contextual fear conditioning) in aged rats supplemented with concentrates of polar lipids from buttermilk or krill oil at doses that approximate human consumption. No other behavioral parameter was significantly influenced by the supplements, calling for further research to confirm or not the purported salubrious activities of polar lipids, namely those rich in ω3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, on cognitive decline., This study was supported in part by grants from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (AGL2014-56464-R1; AGL2014-54565-R2; AGL2017- 87884) and by POR 3S4H. FEDER Funds.

Lipid digestion is critical for infant development, and yet, the interconnection between lipid digestion and the microbiota is largely understudied. This review focuses on digestion of the human milk fat globule and summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms underlying this process in infants. We first discuss the partial hydrolysis of milk fat in the stomach, which leads to rearrangement of lipid droplets, creating a lipid-water interface necessary for duodenal lipolysis. In the first few months of life, secretion of pancreatic triglyceride lipase, phospholipase A2, and bile salts is immature. The dominant lipases aiding fat digestion in the newborn small intestine are therefore pancreatic lipase-related protein 2 and bile salt-stimulated lipase from both the exocrine pancreas and milk. We summarize the interaction between ionic fatty acids and cations to form insoluble fatty acid soaps and how it is influenced by various factors, including cation availability, pH, and bile salt concentration, as well as saturation and chain length of fatty acids. We further argue that the formation of the soap complex does not contribute to lipid bioavailability. Next, the possible roles that the gut microbiota plays in lipid digestion and absorption are discussed. Finally, we provide a perspective on how the manufacturing process of infant formula and dairy products may alter the physical properties and structure of lipid droplets, thereby altering the rate of lipolysis.

Milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) surround droplets delivering lipids to the breast-fed infant and are enriched with glycoproteins upon exocytosis out of the mammary cell. MFGM is typically removed during processing of cow milk for the manufacture of infant formula. Recent clinical trials have found that formula supplemented with bovine MFGM improved cognition. Here, we aimed to explore the mechanisms behind this improved developmental outcome. Sprague-Dawley rats were bred, and their litters were manipulated to either 10 pups to represent normal growth (N) or 16 pups to represent restricted growth (R) per dam. From postnatal day (PD) 2, pups were supplemented daily by oral gavage with MFGM or nonfat milk (NFM, control) at 100 mg/kg body weight. Pups were supplemented until PD13 and killed or supplemented until PD21 and then later exposed to cognitive testing (T-maze and passive avoidance). R NFM-supplemented female rats had lower T-maze scores than the N NFM females. The R MFGM-supplemented animals, however, did not show lower cognitive scores. Restricted growth and treatment affected the passive avoidance test scores. At PD14, MFGM was shown to increase mRNA expression of genes involved in brain function in both N and R animals, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor [1.51-fold change (fc) N, 1.36 fc R] and St8 alpha-N-acetyl-neuraminide alpha-2,8-sialytransferase 4 (1.62 fc N) (P

The hypocholesterolemic effect and the modification of serum biomarkers of a dietary plant sterol (PS) intake, cholesterol precursors and cytokines after the consumption of milk-based fruit beverages with a milk fat globule membrane were evaluated by a randomized, double-blind, crossover, multiple dose bioavailability study. Postmenopausal women (n = 38) consumed daily 250 mL of a beverage with or without 2 g of PS added during 6 weeks in each of the study periods. With the intake of the PS-added beverage, significant decreases (mg dL-1) in serum total cholesterol (pre-treatment: 220.0 ± 27.8 vs. post-treatment: 212.9 ± 25.8; p < 0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (129.4 ± 28.5 vs. 121.7 ± 24.4; p < 0.05) were detected. The cholesterol precursor lathosterol (11.2%), markers of the dietary PS intake (campesterol 43.1% and β-sitosterol 32.5%), and anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine (22.5%) increased significantly, with a concomitant significant reduction in pro-inflammatory IL-1β (6.7%). No variations in HDL-cholesterol, other sterols (desmosterol and stigmasterol) or cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70 and TNF-α) were detected. These results indicated that this kind of PS-enriched milk-based fruit beverage is suitable during the period of clinical intervention, and its consumption may be an adequate way to improve PS functionality since a significant reduction in cholesterol levels has been observed. Therefore, the intake of this beverage could contribute to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease also obtaining a beneficial effect on the serum inflammatory status in postmenopausal women.

Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8) protein is known as an immunomodulator in various diseases, and we previously demonstrated the anti-fibrotic role of MFG-E8 in liver disease. Here, we present a truncated form of MFG-E8 that provides an advanced therapeutic benefit in treating liver fibrosis. The enhanced therapeutic potential of the modified MFG-E8 was demonstrated in various liver fibrosis animal models, and the efficacy was further confirmed in human hepatic stellate cells and a liver spheroid model. In the subsequent analysis, we found that the modified MFG-E8 more efficiently suppressed transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling than the original form of MFG-E8, and it deactivated the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in the liver disease environment through interfering with the interactions between integrins (αvβ3 &amp, αvβ5) and TGF-βRI. Furthermore, the protein preferentially delivered in the liver after administration, and the safety profiles of the protein were demonstrated in male and female rat models. Therefore, in conclusion, this modified MFG-E8 provides a promising new therapeutic strategy for treating fibrotic diseases.

The objective of this study was to estimate the heritability of milk fat globule (MFG) size and mid-infrared (MIR) predicted MFG size in Holstein cattle. The genetic correlations between measured and predicted MFG size with milk fat and protein percentage were also investigated. Average MFG size was measured in 1,583 milk samples taken from 254 Holstein cows from 29 herds across Canada. Size was expressed as volume moment mean (D[4,3]) and surface moment mean (D[3,2]). Analyzed milk samples also had average MFG size predicted from their MIR spectral records. Fat and protein percentages were obtained for all test-day milk samples in the cow's lactation. Univariate and bivariate repeatability animal models were used to estimate heritability and genetic correlations. Moderate heritabilities of 0.364 and 0.466 were found for D[4,3] and D[3,2], respectively, and a strong genetic correlation was found between the 2 traits (0.98). The heritabilities for the MIR-predicted MFG size were lower than those estimated for the measured MFG size at 0.300 for predicted D[4,3] and 0.239 for predicted D[3,2]. The genetic correlation between measured and predicted D[4,3] was 0.685; the correlation was slightly higher between measured and predicted D[3,2] at 0.764, likely due to the better prediction accuracy of D[3,2]. Milk fat percentage had moderate genetic correlations with both D[4,3] and D[3,2] (0.538 and 0.681, respectively). The genetic correlation between predicted MFG size and fat percentage was much stronger (greater than 0.97 for both predicted D[4,3] and D[3,2]). The stronger correlation suggests a limitation for the use of the predicted values of MFG size as indicator traits for true average MFG size in milk in selection programs. Larger samples sizes are required to provide better evidence of the estimated genetic parameters. A genetic component appears to exist for the average MFG size in bovine milk, and the variation could be exploited in selection programs.

Since the decline of physical performance gradually progresses with aging, continuous exercise with nutritional supplementation from a young age is a feasible and effective way to maintain a comfortable life until late old age. We examined the effects of continuous milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation combined with voluntary running exercise (VR) for prevention of aging-associated declines in physical performance in naturally aging mice. The MFGM with VR group showed a significantly attenuated age-related decline in motor coordination and suppression of the loss of muscle mass and strength. Compared with the control group, the MFGM with VR group showed significantly higher mRNA and protein expression for docking protein 7, which maintains neuromuscular junction (NMJ) integrity, in the quadriceps muscles. These results suggest that dietary MFGM and VR attenuate natural aging-related decline in motor coordination and muscle function by regulating NMJ integrity.

In the present study, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) was used to prepare β‐carotene emulsion. The physicochemical and microstructure changes of MFGM‐prepared emulsions were investigated upon exposure to gastrointestinal (GI) digestion fluid. The average droplet size significantly reduced (p < .05) from 18.29 μm to 0.91 μm with the addition of MFGM concentrations from 0.25 wt% to 4.0 wt%. The emulsion exposure to the simulated gastric fluid showed a significant increase in droplet sizes (p < .05) and partial droplet aggregation in microstructure compared to initial emulsion. There was a notable increase (p < .05) in particle sizes and decrease in the number of oil droplets when β‐carotene emulsion was exposed to simulated intestinal fluid after 60, 120, and 180 min digestion time. In the simulated intestinal fluid, about 200 μmol/L free fatty acid and 60% β‐carotene were released when β‐carotene emulsion was exposed to simulated intestinal fluid after 60 min digestion time. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is an ideal material used for the preparation of β‐carotene emulsions because of not only its fascinating structure and special compositions but also its nutritional and health benefits. In this work, MFGM stabilizes the oil phase, as well as controlling and triggering the release of β‐carotene when the emulsions are exposed to GI tract. Therefore, these results demonstrate that MFGM as a natural emulsifier can be used to deliver hydrophobic bioactivities.

Background Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is characterized by the obstruction of pulmonary vessels by organized thrombotic and fibrotic lesions. Efferocytosis refers to the engulfment of apoptotic cells (ACs) by phagocytes, a process that is facilitated by bridging proteins. Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) connects phosphatidylserine on ACs with integrin alpha-v beta-III on phagocytes. MFG-E8-deficient mice develop auto-immune disease closely resembling systemic lupus erythematosus. In humans, decreased MFG-E8 levels were observed in patients with coronary heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Whether defective efferocytosis is involved in failure to resolve thrombi in CTEPH remains unknown. Purpose We aimed to assess whether deficiency in MFG-E8 is responsible for of chronic non-resolving thrombosis in CTEPH. Methods We employed a murine model of chronic thrombosis by inferior vena cava ligation, in MFG-E8 knockout (KO) or wild-type (WT) mice to assess thrombus formation and resolution. Thrombus size at days 3, 7, 14 and 28 after ligation was assessed using either histologic trichrome stainings (n=4–13 per group and time point) or in vivo high-frequency ultrasound (n=10 per group and time point). We furthermore recruited CTEPH patients (n=60, 53% female, mean age 56±11 years) and sex- and age-matched healthy controls for measurement of MFG-E8 plasma levels using ELISA. In CTEPH patients, hemodynamic measurements were performed. Human lung specimens harvested during surgery for CTEPH or from healthy controls, and isolated monocytes from whole blood of CTEPH patients or controls were analyzed using RT-qPCR. Results We observed substantially increased thrombus volume in MFG-E8 KO mice compared to WT, which persisted until day 14 after ligation. In human CTEPH patients, MFG-E8 in plasma was increased compared to healthy controls. Similarly, CTEPH monocytes displayed higher concentrations of MFG-E8 mRNA. Conversely, MFG-E8 expression of CTEPH pulmonary artery specimens was downregulated. No correlations between MFG-E8 levels and hemodynamic parameters were observed. Conclusion MFG-E8 plays an important role in thrombus resolution. In CTEPH, dysregulation of efferocytosis via impaired MFG-E8 expression in the pulmonary arteries, might drive persistence of thrombus in pulmonary arteries. The absence of a correlation between MFG-E8 and hemodynamic measures argues against pressure as a confounder of the observation.

Objective Mounting evidence demonstrates that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Milk fat globule–epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is an important glycoprotein that is involved in anti-inflammatory responses. The present study was performed to assess the MFG-E8 levels in plasma and synovial fluid and explore the association between radiographic severity and MFG-E8 levels in patients with knee OA. Methods This study involved 138 healthy controls and 142 patients with knee OA. The MFG-E8 levels in plasma and synovial fluid were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Kellgren and Lawrence classification was used for OA grading. Results The plasma MFG-E8 level was significantly lower in patients with knee OA than in healthy controls. The synovial fluid MFG-E8 level was significantly lower than the plasma level in patients with knee OA. More importantly, the MFG-E8 levels in synovial fluid and plasma were significantly and inversely associated with radiographic severity among patients with knee OA. Conclusions These results demonstrate that the levels of MFG-E8 in synovial fluid and plasma are inversely correlated with the radiographic severity of knee OA.

Nutritional interventions targeting the microbiota-gut-brain axis are proposed to modulate stress-induced dysfunction of physiological processes and brain development. Maternal separation (MS) in rats induces long-term alterations to behavior, pain responses, gut microbiome and brain neurochemistry. In this study, the effects of dietary interventions (milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and a polydextrose/galactooligosaccharide prebiotic blend (PDX/GOS)) were evaluated. Diets were provided from postnatal day 21 to both non-separated (NS) and MS offspring. Spatial memory, visceral sensitivity and stress reactivity were assessed in adulthood. Gene transcripts associated with cognition and stress and the caecal microbiota composition were analysed. MS-induced visceral hypersensitivity was ameliorated by MFGM and to greater extent with the combination of MFGM and prebiotic blend. Furthermore, spatial learning and memory were improved by prebiotics and MFGM alone and with the combination. The prebiotic blend and the combination of the prebiotics and MFGM appeared to facilitate return to baseline with regard to HPA axis response to the restraint stress which can be beneficial in times where coping mechanisms to stressful events are required. Interestingly, the combination of MFGM and prebiotic reduced the long-term impact of MS on a marker of myelination in the prefrontal cortex. MS affected the microbiota at family level only while MFGM, the prebiotic blend and the combination influenced abundance at family and genus level as well as influencing beta diversity levels. In conclusion, intervention with MFGM and prebiotic blend significantly impacted the composition of the microbiota as well as ameliorating some of the long-term effects of early-life stress.

As an important nutrient source in large area of world, the composition and nutritional value of goat milk are not well deliberated. Detailed annotation of protein composition is essential to address the physiological and nutritional value of goat milk. In the present study, 423 colostrum and mature goat milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins were identified. The abundance of 189 proteins was significantly different between colostrums and mature milk MFGM. The acute phase proteins were higher in colostrums MFGM than those in mature milk MFGM which protected newborns at the beginning of life. Proteins related to synthesis and secretion were conserved through lactation to ensure the milk production. Of note, long term depression (LTD) proteins were observed in colostrum and mature milk MFGM. Milk LTD proteins could be potential biomarkers for diagnosis of lactation related depressive syndromes and should be taken into considerations of their effects on newborns.

Milk fat globule (MFG) size and phospholipids (PL) content and composition were determined in milk collected at 65 (pretreatment), 110, 135 and 170 days of lactation from goats randomly assigned to grazing in Mediterranean brushland or fed clover hay indoors, in addition to concentrate. Daily feed intake and dietary contents of neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were higher in grazing goats, associated with milk richer in fat, with larger MFGs and 20% higher PL content. Smaller MFGs, produced by all confinement groups, was associated with 15 μg g −1 fat higher milk PL content. The greatest effect was found in the Damascus goats, with over 44% higher PL concentration, on milk fat basis, in the confined compared with grazing group. Our understanding of how PL content is modulated by the interaction between genetic background and nutrition will enable to achieve either PL-rich milk or PL-enriched milk fat.

The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in breast milk contains many bioactive components. Infant formulas traditionally have been devoid of the MFGM fraction, but dairy technology now has made the addition of bovine MFGM technically feasible. We identified 6 double-blinded randomized controlled trials exploring the effects of MFGM supplementation on the diets of infants or children. Results suggest that supplementation is safe and indicate positive effects on both neurodevelopment and defense against infections. MFGM supplementation of infant formula may narrow the gap in cognitive performance and infection rates between breastfed and formula-fed infants. Because of the small number of studies and the heterogeneity of interventions, more high-quality double-blinded randomized controlled trials are needed, with well characterized and clearly defined MFGM fractions, before firm conclusions on the effects of MFGM supplementation on the health and development of infants can be drawn.

Background Health professionals are frequently asked to advise on aspects of food choosing. The differential effects of various dairy products on human health might be caused by the presence of milk fat globule membranes (MFGM). Milk cream is the richest source of MFGM with relatively intact structure. The system of food provision has a major impact on what people choose to eat. Objective The aim was to investigate the availability of plant oil-based milk cream substitutes (OCS) across a wide range of stores. Methods The availability of OCS and milk cream, with or without thickeners, was surveyed at 11 different chain stores across four store categories (hypermarkets, supermarkets, budget markets, and corner shops). Data were collected in Warsaw in November 2015. Content information for each type of product was collected from labels in store. To ensure consistency, the same researcher collected all data, which meant that any bias from subjective assessment was constant. Results Milk cream with thickeners and also milk cream without thickeners were available in all the shops. Five of the 11 (45%) surveyed stores supplied OCS. OCS were more likely to be available in the largest stores. The number of OCS types per shop was from 0 to 3. The highest availability of OCS in shop was 1 in 7 (14%) cream products. The recorded retail prices in this study indicated a large variance for OCS marketed as premium oil and milk mixes and products mimicking “creme fraiche” (with 12% or 18% palm oil). Conclusions There is high availability of OCS in the investigated stores. Mapping of food available could be useful in providing baseline nutritional information for consumers.

International audience; Our objective was to study the effect of duration of milk accumulation on milk fat globules (MFG) secretion to better understand relationships between milk yield, milk fat, and MFG secretion. The modification of the milk accumulation duration in the udder is a tool to increase milk fat content. Four milking frequencies were studied on 6 dairy cows averaging 118 ± 22 d in milk: 2 milkings/d separated by 11- and 13-h or by 4- and 20-h intervals and 1 milking/d. The experimental trial was a double Latin square 3 × 3 with 2-wk periods. Postexperiment, a milking frequency of 36-h was repeated twice. Compared with 2 milkings with 11- and 13-h frequencies, 1 milking/d reduced milk and milk fat yields and increased fat content, without any effect on the size of MFG. Two milkings with 4- and 20-h intervals had no significant effect on milk fat yield and content but tended to increase the size of the MFG. Lipolysis, measured on morning milk, was weaker with 1 milking/d. When data were analyzed according to milk accumulation duration (4, 11, 13, 20, 24, and 36 h), the highest fat content and the largest diameters of MFG were obtained on milks from 4 and 36 h milkings (62.8 g/kg, 4.15 μm and 57.7 g/kg, 4.09 μm, respectively). Such observations could have 2 origins: the richness in residual milk of the 4-h milk and the coalescence of MFG related to the long milk accumulation duration in the 36-h milk. For each duration of milk accumulation, a relationship exists between MFG size and fat yield. The positive relation between MFG size and fat content was confirmed at each duration of milk accumulation. Rate of secretion of milk fat (milk accumulation of 4 h excluded) was also well correlated with MFG size. For the 36-h milk, this relationship was also observed but with a significantly different slope, assuming phenomena of MFG coalescence in response to the supposed increased intramammary pressure or to slower secretion rate and, hence, fusion events of microlipids droplets in the cytoplasm. Duration of milk accumulation joined with large increases in milk fat content induces changes in MFG size.

This study aimed to demonstrate the beneficial effects of nutritional supplementation with dietary milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) on physical performance and skeletal muscle function in healthy adults aged 60 and over with semiweekly light exercise. The study was designed as a randomized double-blind controlled trial. Twenty-two Japanese participants (10 men, 12 women) aged 60-73 y were assigned to one of two groups (11 [5 men, 6 women] in each). One group received MFGM tablets (1 g MFGM/d), and the other received placebo tablets daily for 10 wk. Both groups participated in a twice-weekly light exercise program. Physical function tests and surface electromyography (EMG) were conducted at the baseline and after 5 and 10 wk. Chair stand time significantly shortened in both groups after 10 wk compared with that at the baseline. The average time shortened more considerably in the MFGM group than in the placebo group, although the change was not statistically significant. Both knee extension strength and the cross-sectional area of the quadriceps muscles significantly increased from baseline in the MFGM group but not in the placebo group. Surface EMG showed that muscle fiber conduction velocity increased significantly after 10 wk from the baseline only in the MFGM group. The increase from the baseline was significantly greater in the MFGM group than in the placebo group. Daily supplementation with MFGM increased motor unit action potential conduction and improved muscle strength and physical performance in healthy Japanese adults aged 60 y and over paired with semiweekly light exercise.

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

Human milk is uniquely optimized for the needs of the developing infant. Its composition is complex and dynamic, driven primarily by maternal genetics, and to a lesser extent by diet and environment. One important component that is gaining attention is the milk fat globule (MFG). The MFG is composed of a triglyceride-rich core surrounded by a tri-layer membrane, also known as the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) that originates from mammary gland epithelia. The MFGM is enriched with glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol, and proteins, some of which are glycosylated, and are known to exert numerous biological roles. Mounting evidence suggests that the structure of the MFG and bioactive components of the MFGM may benefit the infant by aiding in the structural and functional maturation of the gut through the provision of essential nutrients and/or regulating various cellular events during infant growth and immune education. Further, antimicrobial peptides and surface carbohydrate moieties surrounding the MFG might have a pivotal role in shaping gut microbial populations, which in turn may promote protection against immune and inflammatory diseases early in life. This review seeks to: (1) understand the components of the MFG, as well as maternal factors including genetic and lifestyle factors that influence its characteristics; (2) examine the potential role of this milk component on the intestinal immune system; and (3) delineate the mechanistic roles of the MFG in infant intestinal maturation and establishment of the microbiota in the alimentary canal.

The aim of the present study was to compare the different bioactivities of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins between yak and cow, and identified the differential MFGM proteins. In this study, 156 differential MFGM proteins between yak and cow were identified with various health-related bioactivities including anti-adhesion of bacteria and viruses, glucose and lipid metabolism, immunoregulation, antioxidant activity, anti-cancer and neural regulation by GOBP and KEGG pathway analysis. The efficacy of differential MFGM proteins from cow and yak milk on glucose and lipid metabolism was verified by in vitro HepG2 cells. MFGM proteins of yak exhibited significantly higher lipid accumulation-lowering efficacy, and MFGM proteins of cow had significantly higher efficacy of increasing glucose uptake. The differential types and amount MFGM proteins of yak and cow milk that might relate to the different effect on glucose and lipid metabolism were also identified. These findings demonstrate that MFGM proteins contain potential bioactive ingredients for improving metabolic health.

Background Xanthosine treatment has been previously reported to increase mammary stem cell population and milk production in cattle and goats. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the increase in stem cell population and milk production remain unclear. Methods Primiparous Beetal goats were assigned to the study. Five days post-partum, one mammary gland of each goat was infused with xanthosine (TRT) twice daily (2×) for 3 days consecutively, and the other gland served as a control (CON). Milk samples from the TRT and CON glands were collected on the 10th day after the last xanthosine infusion and the total RNA was isolated from milk fat globules (MEGs). Total RNA in MFGs was mainly derived from the milk epithelial cells (MECs) as evidenced by expression of milk synthesis genes. Significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) terms using PANTHER and gene networks were generated using STRING db. Results Preliminary analysis indicated that each individual goat responded to xanthosine treatment differently, with this trend being correlated with specific DEGs within the same animal’s mammary gland. Several pathways are impacted by these DEGs, including cell communication, cell proliferation and anti-microbials. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into transcriptomic changes in milk producing epithelial cells in response to xanthosine treatment. Further characterization of DEGs identified in this study is likely to delineate the molecular mechanisms of increased milk production and stem or progenitor cell population by the xanthosine treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40781-018-0177-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of home-based, light gymnastic exercise plus dietary milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) intake on physical fitness of an elderly Japanese sample in a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Seventy-one subjects (male, n = 13; female, n = 58) were randomly assigned into two groups: placebo (n = 35 [male, n = 6; female, n = 29]) and MFGM group (n = 36 [male, n = 7; female, n = 29]). The intervention was eight weeks. Subjects ingested either MFGM (1 g/day) or placebo tablets daily and engaged in an exercise program daily. Physical function tests were performed at baseline and after four and eight weeks. Foot tapping and open–close stepping scores significantly increased from baseline to eight weeks in the MFGM group. Study results suggest daily MFGM ingestion might further enhance the effects of light-intensity exercise in healthy elderly people.

Human breast milk (HBM) is the gold standard for the early nutrition of the neonates. The best way to improve infant formulas (IFs) is to mimic both the composition and the structure of HBM components. Supplementation of IF with dairy lipids or bovine milk components such as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), in partial replacement of plant oils that are currently mainly used, has health benefits for infants. In this article, results of clinical studies on the impact of IF supplementation with MFGM and dairy lipids on psychomotor development and infectious disease prevalence in infants are reviewed and supported by recent pre-clinical studies. Numerous human studies have reported beneficial effects of MFGM supplementation on neurocognitive development and protection against infectious agents without deleterious impact on growth. Based on rodent and porcine studies, benefits of adding bovine MFGM and dairy lipids in IFs on gut digestion, physiology and protection against pathogens and inflammatory challenges have also been highlighted. However, more randomized controlled trials testing IF supplementation with bovine milk fat, and specifically apolar lipids and associated glycoproteins, must be performed to increase scientific-based knowledge, address safety concerns, and study its potential programming role of adult health., Le lait maternel est l’aliment de choix à privilégier pour nourrir les nouveau nés. Il est ainsi l’aliment de référence tant sur sa composition nutritionnelle que sur ses propriétés fonctionnelles, pour améliorer la formulation des formules infantiles (FI). L’incorporation dans les FI de la matière grasse du lait de vache ou de certains de ses composants tels que les membranes des globules gras (MFGM pour milk fat globule membrane), en remplacement partiel des huiles végétales qui sont actuellement principalement utilisées, apporte des effets bénéfiques pour la santé du nouveau-né. Dans cette revue, les résultats des études cliniques sur l’impact des MFGM et des lipides laitiers dans les FI sur le développement psychomoteur et la prévalence des maladies infectieuses et digestives infantiles sont rapportés et étayés par les résultats d’études pré-cliniques récentes. L’incorporation de MFGM dans les FI apporte un bénéfice sur le développement neurocognitif de l’enfant et sa protection vis-à-vis d’agents infectieux, sans modifier sa croissance. L’effet bénéfique de la supplémentation des FI avec des lipides laitiers et des MFGM d’origine bovine sur la digestion et la physiologie intestinale, ainsi que la protection contre des challenges inflammatoires est par ailleurs mis en évidence dans des études pré-cliniques réalisées chez les rongeurs ou le porc. Cependant, de nouvelles études sont nécessaires pour accroître nos connaissances sur le rôle fonctionnel et le mode d’action de la matière grasse laitière et en particulier, des lipides apolaires et des glycoprotéines associées aux MFGM, et ses effets potentiels sur la programmation de la santé de l’adulte.

India is the largest producer of buffalo milk in the world. Buffalo milk is rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium, containing 100 % more fat and less cholesterol than cow milk. Physio-chemical properties of dairy products depend upon the size and distribution of milk fat globules (MFG). Individual MFG from Murrah buffalo were analysed as a function of size and distribution and comparisons were made with MFG of crossbred (HF X Sahiwal) cows. Crescents associated with MFG could serve as a source of RNA of mammary epithelial cells and that would be a non-invasive method of epithelial cell RNA. Acridine orange staining of fresh milk was visualized by light microscopy under red and green channel filters. MFG and MFG with crescents were analysed using imageJ image analysis software. The percentage of large sized MFG (area >20 µm2) was greater and the percentage of small sized MFG (area

Consumption of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) in combination with habitual exercise suppresses age-associated muscle loss. The effects of high dose MFGM, however, are not known. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial with parallel group design was conducted to evaluate the safety of consuming high dose MFGM tablets. The subjects were 32 healthy adult men and women. Subjects were given 5 times the recommended daily intake of the tablets containing 6.5 g of MFGM or whole milk powder for 4 weeks. Stomach discomfort and diarrhea were observed; however, these symptoms were transitory and slight and were not related to consumption of the test tablets. In addition, there were no clinically significant changes in anthropometric measurements or blood tests. Total degree of safety assessed by the physicians of all subjects was “safe.” These findings suggest that consumption of the tablets containing 6.5 g MFGM for 4 weeks is safe for healthy adults.