Human Breast Milk miRNAs: Investigation of Association Between Breastfeeding Children and Maternal Obesity in Obesity Development in Offspring
Abstract
Background/objectives: Human breast milk is a mammary gland secretion with a dynamic composition, containing important bioactive factors for infant growth. Epigenetic factors, like microRNAs, are found in breast milk and can regulate gene expression and, thus, infant growth. Obesity is, among others, a major global health concern with long-term consequences, making its prevention during early life a public health priority. Maternal lifestyle factors, including diet and body weight status, may influence infant growth patterns and susceptibility to obesity. The aim of this review is to explore the hypothesis that miRNA content in breast milk might be influenced by maternal obesity, eventually affecting the obesity risk in offspring.
Methods: This systematic review was carried out in line with the PRISMA 2020 statement and included observational (cohort) studies that met the inclusion criteria and compare the expression of miRNAs in OW/OB lactating mothers and associate this to the obesity development in the offspring.
Results: According to the included studies, the most common miRNAs are miR-148a, miR-30 family, and miR-let7 family, with miR-30b and miR-let7a among the most discussed that participate in adipogenesis. Some of these miRNAs secreted in breast milk pass on a genetic predisposition for obesity to the next generation, while others provide a protective role against obesity in the offspring.
Conclusions: Eventually, even though individual miRNAs may fluctuate, the…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tryptophan Metabolism and Gut-Brain Homeostasis
- Rationale for a Multi-Factorial Approach for the Reversal of Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease and MCI: A Review
- Prioritized Research for the Prevention, Treatment, and Reversal of Chronic Disease: Recommendations From the Lifestyle Medicine Research Summit
- Relationship between sleep disorders and gut dysbiosis: what affects what?
- The role of CLOCK gene in psychiatric disorders: Evidence from human and animal research
- Genetic, Transcriptome, Proteomic, and Epidemiological Evidence for Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption and Polymicrobial Brain Invasion as Determinant Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.