Human Breast Milk Enhances Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function and Innate Immunity in a Healthy Pediatric Human Enteroid Model.

ABSTRACT: Breastfeeding has been associated with long lasting health benefits. Nutrients and bioactive components of human breast milk promote cell growth, immune development, and shield the infant gut from insults and microbial threats. The molecular and cellular events involved in these processes are ill defined. We have established human pediatric enteroids and interrogated maternal milk's impact on epithelial cell maturation and function in comparison with commercial infant formula. Colostrum applied apically to pediatric enteroid monolayers reduced ion permeability, stimulated epithelial cell differentiation, and enhanced tight junction function by upregulating occludin. Breast milk heightened the production of antimicrobial peptide α-defensin 5 by goblet and Paneth cells, and modulated cytokin

SUBMITTER: Noel G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8313895 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature