Breast milk miRNAs and their potential role in the development of atopy in infants

Summary

This systematic review synthesises evidence on extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs in human breast milk as potential mediators of early immune programming and infant atopy risk. Four eligible studies demonstrate that maternal atopic conditions (asthma, atopic dermatitis) are associated with distinct milk miRNA signatures; elevated miR-375-3p correlates with reduced infant atopic manifestations, whilst miR-1290 is upregulated in atopic mothers and proposed as a biomarker of allergic status. However, the authors conclude that whilst associations are promising, direct functional transfer and activity of milk miRNAs in infants remain undemonstrated, and large-scale longitudinal studies with mechanistic validation are needed before clinical application.

UK applicability

If validated, milk miRNA profiling could inform early atopy risk stratification in UK maternal and infant health services, particularly in high-risk populations. Current findings would require substantial additional evidence and standardisation before integration into UK clinical guidelines or screening programmes.

Key measures

Breast milk miRNA expression profiles (particularly miR-375-3p and miR-1290); maternal atopic status (asthma, atopic dermatitis); infant atopic outcomes (atopic dermatitis, food allergy, wheezing) in the first year of life.

Outcomes reported

The review examined associations between breast milk miRNA composition and infant atopic disorder risk, analysing four studies to identify miRNA signatures linked to maternal atopic status and infant allergic manifestations.

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