Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved non-coding small nucleotide molecules found in nearly all species and breastmilk. miRNAs present in breastmilk are very stable to freeze-thaw, RNase treatment, and low pH as they are protected inside exosomes. They are involved in regulating several physiologic and pathologic processes, including immunologic pathways, and we have demonstrated better immune response to vaccines in piglets fed with human milk (HM) in comparison to dairy-based formula (MF). To understand if neonatal diet impacts circulatory miRNA expression, serum miRNA expression was evaluated in piglets fed HM or MF while on their neonatal diet at postnatal day (PND) 21 and post-weaning to solid diet at PND 35 and 51. MF fed piglets showed increased expression of 14 miRNAs and decreased expression of 10 miRNAs, relative to HM fed piglets at PND 21. At PND 35, 9 miRNAs were downregulated in the MF compared to the HM group. At PND 51, 10 miRNAs were decreased and 17 were increased in the MF relative to HM suggesting the persistent effect of neonatal diet. miR-148 and miR-181 were decreased in MF compared to HM at PND 21. Let-7 was decreased at PND 35 while miR-199a and miR-199b were increased at PND 51 in MF compared to HM. Pathway analysis suggested that many of the miRNAs are involved in immune function. In conclusion, we observed differential expression of blood miRNAs at both PND 21 and PND 51. miRNA found in breastmilk were decreased in the serum of the MF group, suggesting that diet impacts circulating miRNA profiles at PND 21. The miRNAs continue to be altered at PND 51 suggesting a persistent effect of the neonatal diet. The sources of miRNAs in circulation need to be evaluated, as the piglets were fed the same solid diet leading up to PND 51 collections. In conclusion, the HM diet appears to have an immediate and persistent effect on the miRNA profile and likely regulates the pathways that impact the immune system and pose benefits to breastfed infants.