Research progress on milk-derived exosomes in sarcopenia

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-8115.2025.08.012

Abstract

Abstract:

Milk-derived exosomes are nanoscale extracellular vesicles naturally present in mammalian milk and are rich in proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and bioactive metabolites. They exhibit biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. Owing to their unique advantages of low immunogenicity, excellent biocompatibility, stability, and natural targeting ability, milk-derived exosomes have emerged as promising natural nanocarriers, garnering significant attention in disease treatment and nutritional interventions. Sarcopenia, characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass and diminished strength, is closely associated with aging, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of milk-derived exosomes in combating sarcopenia. These exosomes can increase myotube diameter, enhance muscle mass and fiber cross-sectional area, and improve exercise performance metrics such as grip strength. Potential mechanisms may include promoting muscle anabolism, improving mitochondrial function through antioxidant mechanisms, and modulating the inflammatory microenvironments. However, challenges remain in their application for sarcopenia at present, such as the unclear mechanisms of key bioactive components [e.g., microRNAs (miRNAs), L-ornithine, and milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8)], and the targeting and stability of delivery systems need to be optimized. Future research should focus on the functional analysis of components in exosomes, optimization of delivery systems, and preclinical validation to promote their practical application in managing age-related muscle health.

Key words: milk-derived exosome, sarcopenia, natural nanocarrier

CLC Number:

R318

TANG Wenjing, JIA Jie, YANG Kefeng, MAO Xuanxia, SONG Fangfang. Research progress on milk-derived exosomes in sarcopenia[J]. Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Medical Science), 2025, 45(8): 1046-1052.

Figures/Tables 2

TrendMD

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