Premature infants face significant health challenges, one of the most severe being necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a serious condition that affects the intestines of preterm babies, causing inflammation and, in severe cases, the death of intestinal tissue. This can lead to life-threatening infections, difficulty absorbing nutrients, and long-term digestive issues. Affecting over 7,000 babies in the U.S. each year, NEC remains one of the leading causes of illness and death among premature infants.
Human milk is known to offer protection against NEC, but the specific components responsible for this benefit remain unclear. In a pioneering three-year study led by Dr. Sarah Andres and her team at Oregon Health & Science University, their research aims to uncover the therapeutic potential of human milk by studying human milk extracellular vesicles (HMEVs). These naturally occurring nanoparticles, abundant in human milk, have shown promise in strengthening the infant gut barrier and reducing inflammation. By identifying which HMEV proteins survive digestion and how they interact with intestinal bacteria and cells, researchers hope to develop targeted therapies to prevent NEC and enhance infant gut health.
The study will enroll 50 preterm infants, collecting and analyzing pre- and post-digestion milk samples and intestinal stem cells to determine the impact of HMEVs. Advanced molecular techniques will assess their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially paving the way for future therapeutic applications. “We are excited about the potential of this work to define new roles for human milk extracellular vesicles and to improve preterm infant lives,” remarks Dr. Sarah Andres. “We are also extremely grateful to The Gerber Foundation for their strong and consistent support of research such as ours. This type of generous funding is more important now than ever.”
In addition to preventing NEC and increasing the survival rate and intestinal health of NEC-affected infants, this work could progress neonatal care by ensuring all infants—regardless of feeding method—can access the protective benefits of human milk to improve overall gut health, enhancement of nutrient absorption and strengthening of immune defenses. By supporting this groundbreaking research, the Foundation continues its mission to improve the health and survival of the most vulnerable newborns.
