Human Breast Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Osteoblast Activation via BMP2/MAPK Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Human breast milk-derived extracellular vesicles (HMEVs) have various physiological functions, including immune regulation, cell regeneration, and inflammation suppression, as well as potential therapeutic applications; however, research on the role of HMEVs in bone growth and bone remodeling is insufficient. This study examined the effects of extracellular vesicles derived from human breast milk on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization and elucidated their role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The study’s results showed that HMEVs significantly enhance osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, as confirmed by increased expression of proteins and genes related to bone formation. These effects are mediated via the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In other words, this study suggests that HMEVs may have a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by promoting differentiation and mineralization of bone cells through the BMP2 and MAPK signaling pathways.