Lactobacillus amylovorus extracellular vesicles mitigate mammary gland ferroptosis via the gut-mammary gland axis.

2025-06-21
NPJ biofilms and microbiomes 11(1)

PubMed: 40544167
DOI: 10.1038/s41522-025-00752-4

Study Design

Population: mothers with low oxidative stress
Methods: In a mouse model, L. amylovorus alleviates mammary ferroptosis and promotes lactation; L. amylovorus secretes bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) enriched in oleic acid

Animal Study

Lactation is essential for supporting neonatal growth and development, and its regulation is influenced by the gut microbiota. However, the role of gut microbes in lactation under conditions of oxidative stress remains unclear. In this study, we identify a novel function for gut microbiota in regulating maternal lactation through the modulation of ferroptosis in the mammary gland under oxidative stress. We identify Lactobacillus amylovorus (L. amylovorus), enriched in mothers with low oxidative stress, as negatively correlating with both oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In a mouse model, L. amylovorus alleviates mammary ferroptosis and promotes lactation. In addition to producing of short-chain fatty acids, L. amylovorus secretes bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) enriched in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that can be transferred to the mammary gland. Mechanistically, the accumulation of oleic acid in mammary epithelial cells enhances their resistance to ferroptosis, thereby supporting milk production. These findings highlight the potential of L. amylovorus and its BEVs as therapeutic tools to counteract oxidative stress-induced lactation decline.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus amylovorus	—	Improved Lactation Performance	Beneficial	Moderate	View source In a mouse model, L. amylovorus alleviates mammary ferroptosis and promotes lactation.
Lactobacillus amylovorus	—	Reduced Cellular Damage	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Mechanistically, the accumulation of oleic acid in mammary epithelial cells enhances their resistance to ferroptosis, thereby supporting milk production.
Lactobacillus amylovorus	—	Reduced Mammary Gland Ferroptosis	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Lactobacillus amylovorus (L. amylovorus), enriched in mothers with low oxidative stress, as negatively correlating with both oxidative stress and ferroptosis... L. amylovorus alleviates mammary ferroptosis