The Effect of Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Intestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammation disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by disrupted intestinal epithelial barrier function. Despite advances in treatment, including biological agents, achieving sustained remission remains challenging for many patients with IBD. This highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. Milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MDEs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic option. In this study, we isolated and characterized MDEs and evaluated their effects on the function of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Using a murine model of Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, we observed that MDEs significantly ameliorated disease symptoms. The upregulation of β-catenin, a crucial mediator of Wnt signaling, in colonic tissues suggests that MDEs may facilitate epithelial regeneration and restore barrier function. In patient-derived colon organoids (PDCOs), MDEs were internalized and modulated the expression of key signaling molecules, such as the upregulation of β-catenin, cyclin D1, and the proliferation marker Ki67, indicating their potential to promote IEC proliferation and intestinal barrier repair. Importantly, MDEs demonstrated selective activity by downregulating β-catenin and cyclin D1 in colon cancer cells, leading to reduced proliferation. This selectivity indicates a dual therapeutic potential of MDEs for promoting healthy IEC proliferation while potentially mitigating malignancy risks.