Study Suggests Human Milk Sugar 3'-Sialyllactose May Prevent Atherosclerosis by Reducing Inflammation
A new preclinical study published in Food Science & Nutrition indicates that 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL), a sialylated oligosaccharide found abundantly in human breast milk, significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in mice. Researchers observed this effect in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet, suggesting a potential dietary intervention for cardiovascular disease. The study, conducted by scientists affiliated with Xiamen University, utilized low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) mice, a model for human atherosclerosis. The mice treated with 3'-SL showed reduced lipid deposition in the aorta, decreased triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, the treatment reversed inflammatory markers, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-1β, and boosting the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The mechanism appears to involve the 'gut-immune-cardiovascular axis,' where 3'-SL reshapes the gut microbiota, promoting beneficial bacteria like Akkermans... 
