In mice, phytic acid is linked to maintaining the integrity of the barrier between blood and milk, which may involve changes in inflammation in the mammary tissue and the composition of gut bacteria.
Mechanism
Synthesis from 1 study
Phytic acid helps keep the barrier between blood and milk intact by calming inflammation in the breast and changing the gut bacteria to send fewer inflammatory signals. Together, these actions strengthen the seals between milk-producing cells, preventing blood components from leaking into milk.
Most probable mechanism
Phytic acid reduces inflammation in the breast by blocking a key signaling pathway that triggers immune chemicals, which helps keep the tight seals between milk-producing cells intact. At the same time, it changes the types of bacteria in the gut, which lowers the amount of inflammatory signals traveling through the blood to the breast, further protecting those seals.
Phytic acid is absorbed from the intestine and reaches mammary epithelial cells, where it directly interferes with the activation of the AKT kinase
Inhibition of AKT prevents the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory genes such as IL-1β and iNOS
Lower levels of inflammatory mediators in mammary tissue allow for increased expression and stabilization of tight junction proteins, including claudins and occludin
Phytic acid alters the composition of intestinal microbiota, increasing microbial diversity and reducing populations associated with systemic inflammation
Shifted gut microbiota reduces the production and translocation of bacterial endotoxins and inflammatory metabolites into the bloodstream
Reduced systemic inflammatory signals decrease activation of mammary immune pathways, reinforcing the suppression of NF-κB and enhancing tight junction integrity
Enhanced tight junction integrity prevents leakage of serum components into milk, maintaining the functional separation between blood and milk compartments
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
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Phytic Acid Maintains the Integrity of the Blood-Milk Barrier by Regulating Inflammatory Response and Intestinal Flora Structure.
Contradicting (0)
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