Effect of lactoferrin in rats fed with a high-fat diet and with a full-thickness skin defect model

Abstract

Purpose: Lactoferrin is a member of the milk protein family with a broad spectrum of bioactivities and has therapeutic effects against many microbes, viruses, and other pathogens. This study aims to show the healing effect of lactoferrin against obesity-related wound healing. Materials and Methods: In this study, 48 male rats were grouped as the Control (C) (n =8), Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) (n =8), Bovine Lactoferrin (bLf) (200 mg/kg)(n= 8), High Fat Diet (HFD) + Bovine Lactoferrin (bLf) (n = 8), High-Fat Diet (HFD)+Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) (n=8), and HFD+Full-thickness skin defect model (FT) + Bovine Lactoferrin bLf (n=8). High-Fat Diet + bLf and High-Fat Diet + Full-thickness skin defect + bLf group rats were given a high-fat diet and Bovine Lactoferrin orally. IL-6 and VEGF biochemical parameters were examined in serum. Results: When the serum IL-6 protein amounts of the groups were examined, it was the highest in the HFD+FT+bLf group on the 21st day, and the lowest in the FT group, when the serum VEGF protein amounts, which were the other biochemical parameters, were evaluated, these amounts were found to be the highest in the HFD+FT+bLf group and the lowest in the FT group on the 21st day. Conclusion: Lactoferrin has been shown to accelerate wound healing, and the fact that lactoferrin is readily available and abundant in milk makes it an exciting treatment option for wound healing and inflammation in the future.