Abstract
Multiple properties of lactoferrin have been reported in the literature so far. Decades of in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the important antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immunomodulating properties. It suggests the use of lactoferrin as an effective and safe option for the treatment of several common disorders. Herein, we show the applications of lactoferrin in clinical practice, highlighting its evidence-based capacities for the treatment of heterogeneous disorders, such as allergic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases, and hematologic, oncologic, gynecologic, dermatologic, and dental disorders. Moreover, the widespread use of lactoferrin in neonatology is summarized here. As a result of its antiviral properties, lactoferrin has also been proposed as a valid option for the treatment for COVID-19 patients. Here, the uses of lactoferrin in clinical practice as a new, safe, and evidence-based treatment for many types of disorders are summarized.
Highlights
Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein of about 690 amino acid residues
The majority of studies about the use of lf in newborns are focused on preventing neonatal sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
In 2009, Manzoni et al were the first who demonstrated a reduction of the incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterms with birth weight under 1500 g, using lf alone and/or in combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) [23]
Summary
Lactoferrin (lf) is a glycoprotein of about 690 amino acid residues. It belongs to the transferrin family and it is capable of reversibly chelating two Fe(III) per molecule with high affinity (Kd ~ 10–20 M), holding ferric iron to pH values under 3.0. Hlf and bovine lactoferrin (blf) share high sequence homology and multiple functions: antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties), anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulating [4] (Figure 1). Antimicrobial effects are several: bacteriostatic properties are performed by the lf iron sequestration with a reduction of microbial and biofilm growth and bactericidal capabilities are carried out by the lf interaction with the Gram-negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the lipothecoic acid of the Gram-positive bacteria. Several other immunological and systemic properties are described in the literature, endowing lf as aimmunological new safe and effective naturalproperties player in clinical practicein ofthe several common. SinceModulation the early 2000s, several studies have highlighted the capacity of lf in modulating
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