Abstract
Milk is a source of bioactive proteins with defensive properties of great value for protecting the newborn. The activity of bovine milk lactoferrin (LF) was investigated as an antibacterial agent in the internalisation of the emergent pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii into Caco-2/TC7 cells, a model of human intestinal epithelium. The effect of LF on oxidative stress and expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR) was also investigated. LF exerted a clear antibacterial activity against C. sakazakii, as well as an inhibitory effect on C. sakazakii adhesion and internalisation into Caco-2/TC7 cells. Incubation with C. sakazakii induced an increase in oxidative stress on the lipid fraction of Caco-2/TC7 cells, which was reversed by LF. Additionally, LF altered the expression of TLR, with a clear decrease in the expression levels of TLR4 at 24 h of incubation. These results suggest that LF has very interesting properties as a potential ingredient for functional foods.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
