Avaliação da lactoferrina e da calprotectina como marcadores de inflamação intestinal na pancreatite crônica / Evaluating lactoferrin and calprotectin as markers of intestinal inflammation inchronic pancreatitis

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of chronic pancreatitis does not consistently solve intestinal abnormalities, and despite the implementation of various therapeutic measures, patients often continue to experience persistent diarrhea. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize that diarrhea may stem from factors beyond pancreatic insufficiency, and intestinal inflammation emerges as a potential contributing factor. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels as indicators of intestinal inflammation in patients with chronic pancreatitis experiencing persistent diarrhea. Methods: In this study, 23 male patients with chronic pancreatitis primarily attributed to alcohol consumption and presenting with diarrhea (classified as Bristol stool scale type 6 or 7), underwent a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical and nutritional status. Fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels were mea­sured utilizing immunoassay techniques. Results: The average age of the participants was 54.8 years, 43.5% had diabetes, and 73.9% were smokers. Despite receiving enzyme replacement therapy and refraining from alcohol for over 4 years, all participants exhibited persistent diarrhea, accompanied by elevated calprotectin and lactoferrin levels indicative of ongoing intestinal inflammation. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore that intestinal inflammation, as evidenced by elevated fecal biomarkers calprotectin and lactoferrin, may contribute to explaining the persistence of diarrhea in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

RESUMO Contexto: O tratamento da pancreatite crônica não resolve de forma consistente as anomalias intestinais e, apesar da implementação de várias medidas terapêuticas, os pacientes muitas vezes continuam a apresentar diarreia persistente. Portanto, é imperativo reconhecer que a diarreia pode resultar de fatores além da insuficiência pancreática, e a inflamação intestinal surge como um potencial fator contribuinte. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis fecais de lactoferrina e calprotectina como indicadores de inflamação intestinal em pacientes com pancreatite crônica com diarreia persistente. Métodos: Neste estudo, 23 pacientes do sexo masculino com pancreatite crônica atribuída principalmente ao consumo de álcool e apresentando diarreia (classificada na escala de fezes de Bristol tipo 6 ou 7), foram submetidos a uma avaliação abrangente de seu estado clínico e nutricional. Os níveis fecais de lactoferrina e calprotectina foram medidos utilizando técnicas de imunoensaio. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 54,8 anos, 43,5% tinham diabetes e 73,9% eram fumantes. Apesar de receber terapia de reposição enzimática e abster-se de álcool por mais de 4 anos, todos os participantes apresentaram diarreia persistente, acompanhada por níveis elevados de calprotectina e lactoferrina, indicativos de inflamação intestinal contínua. Conclusão: Os achados deste estudo ressaltam que a inflamação intestinal, evidenciada pelos biomarcadores fecais elevados calprotectina e lactoferrina, pode contribuir para explicar a persistência da diarreia em pacientes com pancreatite crônica.

The effect of goat’s milk consumption on the clinical health of middle-aged adults with lactose intolerance

@#Introduction: People with lactose intolerance are suggested to consume dietary items containing less lactose, such as goat’s milk. This study aimed to investigate the effects of goat’s milk powder on the health of lactose intolerant middle-aged adults. Methods: A total of 60 subjects were recruited into this randomised controlled trial. They were divided into four groups and received different dietary interventions (goat’s milk, goat’s milk with curcumin, goat’s milk with coffee, lactose-free milk) for five weeks. Health effects were compared between pre- and post-intervention. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters (blood glucose, insulin, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, and lactoferrin) were evaluated. Dietary intake was recorded using a food record. Results: Fifty-one lactose intolerant subjects completed the study. After ingestion of goat’s milk, there were significant reductions in body fat (p=0.033) and a significant increase in the percentage of muscle (p=0.021). Waist circumference (WC) decreased in both the goat’s milk with curcumin and goat’s milk with coffee groups (p<0.05 for all). Unfortunately, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dropped after the five-week intervention in the goat’s milk group (p=0.002). Lactoferrin level of the goat’s milk group was higher than other groups at post-intervention (p<0.001). Besides, the goat’s milk with coffee group seemed to consume more carbohydrates after completing the intervention (p=0.034). Conclusion: A five-week intake of goat’s milk reduced the risk of abdominal obesity among middle-aged adults. In addition, it resulted in improved lactoferrin levels.

Salivary lactoferrin levels, disease severity and correlates in patients with chronic periodontitis presenting to a tertiary health facility in Nigeria

Objective: This study compared the concentration of salivary lactoferrin in patients with and without chronic periodontitis and investigated correlations with clinical variables of the disease. Methods: The study included 102 participants (51 cases and 51 controls) who presented at the Periodontology Clinic of University of Benin Teaching Hospital and met the selection criteria of '4mm and above' periodontal probing depths (PPD) and positive bleeding on probing (BOP) using community periodontal index (CPI) probe. Healthy participants (controls) were patients that had PPD less than or equal to 3mm, absence of BOP and simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) not more than 1.2. Baseline OHI-S and CPI scores were recorded. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the mean (SD) lactoferrin concentration of control participants 5.27(0.59) mg/l and case participants 6.74(0.61) mg/l (p<0.001). Participants with probing pocket depths (PPD) of 6mm or more had a significantly higher mean concentration [6.85(0.06) mg/l] than that of those with PPD 4-5mm [6.71(0.67) mg/l] (p< 0.001)Lactoferrin levels were highest in participants with 'poor' oral hygiene [6.85(0.60) mg/l] and lowest in those with 'good' oral hygiene [6.65(0.83) mg/l]. Conclusion: Salivary lactoferrin levels were higher among participants with chronic periodontitis than those without chronic periodontitis and correlates positively with the main clinical characteristics of the disease

Influence of short-time pasteurization on essential bioactive components and immune cells in human breast milk / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To explore the influence of short-time pasteurization (62.5±0.5℃ for 5 s) on the main bioactive components and immune cells in human breast milk.Methods:Fresh breast milk was collected from 53 women whose premature infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Children's Hospital of Fudan University from May 2020 to October 2020. Each sample (20 ml) was divided into unsterilized, Holder pasteurized (62.5 ℃ for 30 min), or short-time pasteurized groups. The concentration of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), lactoferrin (LTF), lysozyme (LZM), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in breastmilk whey were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the number of viable immune cells (leukocytes, monocytes, T cells, and B cells) in breastmilk by flow cytometry.Results:(1) A total of 87 breast milk samples were collected. The levels of sIgA, LTF, and LZM were the highest in the unsterilized group, followed by the short-time and Holder pasteurized group [0.42 mg/ml (0.33-0.65 mg/ml) vs 0.40 mg/ml (0.28-0.62 mg/ml) and 0.25 mg/ml (0.17-0.37 mg/ml); (3.57±1.06) vs (3.53±1.11) and (0.85±0.58) mg/ml; 128.60 μg/ml (77.18-203.00 μg/ml) vs 121.70 μg/ml (68.66-188.20 μg/ml) and 83.40 μg/ml (47.40-151.40 μg/ml); all P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the level of IGFBP-3 among the groups. The median retention rates of sIgA, LTF, and LZM in the Holder pasteurized group were all lower than those in the short-time pasteurized group [55.87% (46.01%-71.41%) vs 96.93% (83.03%-115.90%); 21.72% (12.54%-29.42%) vs 97.88% (88.98%-104.30%); 69.26% (49.42%-89.08%) vs 93.80% (74.85%-110.20%); all P<0.05]. No significant difference in the level of preserved IGFBP-3 was observed between the three groups ( P>0.05). (2) The number of viable leukocytes, monocytes, T cells, and B cells in the Holder pasteurized group were lower than those in the unsterilized group [leukocytes: 185.50 (87.00-356.50) vs 1 271.00 (540.50-2 283.00); monocytes: 12.00 (6.00-16.75) vs 266.00 (137.30-518.80); T cells: 1.00 (0.00-2.00) vs 47.50 (28.50-116.00); B cells: 1.00 (0.00-1.75) vs 21.00(10.00-41.50); all P<0.05]. The percentage of viable leukocyte to the total leukocyte and the viable monocytes, T cells, and B cells to the viable leukocytes were lower in the Holder pasteurized group than those in the unsterilized group [24.80%(16.00%-36.80%) vs 74.20%(63.55%-86.45%); 5.91%(4.09%-8.77%) vs 21.90%(17.40%-29.30%); 0.31%(0.00%-1.31%) vs 4.00%(2.69%-6.43%); 0.30%(0.00%-0.86%) vs 1.27%(0.57%-2.85%); all P<0.05]. A similar trend was observed between short-time pasteurization and unsterilized groups (all P<0.05). (3) The percentages of viable monocytes, T cells, and B cells in their subsets were lower in both Holder and short-time pasteurized groups than those in the unsterilized group [2.94%(1.33%-7.14%) vs 9.72%(5.77%-16.00%) and 52.60%(31.35%-68.75%); 0.00%(0.00%-1.61%) vs 0.49%(0.00%-2.53%) and 28.10%(10.55%-57.00%); 0.00%(0.00%-0.83%) vs 0.24%(0.00%-2.47%) and 13.80%(3.27%-41.00%); all P<0.05].The number and percentage of viable leukocytes in total leukocytes and viable monocytes in total monocytes [leukocytes: 279.50(116.80-548.50), 32.20%(20.70%-45.75%); monocytes: 32.00(21.00- 83.75),15.60%(11.10%-19.15%)] were higher than those in the pasteurized group (all P>0.05). The short-time pasteurized group was noted only for a higher percentage of the viable monocytes to viable leukocytes than the Holder pasteurized group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared with the Holder pasteurization, sIgA, LTF, LZM level, and monocyte activity in breast milk can be better preserved by short-time pasteurization.

Stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme in human milk at various temperatures and duration of storage

@#Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding, especially in the first six months, is essential for infants as it provides nutrition and protection against various diseases. Colostrum, which is found in the first breast milk produced, contains various protective factors, such as lactoferrin and lysozyme. Human milk can be stored at room temperature, refrigerated, or kept frozen. Several factors affect the stability of the bioactive content in human milk, such as temperature and storage time. The aim of this study was to measure the stability of lactoferrin and lysozyme levels in human milk during the first six hours (h) at different temperatures and compare it with that of frozen human milk. Methods: Human milk samples were obtained from 11 breastfeeding mothers using certain criteria. The human milk was stored at room temperature and 4°C for 1, 3, and 6 h and classified as never frozen, while frozen human milk was stored at -20°C for 1, 3, and 6 days. Measurement of the lactoferrin and lysozyme levels was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The results showed that storage at room temperature significantly reduced lactoferrin and lysozyme levels. Lactoferrin levels in frozen human milk did not significantly decrease during the first six days. Meanwhile, the lysozyme levels in frozen human milk decreased significantly. Conclusion: The levels of lactoferrin and lysozyme in frozen human milk stored for the first six days were more stable than those stored at room temperature and 4°C in the first 6 h.

A randomized controlled trial on lactoferrin versus ferrous sulphate for the treatment of mild to moderate iron deficiency anaemia in pregnancy

Background: One of the important factors associated with maternal and foetal complications during pregnancy is Anaemia. Various oral preparations of iron are available, and each has different bioavailability, efficacy and adverse effects. Lactoferrin is a naturally existing iron-binding multifunctional glycoprotein, and a member of a transferrin family, thus belonging to those proteins capable of binding and transferring iron. Lactoferrin has considerably less gastrointestinal side effects than ferrous sulfate and is very useful as well as promising alternative to ferrous sulphate.Methods: Prospective randomized controlled study. Total 100 females with 24 to 36 weeks of pregnancy with haemoglobin between 8 to 10 grams were included out of which 50 patients were given ferrous sulphate 200 mg BD and 50 patients were given lactoferrin 250 mg BD daily for 8 weeks. Various haematological parameters and the adverse effects of both the drugs were studied at registration, 4 weeks and 8 weeks and compared.Results: Thus, after this study authors can say that the rise in haemoglobin with lactoferrin was 1.58 g/dl while with ferrous sulphate it was 1.67 g/dl at 8 weeks. Adverse effects were much lesser in Group A taking lactoferrin compared to Group B.Conclusions: Thus, lactoferrin has the advantage over ferrous sulphate in having   less side effects and increasing the compliance and thus the efficacy of the drug compared to ferrous sulphate.

Respuesta de las citocinas a la combinación de simbióticos y lactoferrina en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer: ensayo controlado aleatorizado / Cytokine responses to symbiotic and lactoferrin combination in very low birth weight neonates: a randomized control trial

Introducción. Los probióticos y prebióticos presentan beneficios potenciales en la inflamacióncrónica de las mucosas, incluida la prevención de la enterocolitis necrosante. No obstante, los mecanismos y resultados de estos efectos inmunomoduladores son confusos. El objetivo fue investigar la respuesta de las citocinas a Lactobacillus y Bifidobacterium asociados con fructo- y galactooligosacáridos (simbióticos) y lactoferrina en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer.Población y métodos. Se asignó aleatoriamente a lactantes con ≤32 semanas de gestación y ≤1500 g de peso para recibir simbióticos o 1 ml de agua destilada como placebo desde la primera alimentación hasta el alta. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre los días posnatales 0 ± 2, 14 ± 2 y 28 ± 2, y se midieron interferón-γ, interleucina (IL)-5, IL-10 e IL-17A.Resultados. En el grupo del estudio (n = 25), la concentración de IL-10 disminuyó a lo largo del estudio (p = 0,011), pero no cambió en el grupo de referencia. La concentración de IL-5 se mantuvo constante los primeros 14 días y luego disminuyó significativamente (p= 0,042) en el grupo del estudio, mientras que aumentó en los primeros 14 días (p = 0,019) y luego disminuyó en 28 días (p = 0,011) en el grupo de referencia (n = 25).La concentración de otras citocinas no cambió a lo largo del estudio.Conclusión. El uso combinado de probióticos con oligosacáridos y lactoferrina estuvo asociado con una disminución en la concentración de IL-10, pero no se observó un cambio en las otras citocinas.

Introduction. Probiotics and prebiotics, which are multifunctional agents, have potential benefits in chronic mucosal inflammation, including the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the mechanisms and the results of these immunomodulatory effects are not clear. This study aimed to investigate the cytokine response to the combination of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium together with fructo- and galacto-oligosaccharides (symbiotic) and lactoferrin in very low birth weight neonates.Population and Methods. Infants ≤ 32 GWs and ≤ 1,500 g were randomly assigned to receive a symbiotic combination or 1 ml distilled water as placebo starting with the first feed until discharge. Blood samples were obtained at postnatal 0 ± 2, 14 ± 2, and 28 ± 2 days, and the serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-5, IL-10, and IL-17A were measured.Results. In the study group (n = 25), the IL-10 levels decreased throughout the study period (p = 0.011) but did not change in the control group. The IL-5 levels remained steady in the first 14 days and decreased significantly thereafter (p = 0.042) in the study group, whereas they increased in the first 14 days (p = 0.019), and then decreased in 28 days (p = 0.011) in the control group (n = 25). The levels of the other cytokines did not change throughout the study period.Conclusion.The combined use of probiotics with oligosaccharides and lactoferrin was associated with a decrease in IL-10 levels, but no change was observed in the other cytokines.

Progress on the protection of lactoferrin to intestinal mucosa barrier / 国际儿科学杂志

Lactoferrin,a multifunctional glycoprotein found in milk and other external secretions,can regulale intestinal microecology,and promote the maturation of the intestinal immune system as well as the growth and differentiation of intestinal cells.The intestinal mucosa barrier includes normal intestinal flora,intestinal epithelium layer and intestinal immune system.Its function is mainly to prevent the intestinal bacteria and endotoxin from Uranslocating.Recently,many studies have found that damage to the intestinal mucosal bartier is related to the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis.This article reviews the relationship between the intestinal mucosal banier and necrotizing enterocolitis,and the progress of lactoferrin in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis by regulating the intestinal mucosal barrier.

Antineoplastic mechanism of antimicrobial peptides: Selective membrane destruction and non-membrane dissolution / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial peptides, an extract from nature, are a basic component of host immunity that make toxic effect on highly proliferative cells. They have attracted extensive attention of scientists. The understanding of the antineoplastic mechanism of antimicrobial peptides can contribute to its application in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research advances in antineoplastic mechanism of antimicrobial peptides. METHODS: The first author conducted a computer-based retrieval of PubMed, Springerlink, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases for relevant articles published from January 2015 to May 2019. The keywords were “antimicrobial, peptide, antitumor mechanisms, antitumor activity and anti-neoplastic”. The articles concerning antineoplastic mechanism of antimicrobial peptides and research progress were selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Cationic antimicrobial peptides synthesized by ribosomes and the host defense peptides can interact with the membrane of bacteria, which showed a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Compared with normal cells, the proportion of phosphatidylserine on the surface of cancer cells, which is negatively charged, is increased dramatically. As a result, the cationic amphiphilic peptides are good candidate for the antineoplastic drugs, and possess a high selectivity. There are two major antitumor mechanism of antimicrobial peptides, which are selective membrane destruction and non-membrane dissolution (α-defensin-1 and lactoferrin B). The clinical application of antimicrobial peptides against tumors is mainly restricted by their stability and the ways to administration. By optimizing its structure and drug delivery systems, these antimicrobial peptides will play a critical role in the cancer treatment.

Interaction proteomics of long noncoding rna uc431+ gene in postmenopausal osteoporosis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of LncRNA TUG1 promotes osteoclast proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. Knockdown with siRNA has achieved the opposite result, indicating that knockdown of LncRNA TUG1 may become a potential target for osteoporosis treatment. OBJECTIVE: To study the proteins interacting with the non-coding RNA uc431+ associated with postmenopausal osteoporosis and carry out bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: Human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP-1) cells crosslinked with formaldehyde were broken by ultrasound. The experimental group was hybridized with magnetic beads combined with biotin labeled specific probes. The control group was hybridized with the magnetic beads of non-specific probes. The obtained peptides were identified using mass spectrometry. The data were searched and quantified by MaxQuant. The quantitative results of the two sets of samples were statistically analyzed, and the corresponding enrichment proteins were obtained. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction analysis and display were performed, and the protein-protein interaction network was constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The total number of peptides obtained was 918, with 271 proteins in total, and the total number of proteins after filtration was 241. Compared with the control group, there were 10 differential proteins in the experimental group, including DDOST, DMBT1, HPD, IGLL5, IGK, LTF, LYZ, MUC5AC, PIGR, and RPL23. GO enrichment analysis showed that they were involved in biological processes such as defense reaction, leukocyte activation, ribosomal rRNA binding, lysozyme activity and other molecular functions. KEGG pathway analysis predicted that they were involved in ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, ribosome and salivary secretion. Combined with the analysis of proteomics and bioinformatics, it is predicted that uc431+, a gene related to postmenopausal osteoporosis, may be involved in immune regulation and bone metabolism by interacting proteins.

Genetic background of human lactoferrin transgenic goats / 生物工程学报

The genetic background such as copy number, integration site and chromosome karyotype of exogenous genes of transgenic animals obtained by random integration is still unclear. There may be some problems such as silent integration, invalid integration, toxic integration and unpredictable expression level of exogenous genes. In this study, six primary (F0) and their corresponding offspring (F1) of human lactoferrin (hLF) transgenic goats were selected as the research objects, and blood samples were collected from jugular vein and DNA were extracted. The genetic background and expression level of exogenous genes were studied by chromosome karyotype analysis, real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), ELISA and Western blotting. The chromosomes of six F0 transgenic goats had no obvious morphological variation, number change and other abnormalities. The relative copy number was different (2-16) and could be steadily inherited to the next generation. The copy number of F0 and F1 hLF gene was the same. The highest expression level of hLF was 1.12 g/L in F1 transgenic goats (L3-1, 8 copies). The results proved that the integrated exogenous genes could steadily inherit the next generation, and did not cause obstacles to the growth and development of transgenic goat individuals. Moreover, there was no obvious correlation between the number of copies and the expression level of hLF. This laid a foundation for the new varieties cultivation of transgenic goats and other transgenic animals, and analysis of genetic background.

Role of Lactoferrinin Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Gingival Wounds

Background: Lactoferrin possesses the ability to promote migration and proliferation of fibroblasts which represents one potential reason for the use of lactoferrin to accelerate the healing process in gingival wounds. Aim and Objectives:To analyze the role of lactoferrin in Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 (FGF-2) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression in the healing process of gingival wounds. Material and Methods: Twenty eight male Wistar rats were divided into four treatment groups. All rats were incised using a full thickness method on the gingival anterior region of the mandible to which a single application of lactoferrin concentration 10 μg/ml, 20 μg/ml, 40 μg/ml and phosphate buffer saline (control) was made. On the third day post-application, the rats were sacrificed to enable removal of the gingival tissue on the mandible. The role of lactoferrin was evaluated based on FGF-2 and VEGF expression identified through immunohistochemical staining. Results: In general, the group administered ith lactoferrin showed higher FGF-2 and VEGF expression compared to that of the control group (p=0.000). The group treated with 40 μg/ml lactoferrin concentration showed a higher FGF-2 and VEGF expression than the groups treated with 10 μg/ml and 20 μg/ml (p=0.000) lactoferrin concentration. Conclusion: Lactoferrin concentration of 40 μg/ml can accelerate the healing process of gingival wounds by increasing FGF-2 and VEGF expression.

A study on efficacy of oral administration of colostrum fortified lactoferrin in the weight gain of low birth weight infants

Background: Low birth weight babies is the result of being small for gestational age (i.e. under 10th percentile of the reference population) and preterm (i.e. before 37 weeks of gestation. Preterm infants have higher protein, calorie requirement, which cannot be met with unfortified breast milk feeds.Methods: This study was conducted prospectively in the Department of Pediatrics, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram from October 2016 to April 2018. 20 low birth weight babies were selected by randomization technique and they were administered with 2 grams of oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin daily for 4 weeks. The rate of weight gain, length gain and head circumference gain were assessed prospectively for a period of 4 weeks. They were analysed statistically by ANOVA and tabulated. Babies weighing less than 2.5 kg and on exclusive breast feeding, were included. Babies more than 2.5kg and less than 1kg, at risk for neonatal sepsis, congenital heart disease, necrotizing enterocolitis were excluded from the study.Results: In the present study, 20 low birth weight babies were included. 11 maternal risk factors were identified. Out of which anemia stands as a single risk factor. The rate of weight gain in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin, is 320 grams with P value of 0.703 which is not statistically significant. The rate of length gain is 3.3cm, p value is 0.093 which is statistically insignificant. The rate of head circumference gain in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin is 2.8cm, with the p-value of 0.001 which is statistically significant.Conclusions: The rate of weight and length gain was normal, but the rate of head circumference gain is significantly increased in oral colostrum fortified lactoferrin supplementation.

Anti-tumor mechanism of lactoferrin / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Alterations of the lactoferrin gene are associated with an increased incidence of tumor,however,the exact mechanisms involved in the anti-tumor activity of lactoferrin are still unclear.Several studies suggest that lactoferrin can affect the initiation and development of tumors via different mechanisms such as damaging cell membranes,inducing apoptosis,blocking cell cycle,regulating cellular immune response and inhibiting angiogenesis in different cancer cell lines.Further study about the mechanism can provide new ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of tumors.

Dry eye syndrome of deficient lacrima production treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the therapeutic effects on the relevant symtoms in the patients with dry eye syndrome treated with the acupoint thread-embedding therapy versus topical artificial tears eye drops.@*METHODS@#A total of 88 patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency lacrima production were randomized into an acupoint thread-embedding therapy group (thread-embedding group) and a control group with topical artificial tears eye drops (medication group), 44 cases in each one. In the thread-embedding group, 3 cases were dropped out. In the thread-embedding group, Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23) etc. were selected and the acupoint thread-embedding therapy was operated once every 30 days, totally for two treatments. In the medication group, the topical artificial tears eye drops was used, 4 to 6 times a day, one drop each time, for 8 weeks totally. Separately, before treatment, after 4-week treatment and 8-week treatment as well as in 8 weeks and 12 weeks of the follow-up, the levels of lactoferrin in tears were determined and the scores of the relevant symptoms of ocular surface such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation in the eyes and eye fatigue were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#In the thread-embedding group, after 4-week and 8-week of treatment as well as in 8-week and 12-week follow-up, the scores of eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue were reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (all 0.05). The levels of lactoferrin in tears at each time point after treatment in the thread-embedding group were higher than the medication group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupoint thread-embedding therapy effectively improves in the relevant symptoms of ocular surface, such as eye dryness, foreign body sensation, burning sensation of eye, phengophobia and eye fatigue, and increases the level of lactoferrin in tears in the patients with dry eye syndrome of deficiency aqueous production. In the follow-up, the therapeutic effects of the acupoint thread-embedding therapy are significantly better than artificial tears eye drops.

Screening and identification of hepatitis B surface antigen binding to lactoferrin in human milk / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective Human milk of mothers with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) contains hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, breastfeeding does not increase the risk of mother-to-infant transmission of HBV. Previous investigations demonstrated that breast milk has a property of binding with HBsAg. This study aimed to identify the component in human milk that can bind to HBsAg. Methods This study was performed in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, from June 2015 to February 2017. Human milk samples from two postpartum women with negative HBV markers and two control samples of cow milk and goat milk were analyzed by Far-Western blot, in which highly purified recombinant yeast HBsAg was used to bind with whey proteins. Based on the results of mass-spectrum analysis, competition inhibition test was used to confirm the functioning component. Results Far-Western blot showed remarkable protein bands at the relative molecular weight of about 80 000 in both lanes of human milk, but none in the lane of cow or goat milk. Mass-spectrum analysis of the protein band indicated there were proteins sharing 28.4%-93.4% homology in amino acid sequences with five proteins with the highest homology to lactoferrin (93.4%). Further Far-Western blot with purified recombinant lactoferrin showed that lactoferrin could bind to the recombinant HBsAg. Competition inhibition test suggested that the purified recombinant lactoferrin inhibited the binding of HBsAg to its antibody in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions This study confirms the capability of lactoferrin in human milk to combine with HBsAg, suggesting that lactoferrin can bind to HBV. Further study on whether lactoferrin can inhibit the infectivity of HBV would be valuable to clarify the reason for not increasing the risk of mother-to-infant transmission of HBV by breastfeeding.

Clinical Significance of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Acute Pediatric Diarrhea / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of inflammatory biomarkers in acute infectious diarrhea among children. METHODS: Clinical parameters including fever, bacterial and viral etiology based on stool culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction, and nine biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leukocytes in blood and calprotectin, lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, polymorphonuclear elastase, leukocytes, and occult blood in feces were evaluated in children who were hospitalized due to acute diarrhea without underlying disease. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included. Among these patients, 33 had fever, 18 showed bacterial infections, and 40 patients were infected with 43 viruses. Of all the biomarkers, CRP was significantly correlated with fever (p<0.001). CRP, ESR, calprotectin, lactoferrin, myeloperoxidase, fecal leukocytes, and occult blood were significantly associated with infection with bacterial pathogens (p<0.001, p=0.04, p=0.03, p=0.003, p=0.02, p=0.03, p=0.002, respectively). The combination of CRP and fecal lactoferrin at their best cut-off values (13.7 mg/L and 22.8 µg/mL, respectively) yielded a sensitivity of 72.2%, and a specificity of 95.5% for bacterial etiology compared with their individual use. CONCLUSION: Blood CRP is a useful diagnostic marker for both fever and bacterial etiology in acute pediatric diarrhea. The combination of CRP and fecal lactoferrin yields better diagnostic capability for bacterial etiology than their use alone for acute diarrhea in children without underlying gastrointestinal disease.

Lactoferrin, chitosan and Melaleuca alternifolia-natural products that show promise in candidiasis treatment

Abstract The evolution of microorganisms resistant to many medicines has become a major challenge for the scientific community around the world. Motivated by the gravity of such a situation, the World Health Organization released a report in 2014 with the aim of providing updated information on this critical scenario. Among the most worrying microorganisms, species from the genus Candida have exhibited a high rate of resistance to antifungal drugs. Therefore, the objective of this review is to show that the use of natural products (extracts or isolated biomolecules), along with conventional antifungal therapy, can be a very promising strategy to overcome microbial multiresistance. Some promising alternatives are essential oils of Melaleuca alternifolia (mainly composed of terpinen-4-ol, a type of monoterpene), lactoferrin (a peptide isolated from milk) and chitosan (a copolymer from chitin). Such products have great potential to increase antifungal therapy efficacy, mitigate side effects and provide a wide range of action in antifungal therapy.

Effects and significance of lactoferrin combined with zinc in the treatment of acne vulgaris / 实用医学杂志

Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin combined with zinc for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Methods A total of 126 patients with mild and moderate acne were randomly divided into the trial and control groups. The levels of serum zinc,IL-1 and IL-17 were detected before and after treatment. The skin lesions,the EGSS and therapeutic effect were compared between the two groups. Results Before treatment, the level of zinc in the trial group and the control group was(10.12 ± 1.75)μmol/L and(10.35 ± 1.68)μmol/L, respectively(P = 0.09). After 8 weeks,the level of zinc in the trial group was(15.09 ± 1.336)μmol/L,and the control group was(9.98 ± 1.26)μmol/L,with statistically significant difference(t = 2.41,P = 0.022). Before treatment,the level of IL-1 and IL-17 in the trial group were(1.935 ± 0.023)pg/mL and(3.68 ± 0.08)pg/mL, whereas in the control group were(1.897 ± 0.032)pg/mL and(3.71 ± 0.06)pg/mL,respectively(P = 0.16, 0.21). After 8 weeks of treatment,the trial group IL-1β,serum IL-17 levels were(1.327 ± 0.032)pg/mL and (2.48 ± 0.06)pg/mL;the control group respectively(1.902 ± 0.028)pg/mL and(3.62 ± 0.04)pg/mL(P =0.015,0.0011);the fourth week EGSS score had statistical significance(P < 0.05). At 8 weeks,the score of EGSS was significantly lower than that of the control group(t = 2.51,P = 0.006). The total effective rate and re-covery rate was significantly between the two groups. Conclusions This study showed that intake of lactoferrin with zinc can significantly reduce the level of IL-1β and IL-17,improve the severity of acne lesions in people with acne vulgaris. These data supported the potential use of lactoferrin as a safe and effective alternative or adjunct ther-apy to standard acne treatments.

Effects of bovine lactoferrin on cell viability,proliferation and inflammation in intestinal epithelial cells treated by lipopolysaccharide / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To evaluate the effects and mechanisms of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on cell viability,proliferation,and the protective roles in intestinal epithelial cell-6(IEC-6)treated by lipopolysaccharide(LPS).Methods The rat jejunum epithelial cell lines IEC-6 were cultured in vitro.The effects of bLF on cell viability and proliferation in IEC-6 cells were detected by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT)assay and 5-Bromo-deoxyuridine(Brdu)assay,respectively.Inflammatory cytokines and their mRNA of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and interleukin-8(IL-8)were analyzed by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Western blot was used to measure the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)activation and nuclear factor kappa β(NF-κB)nuclear translocation.Results Dose dependent effects of bLF on cell viability and proliferation were observed in IEC-6 cells in vitro(F=3.825,5.861,all P<0.05),especially in a dose of 100 mg/L,and bLF significantly stimulated cell viability and proliferation compared with non-treatment group(q=5.240,3.765,all P<0.05).The mRNA levels of IL-1β,IL-6 and TNF-α were decreased by co-stimulation of bLF and LPS compared with the LPS treatments alone in IEC-6 cells in vitro(q=14.28,10.12,16.45,all P<0.001).The secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α was also decreased by co-stimulation of bLF and LPS(q=15.06,6.74,all P<0.01).In vitro,bLF treatment at dose of 100 mg/L could inhibit the activation of MAPK/NF-κB signal pathway induced by LPS(q=12.96,18.54,all P<0.001).Conclusion In vitro,bLF can promote IEC-6 viability and proliferation,and have anti-inflammatory effects via inhibited activation of MAPK/NF-κB nuclear translocation.