Lactoferrin and prematurity: a promising milk protein?

Abstract

Lactoferrin (Lf) is the major whey protein in milk with multiple beneficial health effects, including direct anti-microbial activities, anti-inflammatory effects and iron transporter. Iron homeostasis in the foetus, the neonate and preterm infant is crucial for adequate growth and development. Lf oral supplementation in human preterm infants has been shown to reduce the incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. In preclinical models of antenatal stress and perinatal brain injury bovine Lf protected the developing brain from neuronal loss, improved connectivity, increased neurotrophic factors and decreased inflammation. It also supported brain development and cognition. Further, Lf could prevent preterm delivery, through a reduction of pro-inflammatory factors and inhibition of premature cervix maturation. We review here the latest research on lactoferrin in the field of neonatology.

Pregnancy as a valuable period for preventing hypoxia‐ischemia brain damage

“…Lactoferrin (Lf) is the major whey protein in milk, with multiple beneficial health effects including direct antimicrobial activities, anti‐oxidant, anti‐inflammatory effects, and in iron homeostasis has recently been evaluated in different animal models of developmental brain injury (Ochoa and Sizonenko, 2017). Whereas Lf has shown supportive effects on early postnatal brain development and function trough increased BDNF expression (Chen et al, 2015; Shumake et al, 2014), it has also showed protective effects in dexamethasone‐induced IUGR brain alterations when given as supplement to dam during gestation and lactation.…”

“…Similar results of neuroprotective effects where shown in a model of LPS induced inflammation at P3 in rat pups receiving LF through lactation from the day of birth (Ginet et al, 2016). In addition, its clinical effect on reducing preterm neonatal infection and necrotising enterocolitis makes it a good candidate for neonatal use and should be further tested in prenatal conditions for neuroprotection, infection protection and also preterm delivery prevention (Ochoa and Sizonenko, 2017).…”

Lactoferin in the Problem of Anti-Infectious Protection of Babies in Their First Year of Living

“…Для детей первого года жизни особенно важны антибактериальные, противовирусные, противо-грибковые и противопаразитарные свойства лактофер-рина [14]. Кроме того, подтверждены его каталитическая активность, противоаллергические, иммуномодулирую-щие и радиопротекторные свойства [15].…”

“…Особую роль назначение лактоферри-на играет в профилактике возникновения инфекционной патологии: у недоношенных, детей со сниженным имму-В практику педиатра нитетом, нарушениями нутритивного статуса, после пере-несенных хирургических вмешательств и др. [14,43,44].…”

Lactoferrin researchers descend on Nagoya Castle

“…Villavicencio et al (2017), have extensively reviewed the factors that affect lactoferrin concentration in human milk and colostrum. In another report, Ochoa and Sizonenko (2017) review the functions of Lf in neonates and preterm infants, including roles in the barrier function of the intestinal mucosa, modulation of the intestinal microbiome, and effects of Lf on the developing brain. Notably, Lf, like melanotransferrin and transferrin, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (Abbott et al 2010).…”