Biochemistry, Pathophysiology and Clinical Significance of Lactoferrin: A Review Article

Lactoferrin is a multi-iron binding functional glycoprotein with significant clinical applications in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory disorders, cancer, neonatology, and metabolic conditions. Its normal function involves high affinity iron sequestration complementary direct microbial membrane interactions making it an important part of the innate immune system. Clinically proven effective in lactoferrin supplementation to reduce neonatal infections on sepsis as well as necrotizing enterocolitis; this will be a promising prophylactic approach for preterm infants. Its antiviral activity broadens even more its therapeutic potency regarding emerging viral infections including some preliminary applications on COVID-19. It is reported that the immunomodulatory lactoferrin regulates both processes by controlling cytokine production and cell function. Fecal lactoferrin is an easy-to-apply inflammation marker within the intestines for inflammatory bowel disease besides being helpful in monitoring how well treatment is working. Apart from these functions, lactoferrin can exert anticancer activity via antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic as well as anti-angiogenic mechanisms. Newer evidences also support its application as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. Additionally, lactoferrin has a role in neonate development through gut maturation plus immune system education. Disorder management, especially metabolic, cardiovascular, and diabetic related disorders, seems to be where lactoferrin aces it by modulating iron homeostasis plus reducing oxidative stress. The challenges of the bioavailability and standardized preparations of lactoferrin limit the therapeutic promise it holds. Further advances in delivery technologies, together with expanded clinical trials, are needed to optimize its use.