Lactoferrin (Lf), a mammalian iron scavenging defense protein,
constitutively is present in exocrine secretions that consistently are exposed to
microbial flora: milk, tears, tubotympanum and nasal exudate, saliva, bronchial
mucus, gastrointestinal fluids, cervicovaginal mucus, and seminal fluid.
Additionally, Lf is promptly delivered by circulating neutrophils to sites of
microbial invasion. At these sites, the protein effectively scavenges iron at pH
values as low as 3.5.
Recombinant bovine and human lactoferrin is now available for development into
nutraceutical/preservative/pharmaceutical products. Among conditions for which
the products are being investigated are: angiogenesis; bone remodeling; food
preservation; infection in animals, humans, plants; neoplasia in animals, humans;
inflammation in intestine, joints; wound healing; as well as enhancement of
antimicrobial and antineoplastic drugs, and prevention of iron induced oxidation of
milk formula.
Keywords: Bone remodeling, chelation, infection, iron, lactoferrin, lysozome, neoplasia,
wound healing.