Radioprotective effect of lactoferrin in mice exposed to sublethal X‑ray irradiation

Abstract

The radioprotective effect of lactoferrin (LF) was studied in mice subjected to sublethal X-ray irradiation. The mice were randomly divided into the Control (non-irradiated mice fed a standard diet without LF), IR (irradiated mice fed a standard diet) and IR+LF (irradiated mice fed LF) groups. The mice were fed daily for 7 days prior to irradiation and for 30 continuous days following irradiation. The survival ratio of the mice in the IR+LF group was significantly increased compared with the IR group between days 15 and 30 after irradiation. The body weight of the mice in the IR+LF group was increased compared with the IR group, and the difference was statistically significant. Blood was collected from the mice via the tail vein on days 2, 7, 14, 21 and 30 following irradiation. The laboratory indicators, including leukocyte, erythrocyte and platelet counts recovered more rapidly following irradiation in the IR+LF group compared with the IR group. Treatment of the irradiated mice with LF significantly reduced the DNA damage. In the hepatic tissue the level of superoxide dismutase in the IR+LF group was significantly increased, while malondialdehyde was significantly decreased compared with the IR group. These findings indicate that LF may prevent radiation damage and may have potential as a treatment for patients with cancer who receive radiotherapy.

Pretreatment with Human Lactoferrin Had a Positive Effect on the Dynamics of Mouse Nigrostriatal System Recovery after Acute MPTP Exposure

“…This protein is involved in many physiological functions, including regulation of iron absorption and immune responses. It demonstrates antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammation, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and radioprotective activities [ 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Neurons of PD patients have been found to accumulate high concentrations of Lf [ 25 ]; on the other hand, the number of Lf receptors is increased in dopaminergic neurons resistant to the disease process [ 26 ].…”

Radioprotective Effect of Human Lactoferrin Against Gamma-Irradiation With Sublethal Dose

“…Whereas the mice weights in both Lf treatment irradiated groups were restored to the level of the corresponding control on days 15 (IR+Lfx2) and 18 (IR+Lf), respectively. It has been previously reported that the body weights of the mice decreased between day 8 and 10 after X-ray irradiation at 7.0 Gy [4]. Between days 20 and 30, the body weight was significantly higher in the animals received a diet containing bovine Lf.…”

“…The significant difference was identified between the IR and IR+Lf groups (p = 0.030). It has been previously established that Lf stimulated hematopoiesis [11] and recovery of leukocytes [4] in mice following irradiation.…”

“…The prospect of studying the possibility of using Lf in the therapy of radiation diseases is due to its immunomodulatory and hemostimulating activities, and the capacity of reducing oxidative stress and controlling excessive inflammatory responses [1], [2]. Previously, it was shown the therapeutic effect of Lf purified from cow's milk after single whole-body X-ray irradiation [3], [4].…”

Bovine Lactoferrin Pre-Treatment Induces Intracellular Killing of AIEC LF82 and Reduces Bacteria-Induced DNA Damage in Differentiated Human Enterocytes

“…Indeed, Lf can exert its antioxidant activity by direct iron chelation or by regulating key antioxidant enzymes directly involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging [64]. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the ability of Lf to prevent DNA double-strand breaks, both in cell models challenged with aflatoxins [65] and in mice irradiated with sub-lethal X-rays [66].…”