Exploring the modulatory role of bovine lactoferrin on the microbiome and the immune response in healthy and Shiga toxin‑producing E.coli challenged weaned piglets

Background Post-weaned piglets suffer from F18+Escherichia coli(E.coli)infections resulting in post-weaning diar-rhoea or oedema disease.Frequently used management strategies,including colistin and zinc oxide,have contrib-uted to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance.Novel antimicrobials capable of directly interacting with pathogens and modulating the host immune responses are being investigated.Lactoferrin has shown promising results against porcine enterotoxigenic E.coli strains,both in vitro and in vivo.Results We investigated the influence of bovine lactoferrin(bLF)on the microbiome of healthy and infected weaned piglets.Additionally,we assessed whether bLF influenced the immune responses upon Shiga toxin-producing E.coli(STEC)infection.Therefore,2 in vivo trials were conducted:a microbiome trial and a challenge infection trial,using an F18+STEC strain.BLF did not affect theα-andβ-diversity.However,bLF groups showed a higher relative abundance(RA)for the Actinobacteria phylum and the Bifidobacterium genus in the ileal mucosa.When analysing the immune response upon infection,the STEC group exhibited a significant increase in F18-specific IgG serum levels,whereas this response was absent in the bLF group.Conclusion Taken together,the oral administration of bLF did not have a notable impact on theα-andβ-diversity of the gut microbiome in weaned piglets.Nevertheless,it did increase the RA of the Actinobacteria phylum and Bifi-dobacterium genus,which have previously been shown to play an important role in maintaining gut homeostasis.Furthermore,bLF administration during STEC infection resulted in the absence of F18-specific serum IgG responses.

Pregnancies Resulting from Transgenic Embryos with Human Lactoferrin Gene Produced by Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer

[Objective] The aim of this study is to understand the effects of donor cell type,embryo stage,number and transfer position on the efficiency of goat transgenic clone.[Method] Using somatic cell nuclear transfer technology,the single goat fetal fibroblasts(GFF)and mammary gland epithelial cells(GMGE)harboring human lactoferrin(hLF)gene were transferred to the enucleated oocyte.Reconstructed karyoplast-cytoplast couplets were fused,activated,and cultured in vitro.Embryos at 2-8 cell stage were transferred into oviduct of synchronized recipients,and blastocysts were transferred into uterine horn.[Result] The pregnancy rate was similar between GFF and GMGE(oviduct transfer:26.47% vs.20.00%),and between oviduct transfer and uterine horn transfer(26.47% vs.25.00%)for GFF group;pregnancy rate in the group with the mean number of embryo transferred per recipient of 21.2 was significantly higher than in those the 5.93 group and 9.64 group(40.00% vs.26.67% and 21.43%).[Conclusion] These results indicate that pregnancy rate of goat transgenic clone couldn't be affected by donor cell type,embryo stage and transfer position but be done by the number of embryo transferred per recipient.In addition,the study also suggests the feasibility of making transgenic goat using GMGE as donor cells.

整合人lactoferrin基因的山羊体细胞支持核移植克隆胚的体外发育

克隆了人lactoferrin基因和山羊β-casein基因5′端调控区,构建了人lactoferrin的乳腺表达载体,并将该载体利用脂质体介导转染了奶山羊胎儿成纤维细胞,获得了稳定整合人lactoferrin基因的转基因体细胞克隆17个,其中PCR和SouthernBlot检测阳性的细胞克隆14个,阳性率82.4%。以转基因体细胞为供体细胞进行了核移植,获得了能够体外发育的山羊转基因克隆胚胎,体内成熟卵母细胞来源的核移植囊胚率为64.8%,体外成熟卵母细胞来源的核移植囊胚率为51.7%,证明了山羊转基因体细胞能够支持克隆胚的进一步发育。

Lactoferrin modification of berberine nanoliposomes enhances the neuroprotective effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease

Previous studies have shown that berberine has neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease,including antagonizing tau phosphorylation,and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and neural cell apoptosis.However,its low bioavailability and adverse reactions with conventional administration limit its clinical application.In this study,we prepared berberine nanoliposomes using liposomes characterized by low toxicity,high entrapment efficiency,and biodegradability,and modified them with lactoferrin.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes had uniform particle size and high entrapment efficiency.We used the lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes to treat a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease established by injection of amyloid-beta 1-42 into the lateral ventricle.Lactoferrin-modified berberine nanoliposomes inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity and apoptosis in the hippocampus,reduced tau over-phosphorylation in the cerebral cortex,and improved mouse behavior.These findings suggest that modification with lactoferrin can enhance the neuroprotective effects of berberine nanoliposomes in Alzheimer’s disease.

Study on the Simultaneously Quantitative Detection for β-Lactoglobulin and Lactoferrin of Cow Milk by Using Protein Chip Technique

Objective To research a protein chip method which can simultaneously quantitative detect β-Lactoglobulin （β-L） and Lactoferrin （Lf） at one time. Methods Protein chip printer was used to print both anti-β-L antibodies and anti-Lf antibodies on each block of protein chip. And then an improved sandwich detection method was applied while the other two detecting antibodies for the two antigens were added in the block after they were mixed. The detection conditions of the quantitative detection for simultaneous measurement of β-L and Lf with protein chip were optimized and evaluated. Based on these detected conditions, two standard curves of the two proteins were simultaneously established on one protein chip. Finally, the new detection method was evaluated by using the analysis of precision and accuracy. Results By comparison experiment, mouse monoclonal antibodies of the two antigens were chosen as the printing probe. The concentrations of β-L and Lf probes were 0.5 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL, respectively, while the titers of detection antibodies both of β-L and Lf were 1：2,000. Intra- and inter-assay variability was between 4.88% and 38.33% for all tests. The regression coefficients of protein chip comparing with ELISA for β-L and Lf were better than 0.734, and both of the two regression coefficients were statistically significant （r = 0.734, t = 2.644, P = 0.038; and r = 0.774, t = 2.998, P = 0.024）. Conclusion A protein chip method of simultaneously quantitative detection for β-L and Lf has been established and this method is worthy in further application.

Cytotoxicity Research of Recombinant Human Lactoferrin on Primary Hepatocyte and Nephrocyte Cell

[Objective] The aim was to study whether recombinant Human Lactoferrin has toxic effect on Primary Hepatocyte and Nephrocyte Cell of rat to provide reference for further safety evaluation.[Method] Recombinant Human Lactoferrin and its digested products were taken as tested compound,cow Lactoferrin was used for contrast.Primary Hepatocyte and Nephrocyte Cell of rat were cultured and IC50 values were tested by MTT,and cytotoxic dose-response relationship was tested.[Result]Target toxicity was not found from recombinant Human Lactoferrin on hepatocytes and nephrocytes,in accordance with sub-chronic toxicity test.[Conclusion] This study is of reference value for further safety evaluation of recombinant Human Lactoferrin and safety of evaluation method of GM food.

Usefulness of fecal lactoferrin and hemoglobin in diagnosis of colorectal diseases

AIM:To evaluate prospectively usefulness of fecal lactoferrin(Lf)and fecal hemoglobin(Hb)in the diagnosis of colorectal diseases.METHODS:Fecal Lf and Hb were measured using ELISA in 872 patients before they underwent colorectal endoscopy.RESULTS:Lf was positive in 18(50%)of 36 patients with colorectal cancer,25(15.9%)of 157 with colorectal polyps,29(46.8%)of 62 with ulcerative colitis,and 25(62.5%)of 40(62.5%)with Crohn's disease.The Hb-positive rates were 50%,12.1%,41.9% and 32.5%,respectively.Of the 318 patients free of abnormalities by colorectal endoscopy,Lf was positive in 29(9.1%)and Hb was positive in 15(4.7%).Among patients with Crohn's disease,the Lf-positive rate was significantly higher than the Hb-positive rate.If either high Lf or Hb levels were considered positive,the positive rates rose to 61.1%,51.6%,and 67.5% in the colorectal cancer group,ulcerative colitis group,and Crohn's disease group,respectively.If both high Lf and Hb levels were rated positive,the positive predictive values(PPV)were 21% for colorectal cancer,33% for ulcerative colitis,and 17% for Crohn's disease,and PPV of high Hb level alone was 18%,25% and 13%,respectively.CONCLUSION:Fecal Lf and Hb were found useful in the detection of colorectal diseases,and the combination of the two measurements appears to increase the sensitivity and efficacy of diagnosis.

Cloning of Porcine Lactoferrin Gene and Construction of Expression System in Recombinant Lactobacillus

Lactobacillus was selected as a bacterial carrier for expression of N-lobe of porcine lactoferrin （PLFN）. A pair of primers was designed with Oligo6.0 and used to amplify PLFN gene. It was in accordance with the characters of translational fusions from gene and expression vector plasmid. A 1 077 bp fragment of the gene from PLF was cloned from mammary gland tissue of the lactating sow on the third day by RT-PCR; the gene was connected with the vector plasmid pPG612.1 and transformed into the host strain JM109. The recombinant expression vector plasmid pPG612-PLFN was created and identified by using plasmid extraction, PCR, restriction enzyme digestion and sequence analysis. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Lactobacillus casei ATCC393, Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0344, Lactobacillus paracasei KLDS 1.0652 and Lactobacillus pentosus KLDS 1.0413 by electroporation, and produced the recombinant strains of pPG612-PLFN/L, casei, pPG612-PLFN/L, plantarum, pPG612-PLFN/ L. paracasei and pPG612-PLFN/L, pentosus, respectively. The results indicated that PLFN gene had inserted into the expression vectors and achieved multiple Laetobacillus expression systems. It electes the base for the expression and production of recombinant porcine lactoferrin in Lactobaeillus

Relevance of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin in the postoperative management of inflammatory bowel diseases

The role of fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin has been extensively studied in many areas of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) patients' management. The postoperative setting in both Crohn's disease(CD) and ulcerative colitis(UC) patients has been less investigated although few promising results come from small, crosssectional studies. Therefore, the current post-operative management still requires endoscopy 6-12 mo after intestinal resection for CD in order to exclude endoscopic recurrence and plan the therapeutic strategy. In patients who underwent restorative proctocolectomy, endoscopy is required whenever symptoms includes the possibility of pouchitis. There is emerging evidence that fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are useful surrogate markers of inflammation in the post-operative setting, they correlate with the presence and severity of endoscopic recurrence according to Rutgeerts' score and possibly predict the subsequent clinical recurrence and response to therapy in CD patients. Similarly, fecal markers show a good correlation with the presence of pouchitis, as confirmed by endoscopy in operated UC patients. Fecal calprotectin seems to be able to predict the short-term development of pouchitis in asymptomatic patients and to vary according to response to medical treatment. The possibility of both fecal markers to used in the routine clinical practice for monitoring IBD patients in the postoperative setting should be confirmed in multicentric clinical trial with large sample set. An algorithm that can predict the optimal use and timing of fecal markers testing, the effective need and timing of endoscopy and the cost-effectiveness of these as a strategy of care would be of great interest.

Fecal lactoferrin accurately reflects mucosal inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND Studies have demonstrated a potential role for fecal biomarkers such as fecal calprotectin(FC)and fecal lactoferrin(FL)in monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD)-Crohn's disease(CD)and ulcerative colitis(UC).However,their correlation to endoscopic scores,disease severity and affected intestinal surface has not been extensively investigated.AIM To correlate FL,and for comparison white blood cell(WBC)and C-reactive protein(CRP),with endoscopic scores,disease extent and location in CD and UC.METHODS Retrospective analysis in 188 patients who had FL,CRP and WBC determined within 30 d of endoscopy.Disease location,disease extent(number of intestinal segments involved),disease severity(determined by endoscopic scores),timing of FL testing in relation to colonoscopy,as well as the use of effective fast acting medications(steroids and biologics)between colonoscopy and FL measurement,were recorded.RESULTS In 131 CD and 57 UC patients,both CRP and FL-but not WBC-distinguished disease severity(inactive,mild,moderate,severe).In patients receiving fastacting(steroids or biologics)treatment in between FL and colonoscopy,FL showed a higher correlation to endoscopic scores when tested before vs after the procedure(r=0.596,P<0.001,vs r=0.285,P=0.15 for the Simple Endoscopic Score for CD;and r=0.402,P=0.01 vs r=0.054 P=0.84 for Disease Activity Index).Finally,FL was significantly correlated with the diseased mucosal surface(colon-ileocolon>small bowel)and the number of inflamed colon segments.CONCLUSION FL and CRP separated disease severity categories with FL showing lower discriminating P-values.FL showed a close correlation with the involved mucosal surface and with disease extent and was more closely correlated to endoscopy when determined before the procedure–this indicating that inflammatory activity changes associated with therapy might be rapidly reflected by FL levels.FL can accurately and timely characterize intestinal inflammation in IBD.

Binding interactions of pefloxacin mesylate with bovine lactoferrin and human serum albumin

The binding of pefloxacin mesylate （PFLX） to bovine lactoferrin （BLf） and human serum albumin （HSA） in dilute aqueous solution was studied using fluorescence spectra and absorbance spectra. The binding constant K and the binding sites n were obtained by fluorescence quenching method. The binding distance r and energy-transfer efficiency E between pefloxacin mesylate and bovine lactoferrin as well as human serum albumin were also obtained according to the mechanism of Forster-type dipole-dipole nonradiative energy-transfer. The effects of pefloxacin mesylate on the conformations of bovine lactoferrin and human serum albumin were also analyzed using synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy.

Lactoferrin-Conjugated Polylactic Acid Nanobubbles Encapsulated Perfluoropentane as a Contrast Agent for Ultrasound/Magnetic Resonance Dual-Modality Imaging

The development of contrast agents that can be activated by multiple modes is of great significance for tumor diagnosis.In this study,the lactoferrin(Lf)-conjugated polylactic acid(PLLA)nanobubbles(Lf-PLLA NBs)were used to encapsulate liquid perfluoropentane(PFP)with the double emulsion method,creating PFP loaded(PFP/Lf-PLLA)NBs for the ultrasound/magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging of subcutaneous tumor.The parti-cle diameter and stability of nanobubbles were investigated by photon correlation spectroscopy.The biocompat-ibility of nanobubbles was preliminarily evaluated by cell proliferation and migration assay,hemolysis rate,and blood biochemistry analysis.A B-mode clinical ultrasound real-time imaging system was used to perform ultra-sonic imaging in vivo.Magnetic resonance imaging in vivo was applied with a clinical 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scanner system.The mean particle diameter of PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs was 320.2±4.1 nm with a low polydispersity index(PDI,0.145±0.025),and the NBs were negatively charged(−11.4±0.4 mV).The transmis-sion electron microscopy(TEM)results showed that PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs exhibited highly monodispersed and pos-sessed an obvious spherical structure of nanocapsules.Nanobubbles had good stability at 4°C.Different concentrations of the PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs solution had no effect on the cell in cytotoxicity and cell migration,and the results of hemolysis rate and blood biochemistry assay also indicated the good biocompatibility of NBs.On the ultrasound/magnetic resonance imaging of tumor-bearing mice,PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs showed signifi-cantly enhanced contrast ability of tumor tissue.Therefore,PFP/Lf-PLLA NBs had great potential to be a contrast agent for tumor dual-modality imaging in vivo.

Development of New Strategy for Non-Antibiotic Therapy: Bovine Lactoferrin Has a Potent Antimicrobial and Immunomodulator Effects

The antibiotic therapy has many problems, such as antibiotics resistance, hypersensitivity, direct toxicity, antibiotic-induced immunosuppresion and super-infections. This is highlighting the need for a new strategy for non-antibiotic therapy through the use of novel immunomodulators as naturally released ones (Lactoferrin). The present study investigates the potential of bovine lactoferrin (bLf), isolated from bovine milk whey, to prevent Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aerogenosa) growth and then evaluates its immunomodulator effect. First, bLf isolation was attempted from bovine milk whey using a cation exchange chromatography by SP-Sepharose. Second, the antimicrobial activity assays were trailed to study the antimicrobial activity of bLf. Finally, the immune effect of bLf was studied by lymphocyte transformation test. It was found that bLf was separated around molecular weight of 80 kDa and showed significant inhibitory effect against E. coli followed by P. aeruginosa, S. agalactiae and S. aureus. bLf increased lymphocyte transformations mean values in a dose dependant manner. The highest transformations mean value was determined at 50 μg/mL. In conclusion, these results suggest that bLf is a potent natural antimicrobials and immunomodulator agent.

Porcine Antimicrobial Peptide PR-39 Is Modulated by Lactoferrin in Marrow Cells

PR-39 is a porcine antimicrobial pep- tide that plays an important role in the innate defense mechanism. We produced monoclonal antibodies （MAbs） against PR-39 by fusing mouse myeloma ceils with lymph node cells from BALB/c mice immu- nized with the reactive site sequence PR-11 of PR-39. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of lactoferrin on PR-39 gene levels and peptide concentrations in cultural supernatants of bone marrow granulocytes by RT-PCR and the competitive inhibition ELISA meth- od established in this study. Two hybridomas 3H5 and 5H7 were selected for developing ascites and con- tained MAbs against PR-11, which were used for screening the specificity to PR-39 by competitive inhi- bition ELISA. We found that MAbs were successfully produced against PR-11 and the MAbs had a strong reaction with PR-39 excreted by porcine marrow gran-ulocytes. The ascites had a relatively high titer and the purified MAbs were determined as IgG1. Incubation with 10 or 100 ixg/mL lactoferrin significantly in- creased （ P 〈 0.05 ） PR-39 mRNA levels in bone mar- row granulocytes after 3 h and 6 h, but 1000 pog/mL lactoferrin reduced （ P 〈 0.05） PR-39 mRNA expres- sion after 3 h and 6 h compared with control （ no lact- oferrin added）. The relative concentrations of PR-39 in supernatant secreted by marrow granulocytes were significantly increased by 1000 p,g/mL lactoferrin af- ter both 3 h and 6 h. These findings suggest a regula- tory role of lactoferrin for the antimicrobial peptide PR-39 in marrow cells in vitro. It is possible that the regulation of antimicrobial peptide PR-39 expression may be one of the protective mechanisms of lacto- ferrin in pigs.

Usefulness of fecal lactoferrin in predicting and monitoring the clinical severity of infectious diarrhea

AIM:To explore the value of fecal lactoferrin in predicting and monitoring the clinical severity of infectious diarrhea.METHODS:Patients with acute infectious diarrhea ranging from 3 mo to 10 years in age were enrolled,and one to three stool samples from each subject were collected.Certain parameters,including white blood cells /differential count,C-reactive protein,fecal mucus,fecal pus cells,duration of fever,vomiting,diarrhea and severity(indicated by Clark and Vesikari scores),were recorded and analyzed.Fecal lactoferrin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared in different pathogen and disease activity.Generalized estimating equations(GEE) were also used for analysis.RESULTS:Data included 226 evaluations for 117 individuals across three different time points.Fecal lactoferrin was higher in patients with Salmonella(11.17 μg/g ± 2.73 μg/g) or Campylobacter(10.32 μg/g ± 2.94 μg/g) infections and lower in patients with rotavirus(2.82 μg/g ± 1.27 μg/g) or norovirus(3.16 μg/g ± 1.18 μg/g) infections.Concentrations of fecal lactoferrin were significantly elevated in patients with severe(11.32 μg/g ± 3.29 μg/g) or moderate(3.77 μg/g ± 2.08 μg/g) disease activity compared with subjects with mild(1.51 μg/g ± 1.36 μg/g) disease activity(P < 0.05).GEE analysis suggests that this marker could be used to monitor the severity and course of gastrointestinal infections and may provide information for disease management.CONCLUSION:Fecal lactoferrin increased during bacterial infection and with greater disease severity and may be a good marker for predicting and monitoring intestinal inflammation in children with infectious diarrhea.

Comparison of inhibitory effect between DL-tryptophan and lactoferrin on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in wound dressing

Objective: To compare the inhibitory effect between DL-tryptophan and bovine lactoferrin on biofilm formed by isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Methods: The study was carried out on 40 patients suffering from surgical site infection. Wound pus was collected using sterile swabs after isolation, and identified by common bacteriological methods. Isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were grown on biofilm enhancing materials, and then the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of DL-tryptophan and lactoferrin were tested using scanning electron microscopy and microtitre plate methods. Results: There was no significant difference in the inhibitory effect between DL-tryptophan and lactoferrin at 0.5 mg/mL. While in concentration of 1 mg/mL and 2 mg/mL, tryptophan showed more significant inhibitory effect than lactoferrin. Conclusions: Both DL-tryptophan and bovine lactoferrin have inhibitory effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation in a dose dependent manner, and the inhibitory effect of DL-tryptophan is stronger.

Combined use of lactoferrin and vitamin D as a preventive and therapeutic supplement for SARS-CoV-2 infection: Current evidence

Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein that exhibits anti-inflammatory,immune regulating and anti-infective properties.One of its receptor sites is located on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.The binding of lactoferrin with heparin sulfate proteoglycans may prevent the first contact between the virus and host cells,thus preventing subsequent infection.Given that lactoferrin may act as a natural mucosal barrier,an intranasal treatment together with its oral intake can be hypothesized to prevent the spread,infection and inflammation caused by coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Moreover,the literature reports that vitamin D plays an essential role in promoting immune response.With its antiinflammatory and immunoregulatory properties,vitamin D is critical for activating the immune system’s defenses,improving immune cell function.Different studies also demonstrate that lactoferrin is a potential activator of the vitamin D receptor.In this sense,the combined use of lactoferrin(through an association of oral intake and a nasal spray formulation)and vitamin D could represent a valuable therapy for COVID-19 treatment and prevention.However,further randomized clinical trials are needed before recommending/prescribing them.

Development of New Strategy for Non-Antibiotic Therapy: Dromedary Camel Lactoferrin Has a Potent Antimicrobial and Immunomodulator Effects

The human and bovine lactoferrin have been studied extensively, but very few reports have been published concerning camel lactoferrin (cLf). The present study aimed to isolate cLf and evaluate its efficiency including antimicrobial activity and immunomodulator effects. cLf isolation was attempted from camel milk whey using a cation exchange chromatography by SP-Sepharose. The antimicrobial activity of the isolated cLf was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aerogenosa) strains. The immune effect of cLf was studied by lymphocyte transformation test. It was found that cLf was separated around molecular weight of 80 kDa and showed significant inhibitory effect against E. coli followed by P. aeruginosa, S. agalactiae and S. aureus. cLf increased lymphocyte transformations mean values in a dose dependant manner. The highest transformations mean value was determined at 50 μg/mL. In conclusion, these results suggest that cLf is a potent natural antimicrobial and novel immunomodulator agent.

Effect of Follicular Fluid Lactoferrin Level on Oocytes Quality and Pregnancy Rate in Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycles

Assessment of oocyte quality to avoid overproduction of embryos is now considered an important goal in ICSI cycles. Although in classic Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles selection is mainly done for embryos and not for follicles. Follicular fluid and its contents representing the oocyte environment are now gaining more attention because not only of its crucial influence on oocyte developments but also due to easy isolation of follicular fluid with every case of ICSI. By its aspiration during ovum pick up (OPU). substances isolated from follicular fluid to assess oocyte quality were in the form of: hormones like, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Anti-mullerian Hormon (AMH), Growth Hormone (GH) etc., growth factors like Insulin Like Growth Factor (ILGF), proteins and amino acids like Lactoferrin (LF) which is an iron-binding glycoprotein that was detected in follicular fluid and was thought to be related to good oocyte quality when present in high concentration. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the possible effect of follicular fluid lactoferrin on oocyte quality and hence pregnancy rate in ICSI cycles. Methods: Follicular fluid was obtained from 64 patients undergoing Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) procedure in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected at the time of oocyte harvesting. The lactoferrin concentration in FF was assayed by ELISA. Results: The mean LF concentration in follicular fluid of the positive biochemical pregnancy group (0.63 ± 0.17 ng/mL) was not significantly higher than that in the negative biochemical pregnancy (0.61 ± 0.16 ng/mL). A positive correlation between a number of mature oocytes and lactoferrin concentration was not found (r.101). Conclusion: Lactoferrin level in follicular fluid does not correlate with oocytes quality or pregnancy rate.

Efficacy of InferrinTM and Lactoferrin on Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Otherwise Healthy Adults: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome affects one in five Australians, with abdominal pain as one of the main symptoms. Lactoferrin, found in milk, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and the development of a novel microencapsulated form, InferrinTM, may be useful in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. The current study aimed to study the effectiveness of InferrinTM compared to lactoferrin and a placebo on irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Methods: Sixty-eight male and female participants over 18 years of age were recruited to complete 8 weeks of supplementation with either InferrinTM, lactoferrin, or a matched placebo. Outcomes were measured at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Results: There was a decrease from baseline across all groups in IBS symptom severity at weeks 4 and 8, as well as improvements in QOL scores. Lactoferrin and InferrinTM groups had a significant reduction from baseline to week 8 in weekly stool frequency. Conclusions: Overall, lactoferrin and InferrinTM appeared to have an effect in decreasing symptoms of IBS and weekly stool frequency.