In vitro effects of lactoferrin on intestinal and mammary epithelial cell lines

Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein endowed with multiple functions, including non-specific immune defence against pathogens, immunomodulatory activity and regulation of cell growth. The gastrointestinal tract of the newborn and the mammary gland are targets of the biological action of lactoferrin. This work aimed at examining the effects of human and bovine lactoferrin on cell growth using intestinal and mammary epithelial cell lines and at evaluating the protective effect of bovine lactoferrin against cytotoxic damage induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides in a bovine mammary epithelial cell line. It was shown that lactoferrin could be involved in regulating the growth of both intestinal and mammary epithelial cells depending on its concentrations, cell culture conditions and cell line used. The presence of lactoferrin binding sites on the cell surface was also discussed. Moreover, the data obtained suggested that bovine lactoferrin could contribute to counteract the effect of bacterial endotoxins.