Preventive effect of recombinant human lactoferrin in a rabbit preterm delivery model.

Objective: Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein found in cervical mucus and amniotic fluid, plays a defensive role against mucosal infections. This study examined the effect of recombinant human lactoferrin on preterm delivery in a rabbit model.

Study Design: Anesthetized rabbits were randomly assigned to receive either inoculation with Escherichia coli or saline solution and to receive treatment with or without recombinant human lactoferrin inserted into the cervix 2 hours before bacterial inoculation (condition A: saline + saline; condition B: E coli + saline; condition C: E coli + recombinant human lactoferrin). E coli , saline solution, and recombinant human lactoferrin were inserted into the cervix using a hysteroscope and a sterile polyethylene cannula. Fetus survival rate and days to delivery after inoculation were monitored and tumor necrosis factor-alpha concentrations were measured in maternal serum and amniotic fluid.

Results: Fetus survival for conditions A, B, and C were 95.7%, 0%, and 32.6%, respectively, whereas pregnancy continuation was 7.00 +/- 0 days, 3.25 +/- 0.43 days, and 4.85 +/- 1.77 days, respectively.

Conclusion: Cervical recombinant human lactoferrin administration increased fetal survival and extended pregnancy. Lactoferrin has an anti-inflammatory action as well as an antibacterial action, suggesting that recombinant human lactoferrin has the potential to prevent preterm delivery originating from cervical infection in the clinical setting.