Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein secreted by the tissues of ectodermal origin. Its structure is similar to transferrin. LF appeared to be multifunctional, but its main functions are connected with the natural defense system of mammals. The biological role and origin of LF within brain in normal and disease processes are as yet uncharted. LF expression is greatly upregulated during neurodegenerative disorders and in elderly brains. LF may exert an antiinflammatory function via its inhibitory effect on hydroxyl radical formation. By antioxydative properties, LF prevents DNA damage and consequently tumor formation in the CNS. Moreover, LF specifically transactivates the p53 tumor suppressor gene. LF suppresses distress perception via opioid mediated mechanism and prevents a decrease of the immune system activity caused by psychosocial stress. Furthermore, LF possibly modulates behavior in man and in animals.
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Biomacromolecules
January 2025
School of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.
Cerebral ischemic stroke, neuronal death, and inflammation bring difficulties in neuroprotection and rehabilitation. In this study, we developed and designed the ability of natural lactoferrin-polyethylene glycol-polyphenylalanine-baicalein nanomicelles (LF-PEG-PPhe-Bai) to target and reduce these pathological processes, such as neurological damage and cognitive impairment in the stages of poststroke. Nanomicelles made from biocompatible materials have improved bioavailability and targeted distribution to afflicted brain areas.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
General Dentistry, Department of Oral Health Science, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, N13W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-8586, Japan.
Lactoferrin is a highly safe antibacterial protein found in the human body and in foods. Calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles with immobilized lactoferrin could therefore be useful as intraoral disinfectants for the prevention and treatment of dental infections because CaP is a mineral component of human teeth. In this study, we fabricated CaP nanoparticles with co-immobilized lactoferrin and heparin using a simple one-step coprecipitation process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLife Sci
January 2025
School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China. Electronic address:
Lactoferrin (Lf) is a naturally occurring glycoprotein known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties and is present in various physiological fluids. Numerous studies have demonstrated its antiviral effectiveness against multiple viruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza virus (IFV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Lf, a vital component of the mucosal defense system, plays a crucial role in inhibiting viral infection by binding to both host cells and viral particles, such as the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist
December 2024
Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Molecular Medicine Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, Jilin Province, China. Electronic address:
Toxoplasma gondii, a neurotropic protozoan parasite, affects the central nervous system and causes various neurological disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that Arctigenin (AG) exhibits anti-T. gondii activity and reduces depression-like behaviors induced by T.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this study, an aptamer biosensor for detecting lactoferrin (LF) was developed using piezoelectric quartz-induced bond rupture sensing technology. The thiol-modified aptamer I was immobilized on the gold electrode surface of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) through an Au-S bond to specifically bind LF. It was then combined with aptamer-magnetic beads to amplify the mass signal.
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