Lactoferrin for the Developing Brain: A Promising Milk Protein?

Introduction: Preterm infants and growth-restricted newborns are at high risk of brain injury, triggered by inflammation and hypoxia-ischemia that can lead to severe neurological disorders and cognitive deficits. There are currently no therapeutic interventions available to protect the brain of these high-risk infants.

Lactoferrin β (LF) has roles in iron homeostasis and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. A role of LF in brain development and cognition is also suggested.¹

Materials and Methods: Prenatal stress rat model by dexamethasone exposure during gestation induced developmental alteration of brain structure, metabolism, and function. LF supplementation of dams during gestation and lactation reverted these alterations through the neurotrophic factors.²

Results: In a preterm hypoxia-ischemia rat model of brain injury, reduction of the initial size of injury and subsequent gray matter damage by LF supplementation during lactation was seen. Reduction of inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF∝) and neuroaxonal apoptotic makers were present in the LF supplemented group.³

After cerebral inflammation, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection into immature rat pup brain, marked ventriculomegaly, myelination deficit, and altered brain metabolism and white matter damage were present. These alterations were reverted by LF supplementation during lactation.⁴

Conclusion: In conclusion, LF given as a supplement during lactation reduces acute and long-term cerebral alterations in developmental brain injury rodent models. LF could play a key role in future neuroprotective strategies to protect the brain of the preterm and growth restricted infants.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).