Lactoferrin may inhibit the development of cancer via its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Sian Pan
    • Huiting Weng
    • Guohong Hu
    • Shiwen Wang
    • Tian Zhao
    • Xueping Yao
    • Libin Liao
    • Xiaopeng Zhu
    • Yanshan Ge
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: September 17, 2021     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2021.5265
  • Article Number: 85
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Abstract

Lactoferrin (Lf) is secreted by ectodermal tissue and has a structure similar to that of transferrin. Although Lf seems to be multifunctional, its main function is related to the natural defense system of mammals. The present review aims to highlight the major actions of Lf, including the regulation of cell growth, the inhibition of toxic compound formation, the removal of harmful free radicals and its important role in immune response regulation. Moreover, Lf has antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticancer and anti‑inflammatory activities. In addition, the use of Lf for functionalization of drug nanocarriers, with emphasis on tumor‑targeted drug delivery, is illustrated. Such effects serve as an important theoretical basis for its future development and application. In neurodegenerative diseases and the brains of elderly people, Lf expression is markedly upregulated. Lf may exert an anti‑inflammatory effect by inhibiting the formation of hydroxyl free radicals. Through its antioxidant properties, Lf can prevent DNA damage, thereby preventing tumor formation in the central nervous system. In addition, Lf specifically activates the p53 tumor suppressor gene.
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November-2021
Volume 59 Issue 5

Print ISSN: 1019-6439
Online ISSN:1791-2423

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Spandidos Publications style
Pan S, Weng H, Hu G, Wang S, Zhao T, Yao X, Liao L, Zhu X and Ge Y: Lactoferrin may inhibit the development of cancer via its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities (Review). Int J Oncol 59: 85, 2021
APA
Pan, S., Weng, H., Hu, G., Wang, S., Zhao, T., Yao, X. ... Ge, Y. (2021). Lactoferrin may inhibit the development of cancer via its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities (Review). International Journal of Oncology, 59, 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2021.5265
MLA
Pan, S., Weng, H., Hu, G., Wang, S., Zhao, T., Yao, X., Liao, L., Zhu, X., Ge, Y."Lactoferrin may inhibit the development of cancer via its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 59.5 (2021): 85.
Chicago
Pan, S., Weng, H., Hu, G., Wang, S., Zhao, T., Yao, X., Liao, L., Zhu, X., Ge, Y."Lactoferrin may inhibit the development of cancer via its immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory activities (Review)". International Journal of Oncology 59, no. 5 (2021): 85. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijo.2021.5265