Effects of Lactoferrin on Skin Wound Healing

The skin wound healing is a complex biological process that requires the regulation of different cell types. Lactoferrin is a metal-binding glycoprotein secreted from glandular epithelial cells and neutrophils. The topical administration of lactoferrin enhances the rate of skin wound closure in normal and diabetic mice. The promoting effect of lactoferrin on skin wound healing is partially dues to its immuno-modulating properties. Lactoferrin promotes the initial stage of inflammatory phase by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of immune cells into wounded area. On the other hand, lactoferrin is likely to serve as anti-inflammatory agent that neutralizes overabundant immune response. Moreover, lactoferrin is thought to promote both the granulation tissue formation and reepithelialization by enhancing the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The synthesis of extracellular matrix components is also enhanced by lactoferrin. In an in vitro model of wound contraction, lactoferrin stimulates fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction. Lactoferrin is known as its anti-bacterial, anti-viral activities which may contribute to the healing of diabetic ulcers. These lines of observations indicate that lactoferrin can support the multiple biological processes involved in wound healing. Based on these findings, lactoferrin could be used in patients with diabetic and other types of ulcers.