The importance of lactoferrin in bone regeneration

Abstract Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein secreted by mammary gland, thus present in milk and in colostrum, which are a cheap and easy to obtain sources of this protein. Lactoferrin is also present in specific granules of neutrophils. Lactoferrin is a multifunctional agent involved, among others in the immune response and in the regulation of bone metabolism. Lactoferrin actives of osteoblast proliferation and bone matrix secretion, and inhibits apoptosis of osteoblast and osteoclastogenesis. Lactoferrin administered to rodents accelerates bone healing and prevents bone loss induced by ovariectomy. Therefore the use of lactoferrin or milk whey in osteoporosis treatment and prevention is postulated.