Experimental study of the influence of recombinant human lactoferrin on the levels of androgens and basic parameters of lipid and protein metabolism

System administration of human recombinant lactoferrin per os to rats for 2,5 months increased serum and testicular levels of total testosterone. The data correlated with the increase in free testosterone levels. These changes were accompanied by an increase of concentrations of steroidogenesis substrates (cholesterol, progesterone, and 17-OH progesterone) and a decrease of the estradiol content in blood serum. This resulted in the 3.6-3.8-fold increase of the testosterone/estradiol index. Basic parameters of lipid and protein were also studied. Results of this study suggest that lactoferrin administration causes activation of androgen synthesis and lipid metabolism.