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Lactoferrin protects against concanavalin A‐induced liver injury in mice
Author(s) -
Yin Hao,
Cheng Linling,
Agarwal Chapla,
Agarwal Rajesh,
Ju Cynthia
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02199.x
Subject(s) - lactoferrin , concanavalin a , immunology , liver injury , hepatitis , medicine , inflammation , interferon gamma , biology , pharmacology , cytokine , in vitro , biochemistry
Background: Liver diseases, caused by viral infection, autoimmune conditions, alcohol ingestion or the use of certain drugs, are a significant health issue, as many can develop into liver failure. Lactoferrin (Lac) is an iron‐binding glycoprotein that belongs to the transferrin family. Owing to its multiple biological functions, Lac has been evaluated in a number of clinical trials to treat infections, inflammation and cancer. Aim: The present study aims to reveal a profound hepatoprotective effect of Lac, using a mouse model of Concanavalin A (Con A)‐induced hepatitis, which mimics the pathophysiology of human viral and autoimmune hepatitis. Method: C57Bl/6J mice were injected with bovine Lac following Con A challenge. The effects of Lac on interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐4 expression were determined. The roles of Lac on T‐cell apoptosis and activation, and leukocytes infiltration were examined. Result: The data demonstrated that the protective effect of Lac was attributed to its ability to inhibit T‐cell activation and production of IFN‐γ, as well as to suppress IL‐4 production by hepatic natural killer T cells. Conclusion: These findings indicate a great therapeutic potential of Lac in treating in treating inflammatory hepatitis and possibly other inflammatory diseases.