Lactoferrin and necrotizing enterocolitis

Clin Perinatol. 2013 Mar;40(1):79-91. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2012.12.006. Epub 2013 Jan 17.

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein and a member of the transferrin family. LF and lysozyme in breast milk kill bacteria. In the stomach, pepsin digests and releases a potent peptide antibiotic called lactoferricin from native LF. The antimicrobial characteristics of LF may facilitate a healthy intestinal microbiome. LF is the major whey in human milk; its highest concentration is in colostrum. This fact highlights early feeding of colostrum and also fresh mature milk as a way to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Colostrum / immunology
  • Colostrum / metabolism*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / prevention & control*
  • Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intestine, Small / immunology*
  • Intestine, Small / microbiology
  • Lactoferrin / immunology
  • Lactoferrin / metabolism*
  • Lactoferrin / therapeutic use
  • Metagenome / immunology
  • Milk / metabolism
  • Milk, Human / chemistry
  • Milk, Human / immunology
  • Milk, Human / metabolism*
  • Muramidase / immunology

Substances

  • Muramidase
  • Lactoferrin