Studies on Anticancer Activities of Lactoferrin and Lactoferricin

Cui   Ming   Yin; Jack   Ho   Wong; Jiang      Xia; Tzi   Bun   Ng

doi:10.2174/13892037113149990066

Abstract

This review mainly summarizes results of recent studies on the anticancer activity of the multifunctional protein lactoferrin (Lf) and its derived peptide lactoferricin (Lfcin). The basic information on Lf and Lfcin, such as their sources, structures, and biological properties which favor their antitumor activity is introduced. The major anticancer mechanisms of Lf and Lfcin including cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, antimetastasis, immune modulation and necrosis are discussed. Other information from in vivo studies employing a mouse model is also provided. In addition, the roles of talatoferrin and delta lactoferrin, as well as improvement in drug delivery will be covered.

Keywords: Application, cancer, delta lactoferrin, lactoferrin, lactoferricin, mechanism, talactoferrin, drug delivery.