Cell proliferation effect of lactoferrin in human endometrial stroma cells

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin (LF) on the proliferation of human endometrial stroma cells. In addition, we compared the effect of LF, oestradiol and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proliferation of human endometrial stroma cells. Human endometrial tissue was obtained from patients with a normal menstrual cycle in the proliferative phase and the stroma cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. When LF was added to the culture medium, the rate of cell proliferation increased significantly in comparison to controls (P < 0.01). The enhanced rate of proliferation induced by LF was neutralized by the addition of anti-LF monoclonal antibody. The effect of LF on cell proliferation at a concentration of 100 ng/ml was similar to that of 10 nmol/l oestradiol, but less than that of 10 mg/ml EGF. When LF was added in combination with either oestradiol or EGF, no additive effects on cell proliferation were observed. Based on the present results, it is suggested that LF has a potential biological effect in the proliferation of human endometrium.