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Lactoferrin given in food facilitates dermatophytosis cure in guinea pig models
H Wakabayashi1, K Uchida, K Yamauchi
1Nutritional Science Laboratory, Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Ltd, Zama, Kanagawa 228-8583, Japan. hiroyuki_wa@msn.com
Abstract:
Dermatophytosis is the most common skin infection caused by dermatophytic fungi, such as Trichophyton spp. We studied the in vitro and in vivo antifungal effects of lactoferrin against Trichophyton. Human and bovine lactoferrin, and a bovine lactoferrin-derived peptide, lactoferricin B, showed in vitro antifungal activity that was dependent on the test strain and medium used. In guinea pigs infected on the back with Trichophyton mentagrophytes (i.e. those with tinea corporis), consecutive daily po administration of bovine lactoferrin did not prevent development of symptoms during the early phase of infection, but facilitated clinical improvement of skin lesions after the peak of the symptoms. The fungal burden in lesions was less in guinea pigs that had been given lactoferrin than in untreated controls 21 days after infection. In guinea pigs infected on the foot with T. mentagrophytes (i.e. those with tinea pedis), the fungal burden of the skin on the heel portion of the infected foot 35 days after infection was lower in animals fed lactoferrin than in controls. These results suggest the potential usefulness of lactoferrin as a food component for promoting dermatophytosis cure.
Insights
Bovine lactoferrin demonstrated antifungal effects against Trichophyton fungi in vitro and in vivo. Oral lactoferrin aided in the cure of dermatophytosis skin infections in guinea pigs, reducing fungal burden.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dermatophytosis, a common skin infection, is caused by dermatophytic fungi like Trichophyton spp.
- Lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions, possesses known antimicrobial properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of lactoferrin and its derivative, lactoferricin B, against Trichophyton species.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of lactoferrin as a dietary component for treating dermatophytosis.
Main Methods:
- In vitro antifungal assays were performed using human and bovine lactoferrin, and lactoferricin B against various Trichophyton strains.
- In vivo studies involved infecting guinea pigs with Trichophyton mentagrophytes to model tinea corporis and tinea pedis.
- Bovine lactoferrin was administered orally to infected guinea pigs, and its effects on lesion development, clinical improvement, and fungal burden were assessed.
Main Results:
- Both human and bovine lactoferrin, along with lactoferricin B, exhibited in vitro antifungal activity, which varied by fungal strain and culture medium.
- Oral administration of bovine lactoferrin did not prevent early infection symptoms but promoted clinical improvement in guinea pigs with tinea corporis.
- A reduced fungal burden was observed in lactoferrin-treated guinea pigs compared to controls at 21 days (tinea corporis) and 35 days (tinea pedis) post-infection.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin displays significant in vitro and in vivo antifungal properties against dermatophytic fungi.
- These findings suggest lactoferrin's potential as a beneficial food component for enhancing the resolution of dermatophytosis infections.