Influence of lactoferrin in preventing preterm delivery: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Immunology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron-binding glycoprotein with known antimicrobial properties.
• Lf is present in neutrophil granules and released during immune responses.
• Current therapeutic uses of Lf include treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of lactoferrin in preventing preterm delivery.
• To assess Lf's impact on cervical infections and cervical ripening in at-risk pregnancies.
• To determine if Lf can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in cervicovaginal fluid.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary trial involving 21 pregnant women (26-32 weeks gestation) at risk for preterm delivery and with IDA.
• Participants were randomized to receive either recombinant human lactoferrin (bLf) or ferrous sulfate for one month.
• Cervical length and funneling were assessed via transvaginal ultrasound; vaginal swabs and cervicovaginal fluid were analyzed for infections and IL-6 levels.

Main Results:

• Oral administration of 200 mg bLf daily correlated with normalization of vaginal flora, indicating disappearance of vaginal infections.
• bLf treatment was associated with a decrease in cervicovaginal fluid IL-6 levels.
• The study observed a positive correlation between bLf and improved vaginal health in women at risk of preterm delivery.

Conclusions:

• Lactoferrin shows potential in managing cervicovaginal infections in pregnant women.
• Lf may play a role in preventing preterm delivery by addressing underlying infections and inflammation.
• Further research is warranted to confirm Lf's efficacy in preventing preterm birth.