[Effects of recombinant human lactoferrin on improving the iron status of IDA rats]

To investigate the effect of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLf) separated and purified from milk of transgenic cows on improving the iron status of rats suffered from iron deficiency anemia (IDA).

The IDA model of female weaning Wistar rats was induced by iron deficient diet, and the rats were then randomly divided into 6 groups (12 rats in each group, based on their body weight and the concentration of hemoglobin) : group A (the model control ), group B, C and D (rhLf 0.375. 0.75 or 2.25 g/kg BW), group E (ferrous lactate 0.011 g/kg BW), and group F (ferrous lactate 0.011 g/kg BW + rhLf 0.375 g/kg BW). Test substances were administered by gavage daily for 8 weeks. Related indexes, including general health condition, body weight, hematological parameters, free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP), serum iron (SI), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin (SF), serum Cu and serum Zn, were determined.

After 8 weeks of supplementation, body weight, RBC, Hb, SI, TS and SF levels of rats in group E and F were improved and significantly higher than those in group A, while levels of FEP, TIBC and Zn were lower. Indexes of rats in group D were also significantly different from those in group A but with a less degree than those in group E or F. Compared with group A, there were no obvious difference in iron status for group B or C except for more RBC and lower levels of FEP and Zn in group C, as well as the lower level of Zn in group B. SI, TS and SF levels in group F were significantly higher but TIBC was lower than those in group E.

The iron status of IDA rats could be improved to some degree by the supplementation of rhLf alone, but the effect was weaker than that of ferrous lactate. The effect of combining rhLf with ferrous lactate was more intensive than ferrous lactate or rhLf administered individually.