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Biomedical Applications of Lactoferrin on the Ocular Surface
Uxía Regueiro1,2, Maite López-López1,2, Rubén Varela-Fernández1,3
1Corneal Neurodegeneration Group (RENOIR), Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory (LINC), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Pharmaceutics
|March 29, 2023
Summary
Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding protein, offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits for the eye. Its potential therapeutic applications for ocular surface disorders are explored in this review.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lactoferrin (LF) is a key defense protein with diverse biological functions, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
- LF is abundant in tear fluid, playing a crucial role in ocular surface health by binding iron and preventing oxidative damage.
- Reduced LF levels are observed in various ocular surface disorders, impacting its protective functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, biological functions, and role of lactoferrin (LF) at the ocular surface.
- To discuss the implications of LF in ocular surface disorders.
- To explore the potential biomedical applications of LF in ophthalmology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on lactoferrin.
- Analysis of LF's structure and biological activities.
- Examination of LF's role in ocular surface physiology and pathology.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin exhibits pleiotropic functions beneficial for the ocular surface, including iron sequestration and modulation of inflammatory responses.
- Deficiency or dysfunction of LF is implicated in conditions like dry eye, keratoconus, and ocular infections.
- LF's properties suggest its utility as a therapeutic agent for various eye conditions.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin is a vital component of the ocular surface defense system.
- Restoring or supplementing LF levels holds promise for treating a range of ocular surface diseases.
- Further research into LF's biomedical applications could lead to novel ophthalmic therapies.
