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Published on: October 18, 2018
Lactoferrin Alleviates Inflammation and Regulates Gut Microbiota Composition in H5N1-Infected Mice
Yanyi Huang1,2, Peiyang Zhang1, Shuyi Han1,2
1National Research Center for Wildlife-Borne Diseases, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
Abstract:
The impact of lactoferrin, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with iron-binding properties, on the intestinal barrier and microflora of mice infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus remains unclear. To investigate the effects of lactoferrin on the histopathology and intestinal microecological environment, we conducted a study using H5N1-infected mice. H5N1 infection resulted in pulmonary and intestinal damage, as well as an imbalance in gut microbiota, significantly increasing the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter. The consumption of lactoferrin in the diet alleviated lung injury and restored the downregulation of the INAVA gene and intestinal dysfunction caused by H5N1 infection. Lactoferrin not only reduced lung and intestinal injury, but also alleviated inflammation and reversed the changes in intestinal microflora composition while increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Moreover, lactoferrin rebalanced the gut microbiota and partially restored intestinal homeostasis. This study demonstrated that lactoferrin exerts its effects on the intestinal tract, leading to improvements in gut microbiota and restoration of the integrity of both the intestinal wall and lung tissue. These findings support the notion that lactoferrin may be a promising candidate for systemic treatment of influenza by locally acting on the intestine and microbiota.
Insights
Lactoferrin, an antimicrobial peptide, improved gut microbiota and reduced lung and intestinal injury in mice infected with avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. This suggests lactoferrin may be a promising treatment for influenza by acting on the intestine.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) virus causes severe pulmonary and intestinal damage.
- H5N1 infection disrupts gut microbiota, increasing pathogenic bacteria like *Helicobacter pylori* and *Campylobacter*.
- The role of lactoferrin in modulating the intestinal barrier and microflora during H5N1 infection is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of dietary lactoferrin on the histopathology and intestinal microecological environment in H5N1-infected mice.
- To determine if lactoferrin can alleviate H5N1-induced lung and intestinal damage and restore gut microbiota balance.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with H5N1 virus and treated with lactoferrin.
- Histopathological analysis of lung and intestinal tissues was performed.
- Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using sequencing.
- Gene expression, including INAVA, was assessed.
Main Results:
- H5N1 infection led to significant lung and intestinal injury and gut dysbiosis.
- Lactoferrin consumption alleviated lung injury and restored INAVA gene expression and intestinal function.
- Lactoferrin reduced intestinal inflammation and reversed microbiota alterations, increasing beneficial bacteria.
- Lactoferrin rebalanced gut microbiota and partially restored intestinal homeostasis.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin demonstrates therapeutic potential for H5N1 influenza by improving gut microbiota and restoring intestinal and lung integrity.
- Lactoferrin's local action in the intestine may contribute to systemic benefits in influenza treatment.
- Further research into lactoferrin as a therapeutic agent for influenza is warranted.
