Exploring the influence of lactoferrin on wound healing and related signaling pathways: a systematic review

This systematic review evaluates the therapeutic efficacy and biological mechanisms of Lactoferrin (Lf) in the wound healing process. The objective was to synthesize evidence regarding its multifunctional role in cellular regeneration, gene modulation, and antimicrobial protection. From an initial screening of 1846 records, 11 in vitro studies (2001-2023) met the eligibility criteria. The synthesized data demonstrate that Lf significantly accelerates the migration and proliferation of human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. At the molecular level, Lf upregulates critical regenerative genes, specifically HAS2 (hyaluronan synthesis) and COL1A1 (collagen type I). Furthermore, Lf exhibits potent inhibitory effects against biofilm formation and bacterial growth, with high efficacy reported against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Thus, Lf acts as a pivotal bioactive agent that bridges regenerative stimulus with antimicrobial defense across all healing phases. Its ability to modulate the extracellular matrix and suppress pathogens suggests it to be a candidate for advanced wound care and regenerative therapies. These findings establish a robust biological rationale for transitioning toward clinical-stage bioprospecting.