Ribonuclease, cell-free translation-inhibitory and superoxide radical scavenging activities of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin from bovine milk

Anticancer activity of lactoferrin-coated biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles for combating different human cancer cells via mediating apoptotic effects

The present study aims to develop a novel nanocombination with high selectivity against several invasive cancer cells, sparing normal cells and tissues. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has recently captured the interest of numerous medical fields owing to its biological activities and well-known immunomodulatory effects. BLF is an ideal protein to be encapsulated or adsorbed into selenium nanocomposites (Se NPs) in order to produce stable nanocombinations with potent anticancer effects and improved immunological functions. The biosynthesis of the functionalized Se NPs was achieved using Rhodotorula sp. strain MZ312359 via a simultaneous bio-reduction approach to selenium sodium salts. The physicochemical properties of Se NPs using SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV Vis, XRD, and EDX confirmed the formation of uniform agglomerated spheres with a size of 18-40 nm. Se NPs were successfully embedded in apo-LF (ALF), forming a novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs with a spherical shape and an average nanosize of less than 200 nm. The developed ALF-Se NPs significantly displayed an effective anti-proliferation efficiency against many cancer cells, including MCF-7, HepG-2, and Caco-2 cell lines, as compared to Se NPs and ALF in free forms. ALF-Se NPs showed a significant selectivity impact (> 64) against all treated cancer cells at IC₅₀ 63.10 ≤ μg/mL, as well as the strongest upregulation of p53 and suppression of Bcl-2, MMP-9, and VEGF genes. Besides, ALF-Se NPs were able to show the maximum activation of transcrition of key redox mediator (Nrf2) with suppression in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels inside all treated cancer cells. This study demonstrates that this novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs has superior selectivity and apoptosis-mediating anticancer activity over free ALF or individual form of Se NPs.

Augmenting apoptosis-mediated anticancer activity of lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin by nanocombination with copper and iron hybrid nanometals

There is an urgent need in the medicinal fields to discover biocompatible nanoformulations with low cytotoxicity, which provide new strategies for promising therapies for several types of tumors. Bovine lactoperoxidase (LP) and lactoferrin (LF) have recently attracted attention in medicine for their antitumor activities with recognized safety pattern. Both LP and LF are suitable proteins to be coated or adsorbed to Cu and Fe nanometals for developing stable nanoformulations that boost immunity and strong anticancer effects. New nanometals of Cu and Fe NPs embedded in LP and LF forming novel nanocombinations of LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs had a spherical shape with an average nanosize of about 21 nm. The combination of LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs significantly exhibited the highest growth inhibitory efficacy, in terms of effectively lowering the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values, against Caco-2, HepG2 and MCF7 cells comparing to nanometals, LP, LF and individual nanoproteins (LP-CNPs or LF-FNPs). The highest apoptotic effect of this nanocombination (LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs) was confirmed by the highest percentages of annexin-stained apoptotic cells and G0 population with the strongest alteration in the expression of two well-characterized apoptosis guards (p53 and Bcl-2) and the maximum suppression in the proliferation marker (Ki-67). Also, the in silico analysis predicted that LP-CNPs and LF-FNPs enhanced AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK, p53 activator) activity and inhibited cancer migration-related proteases (cathepsin B and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9). Our results offer for the first time that these novel nanocombinations of LP and LF were superior in their selectivity and apoptosis-mediating anticancer activity to Cu and Fe nanometals as well as the free form of these proteins or their individual nanoforms.

Evaluation of the efficacy of multiple physical, biological and natural antimicrobial interventions for control of pathogenic Escherichia coli on beef

Antimicrobial effects of multiple physical, biological and natural interventions on pathogenic Escherichia coli in raw beef were assessed. A cocktail of E. coli strains was inoculated onto gamma-irradiated beef and enumerated immediately after each intervention and during storage at 4 °C for 7 days. Of the physical interventions, silver-containing antimicrobial packaging and ozone gas treatment did not show significant antimicrobial effects, however cold plasma treatment reduced E. coli levels by 0.9 and 1.82 log₁₀ CFU/cm² after 2 and 5 min treatments, respectively. A phage cocktail reduced E. coli counts by 0.63 and 1.16 log₁₀ CFU/g after 24 h storage at 4 and 12 °C, respectively. Of the natural interventions, vinegar and lactic acid (5%) washes for 5 min caused reductions of ∼1 log₁₀ CFU/g immediately after treatment, whereas lactoferrin and nisin treatments, separately or in combination, had insignificant antimicrobial effects. Nanoemulsions containing carvacrol or thyme essential oils caused immediate E. coli reductions of 1.41 and 1.36 log₁₀ CFU/g, respectively, plus a progressive reduction in viable numbers during storage at 4 °C. Our findings suggest that cold plasma, bacteriophages, vinegar, lactic acid, or carvacrol and thyme essential oil nanoemulsions could potentially be of use to the beef industry for controlling pathogenic E. coli contamination.

Efficiency of novel nanocombinations of bovine milk proteins (lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin) for combating different human cancer cell lines

Bovine lactoperoxidase (LPO) and lactoferrin (LF) are suitable proteins to be loaded or adsorbed to chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) for preparing stable nanoformulations with potent anticancer activity. In the present study, nanocombinations of LPO and LF revealed improvement in their stability and activity compared to single (free or nanoformulated) bovine proteins. The coating or loading of LPO-loaded NPs with LF resulted in the highest synergistic cytotoxicity effect against Caco-2, HepG-2, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells in comparison with other NPs and free proteins without causing toxicity toward normal cells. This synergistic improvement in the anticancer activity was apoptosis-dependent that was confirmed by severe alterations in cellular morphology, high percentage of annexin-stained cells and sub-G1 populations as well as nuclear staining with orange fluorescence of treated cancer cells. Additionally, significant alterations in the expression of well characterized cellular proliferation and apoptosis guards (NF-κB, Bcl-2 and p53) in these NPs-treated cancer cells compared to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treated cells. Our findings provide for the first time that these new synergistic nanoformulated forms of LPO and LF were superior in their selective apoptosis-mediating anticancer effect than free form of these proteins and 5-FU. LF coating or loading of LPO-loaded NPs present as promising therapy for cancer.

LFP-20, a porcine lactoferrin peptide, ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation via the MyD88/NF-κB and MyD88/MAPK signaling pathways

LFP-20 is one of the 20 amino acid anti-microbial peptides identified in the N terminus of porcine lactoferrin. Apart from its extensively studied direct anti-bacterial activity, its potential as an activator of immune-related cellular functions is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated its anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated pig alveolar macrophages in vitro and systemic inflammation in an in vivo mouse model. We found that the inhibitory effects of LFP-20 on production of pro-inflammatory cytokines were independent of its LPS-binding activity. However, they were associated with NF-κB and MAPK-dependent signaling. Furthermore, LFP-20 might directly influence MyD88 levels to block its interaction with NF-κB and MAPK-dependent signaling molecules that might alter LPS-mediated inflammatory responses in activated macrophages. Taken together, our data indicated that LFP-20 prevents the LPS-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting MyD88/NF-κB and MyD88/MAPK signaling pathways, and sheds light on the potential use of LFP-20 in the therapy of LPS-mediated sepsis.

Antioxidant, Biomolecule Oxidation Protective Activities of Nardostachys jatamansi DC and Its Phytochemical Analysis by RP-HPLC and GC-MS

The study aimed at analyzing the metabolite profile of Nardostachys jatamansi using RP-HPLC, GC-MS and also its antioxidant, biomolecule protective and cytoprotective properties. The 70% ethanolic extract of Nardostachys jatamansi (NJE) showed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids (gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, homovanillin, epicatechin, rutin hydrate and quercetin-3-rhamnoside) analyzed by RP-HPLC, whereas hexane extract revealed an array of metabolites (fatty acids, sesquiterpenes, alkane hydrocarbons and esters) by GC-MS analysis. The antioxidant assays showed the enhanced potency of NJE with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 222.22 ± 7.4 μg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 13.90 ± 0.5 μg/mL for 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), 113.81 ± 4.2 μg/mL for superoxide, 948 ± 21.1 μg/mL for metal chelating and 12.3 ± 0.43 mg FeSO₄ equivalent/g of extract for ferric reducing antioxidant power assays and was more potent than hexane extract. NJE effectively inhibited 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidation of biomolecules analyzed by pBR322 plasmid DNA damage, protein oxidation of bovine serum albumin and lipid peroxidation assays. The observed effects might be due to the high content of polyphenols, 53.06 ± 2.2 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and flavonoids, 25.303 ± 0.9 mg catechin equivalents/g, of NJE compared to the hexane fraction. Additionally, the extract abrogated the protein, carbonyl, and ROS formation, and NJE showed cytotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuronal cells above 75 μg/mL. Thus, the study suggests that the herb unequivocally is a potential source of antioxidants and could aid in alleviating oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

Bovine lactoferrin ingestion protects against inflammation via IL-11 induction in the small intestine of mice with hepatitis

Accumulating evidence suggests that orally ingested lactoferrin protects against inflammation. To assess the efficacy of orally administered bovine lactoferrin (bLF) against hepatitis and to identify the underlying mechanism, in the present study, we used four mouse models of hepatitis induced by d-galactosamine (GalN), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), GalN plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and zymosan plus LPS. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of GalN (500 mg/kg body weight) in mice treated with bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 14 d significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations compared with the untreated mice. However, orally administered bLF reduced AST concentrations compared with BSA treatment. In mice that received a single injection (0·4 ml/kg) and twice-weekly injections (0·08 ml/kg) of CCl4 for 24 weeks and pretreated with bLF for 14 d and 24 weeks, respectively, significantly suppressed alanine aminotransferase and AST concentrations were observed compared with the BSA-treated control. Oral administration of bLF for 14 d before i.p. injection of LPS (5 mg/kg) plus GalN (1 g/kg) significantly improved the survival rate. In mice that received intravenous injection of zymosan (25 mg/kg) and LPS (15 μg/kg) at 7 d intervals, bLF reduced the elevation of AST concentrations and enhanced the production of IL-11 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in the small intestine compared with the BSA-treated control. To evaluate the effects of IL-11, we used IL-11 receptor α-null mice treated with GalN, CCl4 and zymosan plus LPS. In this group, the activity of bLF was not significantly different from that of BSA. These data indicate that orally ingested bLF enhances the expression of IL-11 in the small intestine and up-regulates protective activity in mice with hepatitis.

A simple assay for the ribonuclease activity of ribonucleases in the presence of ethidium bromide

The ribonuclease (RNase) activity of ribonucleases has been assayed by observing the change in fluorescence intensity of ethidium bromide on binding with yeast RNA. The binding of EtBr with RNA was monitored via UV-vis and fluorimetric methods. The degradation of RNA by RNase A was monitored by the change in fluorescence emission intensity of ethidium bromide at 600nm on excitation at 510nm. The ribonucleolytic activity of RNase A and angiogenin at various pH values was determined by this method. From this technique we have also determined the macroscopic pKa values of active site residues of these enzymes. This assay permits the evaluation of the catalytic efficiency of enzymatic proteins ranging from high ribonucleolytic activity to low ribonucleolytic activity toward the natural substrate RNA.

Immunoexpression of lactoferrin in bone metastases and corresponding primary carcinomas

Although the immunohistochemical presence of lactoferrin (LF) in pathological neoplastic bone and cartilage samples has previously been studied, no data concerning the distribution of LF in bone metastases of cancers that have originated from different organs are available at present. Consequently, using a monoclonal antibody, we have investigated the immunohistochemical LF pattern in 50 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples of human bone metastases and their corresponding primary carcinoma tumours (breast, 8; prostate, 4; kidney, 4; lung, 3; colon-rectum, 2 and uterus, 4). Quantification of LF immunoreactivity was performed using an intensity distribution (ID) score. LF immuno staining with a variable ID score was encountered in 11/25 (44%) metastatic lesions. In particular, the LF immunoreactivity was identified with a percentage ranging from 50 to 75% of bone metastases due to prostatic, renal, uterine and colorectal carcinomas; the positivity decreased in breast carcinomas (37.5%) and was completely absent in lung cancers. No differences in the LF-ID score were observed between primary and metastatic neoplastic localisations. Additionally, no correlations were identified between LF immunoexpression and the other parameters tested, including the age and gender of patients. Regardless of the mechanism of action of LF in human malignant tumours, we identified LF immunohistochemical reproducibility at primary and metastatic sites. Therefore, we hypothesise that the presence of LF in native neoplastic carcinomatous clones is maintained in secondary bone metastatic deposits.

Lactoferrin in human tumours: immunohistochemical investigations during more than 25 years

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family, today known to have multifunctional physiological activities. In humans, under normal conditions, LF has been found in blood, mucosal secretions, gastrointestinal fluids, urine and mostly in milk and colostrum. The first pioneering immunohistochemical report about LF distribution in human tissues dated in 1978; successively, many studies have been performed to analyze the LF immunohistochemical pattern in different normal and neoplastic tissues. In this review, we present data from literature concerning the evidence of LF in tumors together with those by us obtained during more than 25 years; the immunohistochemical applications to human neoplastic tissues have been done to investigate the LF pathogenetic role as well as its activity in cancer. After a systematic analysis of LF immunoreactivity in different human districts, a possible explanation for its presence and function has been modulated for each site or tissue, according to experimental evidences obtained either by in vivo as well as by in vitro studies.

Protein adsorption and transport in dextran-modified ion-exchange media. I: adsorption

Adsorption behavior is compared on a traditional agarose-based ion-exchange resin and on two dextran-modified resins, using three proteins to examine the effect of protein size. The latter resins typically exhibit higher static capacities at low ionic strengths and electron microscopy provides direct visual evidence supporting the view that the higher static capacities are due to the larger available binding volume afforded by the dextran. However, isocratic retention experiments reveal that the larger proteins can be almost completely excluded from the dextran layer at high ionic strengths, potentially leading to significant losses in static capacity at relevant column loading conditions. Knowledge of resin and protein properties is used to estimate physical limits on the static capacities of the resins in order to provide a meaningful interpretation of the observed static capacities. Results of such estimates are consistent with the expectation that available surface area is limiting for traditional resins. In dextran-modified media, however, the volume of the dextran layer appears to limit adsorption when the protein charge is low relative to the resin charge, but the protein-resin electroneutrality may be limiting when the protein charge is relatively high. Such analyses may prove useful for semiquantitative prediction of maximum static capacities and selection of operating conditions when combined with protein transport information.

Antioxidants in colostrum and milk of sows and cows

On account of the oxidative stress conditions that may appear during parturition, colostrum should provide with not only nutritional and immunological components but also antioxidative protection of newborn. There is evidence that apart from well-known antioxidative enzymes like glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase or low molecular antioxidants, proteins like lactoperoxidase (LPO), lactoferrin (LF) and ceruloplasmin (CP) may exert antioxidative properties in colostrum. The aim of present study was to determine and to evaluate LPO, LF and CP activities in colostrum and milk of sows and cows. Samples were collected from 16 healthy cows five times: immediately after parturition, 12, 24 and 48 h, and 7 days postpartum as well as from 14 healthy sows five times: immediately after parturition, 6, 12, 24 and 36 h later. Examined parameters were determined spectrophotometrically at 412, 560 and 540 nm respectively. LPO activity was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. LF ability to inhibit superoxide radical generation was higher in sows as in cows and increased significantly within examined time. CP oxidase activity was higher in cows as in sows and decreased significantly during experimental period. In conclusion, antioxidative defence system in colostrum shows dynamic changes that allow for providing with necessary protection from oxidative stress conditions, which may appear after parturition.

The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) seeds

Water and ethanol crude extracts from black pepper (Piper nigrum) were investigated for their antioxidant and radical scavenging activities in six different assay, namely, total antioxidant activity, reducing power, 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. Both water extract (WEBP) and ethanol extract (EEBP) of black pepper exhibited strong total antioxidant activity. The 75 microg/ml concentration of WEBP and EEBP showed 95.5% and 93.3% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. On the other hand, at the same concentration, standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and alpha-tocopherol exhibited 92.1%, 95.0%, and 70.4% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively. Also, total phenolic content in both WEBP and EEBP were determined as gallic acid equivalents. The total phenolics content of water and ethanol extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure and 54.3 and 42.8 microg gallic acid equivalent of phenols was detected in 1 mg WEBP and EEBP.

Antioxidants in bovine colostrum

Quality, content and properties of colostrum are crucial for the neonate and its further development. Due to essential differences between intrauterine and extrauterine environment, the neonate is exposed to oxidative stress conditions. Colostrum apart from nutrient and immunological components should contain antioxidative systems necessary for the protection against reactive oxygen species. This review describes available data on enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in colostrum. Due to the fact that the literature concerning bovine colostrum is scanty, the information based on bovine mature milk determinations as well as other species is provided. Bovine colostrum is used not only by calves, but also for the production of hyperimmunized colostrum, medicines or feed supplements. Quality of colostrum influences quality of mature milk. This is another reason, except from health of neonate, why antioxidative properties of bovine colostrum are of special importance and require further detailed elucidation.

The synergistic effect of nisin and lactoferrin on the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7

AIMS

The goal of this study was to determine whether nisin and lactoferrin would act synergistically to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Lactoferrin and nisin separately or in combination were suspended in peptone yeast glucose broth and following inoculation with L. monocytogenes or E. coli O157:H7 growth inhibition of each pathogen was determined. At 1000 microg ml(-1) lactoferrin L. monocytogenes was effectively inhibited. However, E. coli O157:H7 initially was inhibited and then grew to cell density similar to the control. A combination of 500 microg ml(-1) of lactoferrin and 250 IU ml(-1) of nisin effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli O157:H7, whereas, 250 microg ml(-1) of lactoferrin and 10 IU ml(-1) of nisin were inhibitory to L. monocytogenes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that lactoferrin and nisin act synergistically to inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Natural preservatives that are active against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens are desirable to the food industry and consumers. This study demonstrates that lactoferrin and nisin work synergistically reducing the levels required independently inhibiting growth of two major foodborne pathogens. Previous reported results indicated a low level of antimicrobial activity; however, this work was not performed in low divalent cation concentration media. It has been suggested that nondivalent cation-limiting medium such as trypticase soy broth (TSB), can reduce or completely eliminate the inhibitory activity. Further knowledge of these interactions can increase the understanding of the antimicrobial activity of lactoferrin. This should make the use of these compounds by industry more attractive.

A polymeric immunoglobulin receptor-like milk protein with inhibitory activity on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase

A protein with a molecular mass of 85 kDa and an N-terminal sequence resembling polymeric immunoglobulin receptor has been isolated from bovine milk. The isolation procedure involved removal of globulin from acid whey by precipitation with 1.8 M (NH(4))(2)SO(4) followed by addition of (NH(4))(2)SO(4) to attain a concentration of 3.6 M. Subsequent steps included chromatography on CM-Sepharose and Mono S and elution of the protein of interest with a linear NaCl concentration gradient. The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor-like milk protein inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) with an IC(50) of 4.8 microM. However, it did not exhibit ribonuclease activity. Neither did it inhibit translation in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate system.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic activities of nettle (Urtica dioica L.)

In this study, water extract of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) (WEN) was studied for antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiulcer and analgesic properties. The antioxidant properties of WEN were evaluated using different antioxidant tests, including reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities. WEN had powerful antioxidant activity. The 50, 100 and 250 microg amounts of WEN showed 39, 66 and 98% inhibition on peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively, while 60 microg/ml of alpha-tocopherol, exhibited only 30% inhibition. Moreover, WEN had effective reducing power, free radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and metal chelating activities at the same concentrations. Those various antioxidant activities were compared to standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), quercetin, and alpha-tocopherol. In addition, total phenolic compounds in the WEN were determined as pyrocatechol equivalent. WEN also showed antimicrobial activity against nine microorganisms, antiulcer activity against ethanol-induced ulcerogenesis and analgesic effect on acetic acid-induced stretching.

Antibacterial activity of pepsin-digested lactoferrin on foodborne pathogens in buffered broth systems and ultra-high temperature milk with EDTA

AIMS

To evaluate the antimicrobial activity in peptone yeast extract glucose (PYG) broth and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk of bovine lactoferrin hydrolysate (LFH) with pepsin against the foodborne pathogens Salmonella Stanley, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The LFH was suspended in PYG and the minimum inhibitory concentration for each pathogen determined. The LFH was also suspended in UHT milk adjusted to pH 4 or 7, samples incubated at 4 or 35 degrees C and the change in bacterial cell population determined. Experiments in UHT milk were conducted using L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7. At pH 4 LFH reduced the population of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes by approx. 2 log; however, only E. coli O157:H7 was inhibited in samples adjusted to pH 7. The addition of EDTA (10 mg ml(-1)) to UHT milk supplemented with LFH did not markedly influence the growth of E. coli O157:H7 or L. monocytogenes.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that, under low pH and refrigeration conditions, LFH can limit the growth or reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria in a dairy product.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Natural preservatives that are active against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are desirable to the food industry. This study demonstrates that LFH is effective in a complex food system. Moreover, the LFH used was not purified, making its use by industry more attractive.

The physiology of lactoferrin

This paper reviews our current knowledge of the structure and function of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin. In particular, it attempts to relate the various proposed physiological functions of lactoferrin to its most characteristic biochemical properties, i.e. its ability to bind iron and its highly basic nature. The extent to which various physiological functions can be considered as definitely established is critically reviewed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.