Lactoferrin reduces in vitro osteoclast differentiation and resorbing activity.

Journal article

Lactoferrin (LF) is a key modulator of inflammatory response. Since bone and immune systems are genetically and functionally linked, we were interested to know if LF could influence bone remodeling. Bovine LF (bLF) inhibited in vitro bone resorbing activity (IC50, 200 microg/ml) in a rabbit mixed bone cell culture, consisting of authentic osteoclasts in an environment of osteoblast and stromal cells. Using human CD14 selected cells committed toward osteoclasts, bLF (10 microg/ml) stimulated cell proliferation, however, led to an inhibition of calcitonin receptor mRNA expression, a main marker of osteoclast phenotype, and decreased the global resorbing activity. No modulation of RANK mRNA expression was observed and mRNA for RANKL and OPG were not detected in this culture system, suggesting that bLF inhibits osteoclastogenesis and reduces bone resorption through a mechanism independent of OPG/RANKL/RANK. In conclusion, bLF appears to modulate bone remodeling. Its mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.

Authors: Lorget, F; Clough, J; Oliveira, M; Daury, M; Sabokbar, A

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Biochemical and biophysical research communications
• Volume: 296
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 261-266
• Publication date: 2002-08-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0006-291x(02)00849-5
• EISSN: 1090-2104
• ISSN: 0006-291X
• Language: English
• Keywords: Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear; RANK Ligand; Cells, Cultured; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B; Rabbits; NF-kappa B; Animals; Osteoprotegerin; Cell Differentiation; Glycoproteins; Cattle; Phenotype; Osteoclasts; Humans; Lactoferrin; Membrane Glycoproteins; Bone Resorption; Carrier Proteins; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; Receptors, Calcitonin; Antigens, CD14