lactoferrin and Acne-Vulgaris

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein widely present in mammalian secretions and possesses documented protective effects, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. While its therapeutic use is being investigated for a myriad of diseases, there is increasing interest in its application for skin disease. Our objective was to systematically review the clinical evidence for the use and efficacy of lactoferrin for the treatment of dermatological conditions. Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for clinical studies evaluating lactoferrin for dermatological conditions. A total of six studies were reviewed. Of the current clinical trials, there is encouraging evidence to suggest that lactoferrin may be beneficial in acne, psoriasis, and diabetic ulcerations. Although the current evidence is promising, further research is necessary to establish lactoferrin as complementary therapy in the clinical setting.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Complementary Therapies; Dermatology; Humans; Lactoferrin; Skin Diseases

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding milk-derived protein that has shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin, combined with vitamin E and zinc, for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 168 subjects aged 13-40 years old were randomly assigned to take either a capsule formulation containing lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc or placebo twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to placebo. A total of 164 subjects completed the study per protocol. The lactoferrin group (n = 82) showed a significant median percent reduction in total lesions as early as 2 weeks (14.5%, P = 0.0120), with the maximum reduction occurring at week 10 (28.5%, P < 0.0001) compared to placebo group (n = 82). Maximum reduction in comedones (32.5%, P < 0.0001) and inflammatory lesions (44%, P < 0.0001) was also seen at week 10 compared to placebo. Sebum scores were improved by week 12. No adverse events were observed during the trial. A twice daily regimen of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc significantly reduced acne lesions in people with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Antioxidants; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Male; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors; Vitamin E; Young Adult; Zinc

Lactoferrin, an innate defense iron-binding protein, possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Beneficial systemic effects on inflammatory diseases have been proposed. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy and tolerability of oral bovine lactoferrin supplementation in subjects with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris.. In this open-label, single-arm study, 43 adolescents and young adults were enrolled to take a chewable tablet formulation of bovine lactoferrin twice daily for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the improvement in acne lesion counts compared with baseline. Tolerability was evaluated on the basis of adverse event frequencies.. Thirty-nine subjects, aged 17.5 ± 3.8 years, completed the study per protocol. At the end of the study (week 8), a mean reduction in inflammatory lesion count of 20.2% (-2.2 ± 7.0, p = 0.054), in non-inflammatory lesion count of 23.5% (-6.2 ± 9.8, p < 0.001), and in total lesion count of 22.5% (-8.4 ± 13.1, p < 0.001) was observed as compared with baseline. At study conclusion, 76.9% (30 of 39) of subjects showed a reduction in total lesion count. The results for inflammatory acne lesions were variable over the study course. None of the subjects experienced a lactoferrin-related adverse event during the trial.. Despite the limitations of an uncontrolled, open-label study, the results from this study indicate that lactoferrin in mild to moderate acne vulgaris is well tolerated and may lead to an overall improvement in acne lesion counts in the majority of affected adolescents and young adults when administered as a dietary supplement on a twice daily regimen. Further randomized, placebo-controlled trials of longer duration appear warranted.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Biomarkers; Dietary Supplements; Female; Humans; Lactoferrin; Male; Pilot Projects; Severity of Illness Index; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Lactoferrin, a whey milk protein after removing precipitated casein, has a prominent activity against inflammation in vitro and systemic effects on various inflammatory diseases have been suggested. The objective was to determine dietary effects of lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk on patients with acne vulgaris, an inflammatory skin condition.. Patients 18 to 30 y of age were randomly assigned to ingest fermented milk with 200 mg of lactoferrin daily (n = 18, lactoferrin group) or fermented milk only (n = 18, placebo group) in a 12-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Acne lesion counts and grade were assessed at monthly visits. The condition of the skin by hydration, sebum and pH, and skin surface lipids was assessed at baseline and 12 wk.. Acne showed improvement in the lactoferrin group by significant decreases in inflammatory lesion count by 38.6%, total lesion count by 23.1%, and acne grade by 20.3% compared with the placebo group at 12 wk. Furthermore, sebum content in the lactoferrin group was decreased by 31.1% compared with the placebo group. The amount of total skin surface lipids decreased in both groups. However, of the major lipids, amounts of triacylglycerols and free fatty acids decreased in the lactoferrin group, whereas the amount of free fatty acids decreased only in the placebo group. The decreased amount of triacylglycerols in the lactoferrin group was significantly correlated with decreases in serum content, acne lesion counts, and acne grade. No alterations in skin hydration or pH were noted in either group.. Lactoferrin-enriched fermented milk ameliorates acne vulgaris with a selective decrease of triacylglycerols in skin surface lipids.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Cultured Milk Products; Double-Blind Method; Food, Fortified; Humans; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Lipids; Sebum; Severity of Illness Index; Skin; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to explore the anti-inflammatory and anti-lipid effects of lactoferrin on SZ95 human sebaceous gland cells and mouse model of acne.. SZ95 cells were co-cultured with different concentrations of lactoferrin, and cell viability was determined using the 2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide method. Oil red O and Nile red staining were performed to determine the lipid content. The mRNA expression of genes related to lipid metabolism (sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 [SREBP-1], fatty acid synthase [FAS], stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 [SCD-1], fatty acid desaturase 2 [FADS2]) and inflammation (interleukin-8 [IL-8]) was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. An acne mouse model was established using injection of P. acnes on the backs of mice. The proliferation and apoptosis of sebaceous gland cells were examined by immunohistochemistry against proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and TUNEL staining, respectively. Western blotting was used to detect FADS2 and CXCL15 protein expression.. Lactoferrin treatment at 10-500 μg/ml significantly decreased the lipid content, as revealed by the oil red O and Nile red staining. It also attenuated the increase of mRNA expression of SREBP-1, FAS, SCD-1, FADS2, and IL-8 in insulin-treated SZ95 cells. Moreover, lactoferrin treatment at the doses of 1-50 mg/mouse significantly reduced the inflammation and lipid production in the mouse model of acne. Also, the number of sebaceous gland cells was significantly reduced, and apoptosis was significantly increased by lactoferrin treatment in the mice. Mechanically, the levels of FADS2 and CXCL15 proteins in tissues were significantly decreased after lactoferrin treatment in the model mice.. Our results demonstrate the potential of lactoferrin against sebogenesis, sebaceous gland inflammation in acne.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Animals; Humans; Inflammation; Interleukin-8; Lactoferrin; Lipogenesis; Mice; RNA, Messenger; Sebaceous Glands; Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein 1

Lactoferrin (LF) is a monomer glycoprotein in the mammalian colostrum that has multiple biological activities and a high affinity for iron ions. Not only does it have strong antibacterial activity, it also can regulate the release of cytokines in inflammatory areas, activate immune cells, and inhibit inflammatory diseases caused by non-pathogenic bacteria and the development of tumors. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of LF in inflammatory skin diseases induced by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) has not been elucidated in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated the effects of LF on the generation of inflammatory cytokines in HaCaT cells induced by heat-killed P. acnes. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8 increased after induction of HaCaT by heat-killed P. acnes, but it decreased significantly after LF treatment. Western blotting was used to examine the levels of TLR2, nuclear factor (NF) κB and intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 protein induced by P. acnes in HaCaT cells, and the results showed that the levels were inhibited by LF. In addition, activated P. acnes (1 × 107 CFU/mL) was injected into the ears of experimental mice, which induced inflammation 24 hours after the injection. However, immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant reduction in the inflammatory response after LF treatment in the right ear relative to the untreated left ear, and the same result was seen with western blotting. In summary, this study revealed the treatment effect of LF on P. acnes-induced inflammation, thus providing support for the anti-acne properties of LF.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Lactoferrin; Mice; Propionibacterium acnes