Lactoferrin and Necrotizing Enterocolitis

• Autores: Michael P. Sherman
• Localización: Clinics in Perinatology, ISSN 0095-5108, Vol. 40, Nº. 1, 2013, págs. 79-91
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein and a member of the transferrin family. LF and lysozyme in breast milk kill bacteria. In the stomach, pepsin digests and releases a potent peptide antibiotic called lactoferricin from native LF. The antimicrobial characteristics of LF may facilitate a healthy intestinal microbiome. LF is the major whey in human milk; its highest concentration is in colostrum. This fact highlights early feeding of colostrum and also fresh mature milk as a way to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis.