Anti-tumor mechanism of lactoferrin

Alterations of the lactoferrin gene are associated with an increased incidence of tumor, however, the exact mechanisms involved in the anti-tumor activity of lactoferrin are still unclear. Several studies suggest that lactoferrin can affect the initiation and development of tumors via different mechanisms such as damaging cell membranes, inducing apoptosis, blocking cell cycle, regulating cellular immune response and inhibiting angiogenesis in different cancer cell lines. Further study about the mechanism can provide new ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of tumors. Key words: Lactoferrin; Neoplasms; Apoptosis