Promising use of lactoferrin in gynecology

Use of lactoferrin in gynecology

Today, it is well documented that the human microbiome plays a major role in many diseases, both in the development of the diseases and in their prevention or cure[1,2].

The microbiome comprises the entirety of microorganisms that exist in and on the human body and, together with human cells, form a kind of superorganism. We have already described this system in another article (The human superorganism).

The vaginal microbiome

Some aspects of this superorganism, however, receive more attention than others, a fact that is also due to their physical size. Many people are now aware that a healthy intestinal ecosystem is of great importance for health. Other areas are discussed much less frequently, such as the microbiome of the female sexual organs, the so-called vaginoma.

Because here too there is a complex microbiome with an important function for health and the defense against potential pathogens. This Öcosystem is dominated by lactobacilli in healthy individuals. It varies depending on hormonal status and differs pre- and postmenopausally [3,4]. The lactobacilli produce lactic acid, which lowers the pH value. In this way, they support the innate immune system and actively combat harmful bacteria [5].

Changes or disturbances in the vaginal flora play a significant role in the development of diseases such as bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted diseases and urinary tract infections [6-8].

Bacterial vaginosis

One of the most common diseases in the vaginal area is bacterial vaginosis. Antibiotics are often used for this diagnosis, a measure that does not, however, lead to long-term healing [5].

Studies that investigated the administration of lactoferrin for bacterial vaginosis have, however, been successful.

A study from 2017 was able to show that lactoferrin was able to reduce the number of pathogenic germs and simultaneously increase the concentration of lactobacilli. These measurable differences occurred after just 2 weeks of vaginal treatment with 200 mg lactoferrin.

Pregnancy progression and prematurity

Vaginoma has even more profound effects, however, as it is also closely linked to fertility and the course of pregnancies.

It is known that infections caused by pathogenic germs can play a role in the development of premature birth. The presence of these pathogenic germs releases various pro-inflammatory (inflammatory) messengers such as interleukin-6, which ultimately lead to premature rupture of the membranes or premature birth [9].

Giunta et al. already investigated the possibilities of intervention with lactoferrin in women who showed an increased risk of premature birth caused by a cervical infection. Oral administration of lactoferrin 100 mg twice daily reduced the amount of pro-inflammatory messengers (interleukin-6) in vaginal secretions and was able to normalize the vaginal microbiome and reduce the risk of premature birth.

Independent of the investigation of the microbiome, such an effect of lactoferrin has already been demonstrated in earlier human studies [12].

The use of lactoferrin also had a positive effect on the course of chlamydia infection, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Acute infection with chlamydia often requires long-term administration of antibiotics, which in turn favors the development of resistance to them. Her it has been shown that lactoferrin can be successful against the pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis when administered intravaginally [13].

Dysbiotic fertility disorders

Vaginal dysbiosis, i.e. an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome, can also be associated with reduced pregnancy rates. This was investigated in a study by Bernaubeu et al. in a group of assisted reproductions [14].

Conclusion

In summary, it can be said that a healthy vaginoma is essential to prevent colonization and its consequences from developing in the first place.

More attention from research, the use of new technologies and therapeutic approaches could open the door to a completely new range of treatments.

Lactoferrin lives up to its role as a multifunctional protein and can be a key component of such innovative concepts.

Sources

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