Cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of human lactoferrin against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective and antioxidant effects of LF on H2O2-induced oxidative stress in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

HUVECs were pretreated by (6.25–100 µg/ml) LF for 24 h and then exposed to 0.5 mM H2O2 for 2 h. Cell viability was assessed by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The intra- and extra-cellular hydroperoxides concentration and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were determined in pretreated cells.

Pretreatment of HUVECs with LF at the concentrations of 25–100 µg/ml significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of H2O2 in a concentration-dependent manner using MTT assay. LF pretreatment at different concentration ranges also decreased the hydroperoxides level and augmented the FRAP value in both intra-and extra-cellular assay.

These findings revealed antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of LF against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HUVECs. With regard to the beneficial vascular activity of LF, further investigations are suggested for understanding its clinical value in human endothelial dysfunction and prevention and/or treatment of CVDs.